u/CupExpensive7582

looking to broaden my music (p.s don't recommend Cleveland! Swift..)

I feel like this album is way better than WEG, it’s lily Allen at her most aware. Trigger bang should have been a huge hit and three is probably one of her best ever songs. Although WEG was iconic I think this album is more versatile. I wish this was her third album and the iconic mess that was sheezus didn’t happen.

Alright still ranking (standard edition, track by track)

To this day it holds her highest pitchfork rating of 8.3/10!, which is impressive when Amy Winehouse got low scores from pitchfork.

Smile 95 I feel this track set the standard for honesty storytelling. This was her biggest hit in America reaching 49 on the hot 100. As of today it has sold 1.8 million units in the UK and over 500k in the US.

Knock em out 80

I would have much preferred this to be single over Alfie. I find it very catchy. I think the strength of this track is the raw honesty of how to brush off unwanted male attention.

LDN 90

Only lily Allen could rhyme Tesco with alfresco. Whenever I’m in London I feel compelled to listen to this. According to stats.fm I have listened to this track 190 times, (apparently I need to touch grass) only second to Fuck you. However, I think smile is one of her most culturally significant singles.

Everything’s just wonderful 75

Admittedly I haven’t listened to this song for a while but it is a very pleasant listen, admittedly not a standout but lyrics like I would look like Kate Moss, her honesty and relatability has always been refreshing.

Not Big 70

Another one I haven’t listened to in a while. Don’t get me wrong it’s catchy and brutally honest about her exes performance in bed but it’s a middling song.

Friday Night 75

Another charming brutally honestly track, albeit does not have the witty lyricisms of smile. I wish in her party days I could have gone on a bender with lily Allen.

Shame for you 85

This is actually a banger, I like the upbeatness of this track, although I adore her conversational lyricism I think this shows her versatility as an artist.

Littlest things 85

Lily Allen never fails when it comes to vulnerability.

Take what you take 75

Its fun, upbeat, dynamic and a very accomplished non single track

Friend of mine 75

Perfectly pleasant.

Alfie 50

This single samples puppet on a string.

I’m torn on this track, although I admire her brutal honesty and it does have a catchy melody, I don’t think it should have been a single. Not sure dragging her brother in the public eye was best suited. But I do admire her ruthlessness and the ability to drag anyone in the public eye, see cheryl tweedy track for reference.

I believe without these tracks we would have never had WEG. Overall, I dislike this track sadly.

My final rankings

1 Smile 95

2 LDN 90

=3 Shame for you 85

=3Littlest Things 85

5 Knock em out 80

=6Everything’s just wonderful 75

=6Friday Night 75

=6Take what you take 75

=6Friend of mine 75

10 Not Big 70

11 Alfie 50

Overall 77/100

Overall, I believe this was as good as debut albums can be, personally I prefer her album no shame for being even more brutal. Nevertheless an album with no skips.

Looks like this controversy will follow them to death