It's Not Me, It's You

On her 2009 sophomore album, IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU, feisty English pop singer Lily Allen sticks with the strengths of her lauded debut, presenting a collection of songs lined with biting lyrics and catchy pop hooks. While Allen tones down the heavily accented British-isms found on ALRIGHT, STILL, she amps up both atmosphere and melody, resulting in "The Fear," a sweeping synth-pop number, and the dreamy "Who'd Have Known," both of which are enhanced by producer Greg Kurstin (The Bird and the Bee). Those concerned that Ms. Allen might be getting too refined can take comfort in the sassy (and slightly twangy) "Not Fair" and the cheerily aggressive "F**k You," tracks that reveal that, although she has matured, the cheeky vocalist isn't completely ready to play nice just yet. Though artists such as Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have circled Allen's turf, IT'S NOT ME proves that the petite performer can ably defend her territory.