albums and tracks

Editor's rating

It's not new to write songs about the hilarious, vacuous and depressing nature of fame, but at least tabloid favourite Lily Allen can claim to be a voice of authenticity on these matters.

This latest track from the gobby Londoner is a move away from the sweet, brazen reggae-pop of 'Smile' and 'LDN' and includes references to being more interested in "f***-loads of diamonds" than being funny.

As such 'The Fear' is a smart comment on these nervous, paranoid times when crisp banknotes (and where they're coming from next week) are at the forefront of most people's minds.

Whether by accident or design, the synth-driven production is icy and unforgiving, which again chimes with the current gloomy social climate.

The rest of Lily's second album, It's Not Me, It's You contains a dubious mix of profane nursery rhymes, Balkan pop and cod-country, but this lead single deserves great success for its prescience alone.