Lily Allen is cutting painfully close to the bone in ‘22’.
I have to resist the temptation to skip the track. The lyrics would be far too close for comfort – if I didn’t find myself singing along.
As a nearing 30 year old, I am, officially, over the hill and on the shelf.
I’d find it offensive if the social commentary wasn’t so astute – if I wasn’t caught off guard by the spotlight.
It’s not the first time she’s struck a chord. There’s the stuff about spaghetti Bolognese and guilt (‘Everything’s Just Wonderful’); or the idea that everything’s cool when you’re getting thinner (‘No Fear’); or how hard it is to get a mortgage; or the fact that we’re all running around after money –
It’s nice to know that you’re not on your own.
Lily Allen may be nearing A list celeb status, but she still speaks for the girl in the street. She still sings with an honesty that hasn’t yet been edited out by her PR – or maybe that’s part of the charm?
It’s hard to feel down for too long when the music keeps pulling you up; and, it’s not just the ‘how the cookie crumbles’ attitude that takes the dark edge of everything: a catchy chorus and some uplifting baselines with a melodic tune can do wonders for the soul –
And therein lies the skill of the artist –
Lily Allen doesn’t gloss over the facts – but her music is too upbeat and uplifting to let them get to you.
She’s makes some pretty damning – and astute – comments about society – but you can get away with saying the things that other people are afraid to say when you accompany them with a good baseline and a catchy chorus.
And, if you’re not interested in the voice of a generation theories; well, the tunes are music enough. Whether she’s telling a story or holding a conversation on making a point, Lily sings it as it is – and she gets you singing right along with her.
Tags: music, sign of the times
