Credit: EMG (taken from Wikipedia)
It's been a really long time ever since I've posted something but... I'm here! I felt bored and Saturday nights aren't really fun because the television puts on some crappy shows during these times. I mean seriously, I do a channel-surfing and my eyes were set on some flocks of sheep at Disney. Do they actually think children watch shows this late? So annoying. I am really upset that Glee is now popular all around the Philippines. I already got tired of Don't Stop Believing. But man, the (mid) season finale was awesome! That brings me here... reviewing the pop masterpiece of 2008, It's Not Me, It's You by Lily Allen.
Everyone's At It:
This song, as the opener, should be replaced by a happier tune, but I guess it pretty much sets the mood of the album. I was really shocked when I heard this. I was saying something probably like... nah, Lily Allen didn't write this. Then I came across a performance on Larry King? Not sure. But, anyways, the host said she wrote/co-wrote every song. Wow was my first reaction. Lily's songs aren't Lily songs if it doesn't involve humor in any way (this album doesn't produce much of those) but four lines made me laugh and say "True." at the same time. Allen sings:
"So you're daughter's depressed / Well get her straight on the Prozac / But little did you know / She already takes crack"
Oh Lily, how you never fail to impress me.
Rating: 9/10
The Fear:
Lily Allen makes fun of all you wannabes out there. Who wants to be rich. Oh, and she also basically insults herself with some of the lines in the song. Overall, I was kinda disappointed with how cliché the lyrics came across, but it's really difficult to pull-off a message like this and not come-off as cliché. This is probably one of the most memorable songs since it kind of reflects all of the classmates I have. And me! The beat and music fits in with the lyrics, although I would've liked it more if Lily sang it slower.
Rating: 8/10
Not Fair:
This is probably the boppiest(?) song out of all. The track is somehow like Not Big, a song from her original album. Basically, she's insulting her boyfriend who "made her feel so quite secure" but "there's just one thing that's getting in the way". And it's when they "go up to bed, he's not just good it's such a shame". Allen says that it's not fair because she "spent ages giving head". Okay, I admit. I didn't get the sexual references at first, but when I learned that it got censored in radios, I had to search for what 'giving head' means. Funny, funny song. Reflects the younger Lily. I really don't get why critics pan this song. It's dance-able and the lyrics aren't so bad! The country twang she puts into it makes it clever. And so I say, it's not Lily, it's them.
Rating: 8/10
22:
For all the old people out there, I bet you'd think Lily searched your soul for some lyrics! I'm not a fan of this song because I can't really relate to the song and I just don't like it. It doesn't quite catch my attention at all. There's really nothing to say about this except why release this instead of a better track from the same album: 'Chinese' or the next track, which is...
Rating: 6.5/10
I Could Say:
This song grew on me, and I didn't like this at first. When someone in songmeanings.net said that this song could be better released a single, I listened to it again, and I was amazed. The rhythm and tempo of the song was perfect. Lily Allen sang the hell out of that song and promises to be more mature with this. Although it lacks some lyrics, I like the way she delivers it that it comes off as sincere in a "Stay away from me, we've broken-up" way. Amazing. One thing that threw it off was the electronica phase into it, although it didn't take away much.
Rating: 9/10
Back to the Start:
I was so touched and in joy when I heard this song. It's better than all of those "I'm sorry" songs, because it's actually filled with poppy goodness. The fast chorus is addictive and Lily executed this brilliantly. Everyone knows I hate all of those electronic crap used by many artists today (*cough*Lady Gaga*cough*) that not a single student cares about, but I thought that this song cannot be good without it. The lyrics also touched me because of a personal experience, and I have to add some bonus points for this.
Rating: 8.5/10
Never Gonna Happen:
I was attracted to this song because it reminded me sorta of Lily's first single, Smile. This is just so bitchy and stuff that it's great! Although I admit, the lyrics are mean and over-the-top, Lily makes it fun to be a bully. I couldn't help but smile and laugh about the boy Lily was talking about. The instrumentals were great and suited the lyrics' mood with its sarcasm and jolly mood. It does remind me of Not Fair kind of, but it's as good.
Rating: 8/10
Oh Lily, how you never fail to impress me.
Rating: 9/10
The Fear:
Lily Allen makes fun of all you wannabes out there. Who wants to be rich. Oh, and she also basically insults herself with some of the lines in the song. Overall, I was kinda disappointed with how cliché the lyrics came across, but it's really difficult to pull-off a message like this and not come-off as cliché. This is probably one of the most memorable songs since it kind of reflects all of the classmates I have. And me! The beat and music fits in with the lyrics, although I would've liked it more if Lily sang it slower.
Rating: 8/10
Not Fair:
This is probably the boppiest(?) song out of all. The track is somehow like Not Big, a song from her original album. Basically, she's insulting her boyfriend who "made her feel so quite secure" but "there's just one thing that's getting in the way". And it's when they "go up to bed, he's not just good it's such a shame". Allen says that it's not fair because she "spent ages giving head". Okay, I admit. I didn't get the sexual references at first, but when I learned that it got censored in radios, I had to search for what 'giving head' means. Funny, funny song. Reflects the younger Lily. I really don't get why critics pan this song. It's dance-able and the lyrics aren't so bad! The country twang she puts into it makes it clever. And so I say, it's not Lily, it's them.
Rating: 8/10
22:
For all the old people out there, I bet you'd think Lily searched your soul for some lyrics! I'm not a fan of this song because I can't really relate to the song and I just don't like it. It doesn't quite catch my attention at all. There's really nothing to say about this except why release this instead of a better track from the same album: 'Chinese' or the next track, which is...
Rating: 6.5/10
I Could Say:
This song grew on me, and I didn't like this at first. When someone in songmeanings.net said that this song could be better released a single, I listened to it again, and I was amazed. The rhythm and tempo of the song was perfect. Lily Allen sang the hell out of that song and promises to be more mature with this. Although it lacks some lyrics, I like the way she delivers it that it comes off as sincere in a "Stay away from me, we've broken-up" way. Amazing. One thing that threw it off was the electronica phase into it, although it didn't take away much.
Rating: 9/10
Back to the Start:
I was so touched and in joy when I heard this song. It's better than all of those "I'm sorry" songs, because it's actually filled with poppy goodness. The fast chorus is addictive and Lily executed this brilliantly. Everyone knows I hate all of those electronic crap used by many artists today (*cough*Lady Gaga*cough*) that not a single student cares about, but I thought that this song cannot be good without it. The lyrics also touched me because of a personal experience, and I have to add some bonus points for this.
Rating: 8.5/10
Never Gonna Happen:
I was attracted to this song because it reminded me sorta of Lily's first single, Smile. This is just so bitchy and stuff that it's great! Although I admit, the lyrics are mean and over-the-top, Lily makes it fun to be a bully. I couldn't help but smile and laugh about the boy Lily was talking about. The instrumentals were great and suited the lyrics' mood with its sarcasm and jolly mood. It does remind me of Not Fair kind of, but it's as good.
Rating: 8/10
Fuck You (Guess Who Batman):
So everybody who knows me well... knows that I love Lily's songs! I sing them anywhere, anytime. Even when the teacher is pulling her hair out. This album really fails to disappoint and I bought the first album, and I was impressed. When I learned that she had a second album, I listened to the first single, which was this and... I wasn't really... into it. To be honest, the first time I heard the album, I was like: Is this Allen for real?! Then, when I listened to the album, giving it another go, I appreciated this song VERY MUCH. Anti-GWB? Check. Anti-nerdstryingtobecool? Check. Good beat? Check. Funny lyrics? Totally Lily!Rating: 8.5/10
Who'd Have Known:
This song is the BEST! Out of everything on this album. That's saying a lot because this masterpiece of an album is the one I listen to the most. Okay, I admit I do listen to Breaking Benjamin and Avril a bit more often but what hte hell? From the friend-to-lovers lyrics that could suit just about any relationship on TV nowadays to the breathtaking beats and excellent vocals, this is a must! The music video is kind of... weird, and I appreciate Lily for doing something like that, but the song is just too good for that. When I did hear that the chorus was taken from Shine by Take That, I was disappointed, but that didn't stop me from singing it. (Take That is also awesome, and English too)
Rating: 9.5/10
Chinese:
When I browsed at the album's song titles, I was kind of afraid that the song would be racist towards Chinese people and maybe Asians in general. But I was wrong. Dead wrong. It was actually the opposite with it being about motherly love and about "getting a Chinese" which is a British slang for ordering Chinese food, I guess. I was shocked when I first heard the lyrics along with the instruments that came with it. It isn't what you define pop music with nowadays. It's different. It's unique. It's Lily Allen.
Rating: 9/10
Him:
This song is about God Himself. This was kind of... relaxing. You won't get amazed by anything. It was just good. Not bad. Just good. I expected more from Lily, but what can you do with a boring melody that doesn't pick-up in the middle? Oh well, I guess I get used to those kinds of songs. Curse the radios. I do give it credit though for the addictive chorus but other than that, there is one more line I like: "I don't imagine He's ever been suicidal / His favourite band is Creedence Clearwater Revival"
Rating: 7/10
He Wasn't There:
This is it. The album main event. The closer. Once again, the closer has been a song about somebody from Lily's family (last time was Alfie, which was about her brother) and this time, it was about her dad. This song was kind of a disappointment, especially when it comes up after loads of great songs. However, I do love it for what it is: its simple lyrics that come into a great happy tune. I heard that this was all sarcasm? If it is, then I would believe it. It's Lily Allen after all.
Rating: 8/10
OVERALL:
It's Not Me, It's You is probably the best out of all the pop albums that came during the 2008 year, and all tracks may have been big hits since I can see them being radio-friendly. Lily Allen proves to us that she's not all humor and comedy, and she's grown-up now. She's definitely matured. You can see it on her lyrics. If you didn't like everything at your first hearing, give it another try. I did, and I loved it! Try it and you'll see the pop beast that is Lily Allen. Both of her albums are definitely better than whatever Katy put out.
Who'd Have Known:
This song is the BEST! Out of everything on this album. That's saying a lot because this masterpiece of an album is the one I listen to the most. Okay, I admit I do listen to Breaking Benjamin and Avril a bit more often but what hte hell? From the friend-to-lovers lyrics that could suit just about any relationship on TV nowadays to the breathtaking beats and excellent vocals, this is a must! The music video is kind of... weird, and I appreciate Lily for doing something like that, but the song is just too good for that. When I did hear that the chorus was taken from Shine by Take That, I was disappointed, but that didn't stop me from singing it. (Take That is also awesome, and English too)
Rating: 9.5/10
Chinese:
When I browsed at the album's song titles, I was kind of afraid that the song would be racist towards Chinese people and maybe Asians in general. But I was wrong. Dead wrong. It was actually the opposite with it being about motherly love and about "getting a Chinese" which is a British slang for ordering Chinese food, I guess. I was shocked when I first heard the lyrics along with the instruments that came with it. It isn't what you define pop music with nowadays. It's different. It's unique. It's Lily Allen.
Rating: 9/10
Him:
This song is about God Himself. This was kind of... relaxing. You won't get amazed by anything. It was just good. Not bad. Just good. I expected more from Lily, but what can you do with a boring melody that doesn't pick-up in the middle? Oh well, I guess I get used to those kinds of songs. Curse the radios. I do give it credit though for the addictive chorus but other than that, there is one more line I like: "I don't imagine He's ever been suicidal / His favourite band is Creedence Clearwater Revival"
Rating: 7/10
He Wasn't There:
This is it. The album main event. The closer. Once again, the closer has been a song about somebody from Lily's family (last time was Alfie, which was about her brother) and this time, it was about her dad. This song was kind of a disappointment, especially when it comes up after loads of great songs. However, I do love it for what it is: its simple lyrics that come into a great happy tune. I heard that this was all sarcasm? If it is, then I would believe it. It's Lily Allen after all.
Rating: 8/10
OVERALL:
It's Not Me, It's You is probably the best out of all the pop albums that came during the 2008 year, and all tracks may have been big hits since I can see them being radio-friendly. Lily Allen proves to us that she's not all humor and comedy, and she's grown-up now. She's definitely matured. You can see it on her lyrics. If you didn't like everything at your first hearing, give it another try. I did, and I loved it! Try it and you'll see the pop beast that is Lily Allen. Both of her albums are definitely better than whatever Katy put out.
Next Review: Avatar (2009)
