Lily Allen's new album, West End Girl, is a raw, confessional work inspired by her acting stints on the London stage and informed by the breakdown of her marriage to David Harbour.
Verdict: Captivating breakup album. Most pop stars returning after a seven-year break would face an uphill struggle, but Allen's reputation has grown in her absence, with younger female singers citing her as an inspiration.
Lily Allen's brand of clever, chatty pop has inspired a new generation of singers.
Author's summary: Lily Allen's West End Girl is a captivating breakup album.