Album review: Lily Allen - Sheezus

Lily Allen’s always been a ‘marmite’ musician and from the title of her latest record alone, it becomes clear that in this respect at least, the 28-year-old hasn’t changed.

A tongue-in-cheek reference to Kanye West’s bombastically-named album Yeezus, Sheezus sets out Allen’s dilemma after breaking her five year hiatus; how does she fit into an increasingly cut-throat industry where even Lady Gaga’s finding herself on the slide?

For while the title song quickly establishes Allen’s lyrical celebrity snipes are still at their most astute, this isn’t the hard-partying hell-raiser of old. Since 2011, the singer has found happiness in husband Sam Cooper and she wants the whole world to know.

As has always been the case, sometimes she lets you know a little too much. L8 CMMR and Close Your Eyes are two of many impressively diverse and catchy pop nuggets - until you realise you’re being told about poor Cooper’s bedroom prowess in unreserved detail.

It’s worth getting past the teenage innuendo however. As songs like Insincerely Yours – a 90s R&B number singing ‘let’s be clear, I’m here to make money’ – remind you, Allen is one of the few artists who can sit back and laugh at the absurdity of showbiz. Love her or hate her, you won’t be able to resist a chuckle.

Rating: Four stars

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