Lily Allen – Sheezus
Review by Annette Schaefer
If you like a little bit of naughty with your nice then chances are you have found yourself singing along to one or many of Lily Allen’s songs. It’s been five years since the songstress released any new material and many thought we’d never hear anymore after Allen said she was “retiring,” but on May 6 Allen released her third full-length album Sheezus.
With Sheezus, Allen takes one step into the world of mainstream pop music while also giving it a nice slap in the face. Allen is as sassy as ever with tracks like the namesake song “Sheezus” and “Hard Out Here.” The later taking a stand against sexist views in society and the former taking a stab at some of pop music’s biggest divas including Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and even Lorde. Even the album title is a little nudge at Kanye West’s latest album Yeezus.
Not only does Sheezus burst with attitude, but it also showcases some really great pop songs. Laced with catchy choruses and sugary sweet melodies, the album has numerous tracks that are bound to get stuck in your head. This is especially evident on tracks like “Air Ballon” with its bouncy verses and infectious rhythms.
Allen shows inspiration from a variety of genres on this latest release. From R&B inspired tracks like “Insincerely Yours” and “Close Your Eyes” to even a hint of country with “As Long As I Got You.” This album does not settle for one sound. While for some this may seem inconsistent and even a bit messy, it also keeps the album from going stagnant and gives each track its own character.
With its contrasting crudeness and sweetness, this album is a prime example of Allen’s ability to make pop music unlike any other. Five years is a long time to wait, but I think most fans will agree that Sheezus was well worth the wait.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Air Balloon” and “Our Time”
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