Review
Man, Lily Allen’s album "West End Girl" hits with this mix of shine and sting that feels super dialed-in. She jumps right into it with the title track, laying out a bittersweet snapshot of early married life wrapped in this dreamy, orchestral vibe. From there, the whole record keeps shifting gears between bright pop energy and lyrics that don’t shy away from the rough stuff. You can tell she’s pulling from a real place, but she still threads in that sharp humor she’s known for.
"Madeline" and "Pussy Palace" lean into that candid, confrontational edge, riding production that swings between different styles without feeling scattered. What’s wild is she knocked most of this out in just ten days in L.A., and that urgency gives the songs a kind of heat you can sense right away. One moment she’s drifting into flamenco-and-western moods, the next she’s spiraling through drum ’n’ bass or settling into something folky and softer. It all mirrors the chaos and clarity she’s sorting through.
Even with the heavy themes—betrayal, sobriety struggles, messy relationships—there’s this steady mix of irony and sincerity that keeps it from feeling weighed down. The album moves with a confidence that makes it feel tight and intentional, like she knew exactly what she needed to say. Her sharper edges and soft spots show up side by side in a way that feels pretty grounded. By the end, "West End Girl" comes across as a focused, emotionally charged return that lands right where it needs to. - Aiden
