Lily Allen has dated some real losers. This is good because revenge exacted on a debut album is the sweetest kind. "I'm gonna tell the world you're rubbish in bed," sings the pop star on the self-explanatory Not Big. As if the guy wasn't humiliated enough on herchart-topping hit, Smile.
The 21-year-old daughter of comedian Keith Allen obviously inherited Dad's sense of humour. This is full of witty put-downs, cynical observations of London life and the kind of grimy blagging that made the Streets so popular. Even if you aren't convinced by her cocky Cockney rap, you'll be roped in by her deceptively sweet singing before she clobbers you with another punchline.
"All the magazines they talk about weight loss," she intones on Everything's Just Wonderful, "If I buy those jeans I can look like Kate Moss."
Producers Mark Ronson, Future Cut and Greg Kurstin can take credit for the album's infectious reggae-pop and vintage rocksteady soundtrack - in LDN, she extols the dark virtues of her favourite city over loping beats and upbeat calypso horns. But it's Allen's droll attitude and ability to verbally slam-dunk her enemies that makes this such a venomous thrill. Even better, Smile is just one of many potential hits.
Label: Regal
Verdict: Top of the pops never sounded so bitchy
Lily Allen plays the Boiler Room at Big Day Out '07
