There’s never been any doubt about Lily Allen’s ability to tell the world what she thinks of it. Since her explosion onto the music scene in 2006 with the unforgettable Smile and LDN, it’s always been clear that this is a pop artist who doesn’t like to be told what to do.

Fast-forward 12-years later and Lily Allen’s new album No Shame  is a Ronseal record because it does exactly what it says on the tin!

Every song on this album showcases Lily Allen’s ability to expose and own all of her demons. From the opening song Come On Then, we’re immediately hit with the confessional themed lyrics: “If you go on record saying that you know me. Then why am I so lonely? ‘Cause nobody fucking phones me”  – it’s a theme that carries on throughout the rest of the album.

After Sheezus there’s a clear sense that Lily Allen has regained her independence and is calling the shots. We’re given experimental pop with Lost My Mind, emotional ballads with Family Man and Three and dancehall and grime infused songs Waste and Trigger Bang.

This album also showcases some great collaborations, including  London rappers Meridian Dan, Giggs as well as Nigerian artist Burna Boy and London based Dancehall Queen, Lady Chann. By featuring these relatively underground artists on the album, Lily demonstrates her musical experimentation. Producer and DJ Mark Ronson also returns to produce a couple of songs on the album, having previously worked with Lily on her debut album. 

She might be 33 and a proper grown up and mother but Lilly Allen hasn’t fundamentally changed her approach to music; she’s still honest and revelatory. What makes No Shame different is the very intimate self- examination. If you’re wondering where she’s at and what she’s learnt, not only musically but as a person, then she’s telling you directly in her own words on this album.

She’s been quoted as saying that this album might be a ‘commercial disaster’, it couldn’t be further from it.

4- star ****