While Alright, Still is most certainly a "pop" album, it has heady, diverse influences. The familiar Professor Longhair strains of his 'Nawlins classic "Big Chief" greets us on track #2 "Knock 'Em Out," and, elsewhere, Allen's reported fondness of reggae and ska makes itself apparent throughout. The subject matter rarely strays from idiot boyfriends (or girlfriends), but her playfulness and humor always shine through. Her British accent is charming and aloof at the same time. Like Beck, she doesn't really "rap," per se, but the hip-hop elements are always near the surface.

Allen comes from an artistic, privileged family of creative people, and that has allowed her rather pronounced renegade side to emerge without too much psychic (or criminal) damage. The result is a joyous, 37-minute dose of attitude and swagger that can make you dance AND laugh...a much harder feat than it sounds.

Written by Dan Reed

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XPN Artist To Watch: January 2007