Party-loving Allen back with top effort

Thanks to her MySpace blog, party-loving lifestyle and outspoken comments, Lily Allen is never far from the headlines. She's even no stranger to the UAE, where she was one of the most publicity-friendly stars at the opening of Atlantis The Palm last November in Dubai.

Because we're so used to seeing her on the gossip pages and hearing about every intimate detail of her life, it's easy to forget she's actually a singer/songwriter. A talented one too, as she proved on her 2006 debut, Alright, Still.

Can she do it again with her follow-up, though? Well there's certainly been no shortage of source material for It's Not Me It's You – Lily's life appears to be one of constant drama – and she's not shied away from addressing it here.

Everything is tackled – drug abuse (Everyone's At It), the relationship with her father (He Wasn't There), bad boyfriends (Not Fair), you name it.

It's not going to convert anyone who doesn't like Lily's knowing, observational style, but with her witty turns of phrase, spot-on songwriting and unique delivery, she's made an excellent second album.

And with the global credit crunch, the singer's taking no chances when it comes to CD and online sales. It has been revealed that the 23-year-old British star is teaming up with MySpace Music and Amazon.com in a promotion that will offer her new album at the bargain price of $3.99 (Dh15) until Monday. The CD is out on worldwide general release this Tuesday, and MySpace Music has already been offering a free preview.

Allen is also planning to promote the album with free concerts in London, Tokyo and New York City. Who knew she was a businesswoman as well? (With inputs by Rachel McArthur)

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