After seven years of waiting, Lily Allen fans were pleasantly surprised when the artist posted on Instagram on Oct. 20 to announce her fifth album, “West End Girl.”
The album was certainly well worth the wait, as the lyrics convey a powerful story that stirs up a multitude of emotions for the listeners, taking them through the stages of grief Allen experienced.
Released Friday, the album features 14 songs centered around one topic: Allen’s tumultuous four-year marriage with “Stranger Things” actor David Harbour.
The album is told from a linear perspective. It opens with “West End Girl,” a track that details Allen’s temporary move back to London after landing the starring role in a play, and her husband’s less-than-enthusiastic response. The song marks the beginning of the pair’s open relationship, which serves as a common theme throughout the album.
The following track, “Ruminating,” details Allen’s internal monologue and insecurities after agreeing to an open marriage. Allen sings, “Ruminating, ruminating, I’vе been up all night / Did you kiss her on the lips and look into her еyes? … Baby, won’t you tell me that I’m still your number one? / Cause you’re my number one.”
Track three, “Sleepwalking,” continues the conversation on Allen’s worries, but it’s the fourth and fifth tracks, “Tennis” and “Madeline,” where the relationship takes a turn for the worse.
In “Tennis,” Allen details the revelation of the agreed-upon boundaries being crossed and continuously refers to a woman named Madeline. The successive track, “Madeline,” is where Allen delves even further into the disregard of these boundaries. After discovering texts on Harbour’s phone, Allen realized that he had broken their rules. Madeline is a character based on the woman who blew up the relationship entirely.
Using a tango-like guitar melody, “Madeline” features Allen asking numerous questions, interrogating the “other woman” about the nature of the relationship. Allen uses voice notes, presumably recitations of real text messages she received, as responses to her inquisitiveness. The use of voice notes strengthens the emotional intensity of the album overall. “Madeline” also signifies the end of Allen’s trust in her relationship with Harbour.
Allen sings, “Do you two ever talk about me? / Has he told you that he doesn’t love me?” The song paints an earnest and heartbreaking portrait of Allen’s tragic lived experiences. Instead of shying away from vulnerability, she embraces it head-on.
When I reached this track, I thought this was as intense as the album would get. I was proved wrong shortly after with the seventh track, “Pussy Palace.”
On this track, Allen launches heavy allegations against Harbour, describing him as a sex addict and questioning the authenticity of their relationship. While initially shocking, this was one of the most explosive tracks on the album and highlighted more of the frustration Allen was experiencing in the wake of their separation.
I would be remiss to not mention “Just Enough,” which is my favorite song on the album. The track is a vulnerable self-reflection after the betrayal Allen has experienced. She questions whether there is still love in the relationship, her self-image and if she will be able to move on.
I appreciated “Just Enough” because it showed more of Allen’s sadness regarding the situation and evened out the more explosive truths revealed throughout the album.
Harbour has yet to comment on the album, which is rather scathing to his character. However, with “Stranger Things” Season 5 press rapidly approaching, it’s safe to assume that Harbour won’t be able to avoid questions for much longer. Until then, I’ll continue to have “West End Girl” on repeat.
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