Lily Allen's Greatest Songs: A Comprehensive Ranking Ahead of Brit Awards and Tour
As Lily Allen prepares for her upcoming UK tour and eyes three nominations at this weekend's Brit Awards, it's the perfect moment to appraise her sharp, candid songcraft. From her early hits to recent releases, Allen's discography offers a mix of wit, vulnerability, and cultural commentary. Here, we rank her top 20 songs, delving into the stories and sounds that define her career.
20. Fruityloop (2025)
The closing track of West End Girl brings the album's break-up saga as close to conciliation as it gets, with a fleeting lyrical nod to shared fault. Set against a dreamy trip-hop backdrop and sweet melody, it subtly hints at closure, wrapping up the emotional journey with a sense of resolution.
19. Who’d Have Known (2009)
Allen once shrugged off the chorus similarity to Take That's Shine, but the result is an entirely lovely depiction of a budding relationship. With its gentle glow of possibilities, this track captures the early stages of romance in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
18. Our Time (2014)
From her flawed third album Sheezus, Our Time stands out as a genuine gem. It perfectly captures weekend anticipation, with Allen inviting listeners to party with the understated boast: "I've got a quite good record collection." It's a snapshot of carefree moments and musical pride.
17. 22 (2009)
Musically, 22 blends post-Amy Winehouse soul with synth makeovers, while lyrically, it offers a Ray Davies-esque character study. It provides a clear-eyed look at societal pressures on women nearing their 30s, with a remix by the Big Pink adding an indie-sleaze twist.
16. Friday Night (2006)
Influenced by the Specials, this track reboots their 1979 hit Nite Klub for the 21st century. With dancefloor misery set to a ska rhythm, it showcases Allen's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary themes, partly inspired by her role in the Specials' reunion.
15. Hard Out Here (2013)
Despite controversy over its video, Hard Out Here has aged well as a fizzy, snappy electronic pop song. Allen later called it "beige," but its witty lyrics and energetic beat make it a standout critique of modern pop culture.
14. Knock ’Em Out (2006)
Influenced by the Streets, this sparkling pop song features a joyous hook from Professor Longhair and a hilarious list of brush-offs to unwanted attention. It's a witty take on social interactions, blending humor with catchy melodies.
13. Family Man (2018)
Written during her first marriage's decline, Family Man is a self-loathing plea for reconciliation that acknowledges its futility. As a classy piano ballad, it delves into personal turmoil with understated elegance.
12. URL Badman (2014)
From the poorly received Sheezus, this track attacks online haters with sharp lyrics. While its hipster critique has dated, the core message—"I don't troll, I make statements"—remains relevant in today's digital age.
11. Everyone’s at It (2009)
A caustic dispatch from late-00s hedonism, this song exposes the era's dark side with twitchy, paranoid music. It questions the allure of excess, making it a powerful commentary on societal trends.
10. Tennis (2025)
This track turned "who the fuck is Madeline?" into a meme and sparked tabloid searches. It exemplifies West End Girl's blend of excruciating events and airy music, showcasing Allen's knack for vivid storytelling.
9. Littlest Things (2006)
Co-written with Mark Ronson, this break-up song gently picks over relationship debris with fond memories. Its lilting piano, sourced from Emmanuelle, adds a nostalgic touch, making it musically irresistible.
8. LDN (2006)
A jaunty debut single sampling Tommy McCook's Reggae Merengue, LDN captures a love-hate view of London. It's a sunny yet gritty anthem that resonates with city dwellers worldwide.
7. Trigger Bang (ft Giggs) (2017)
The lead single from No Shame marked a return to form, with Allen reflecting on her partying past from a sober perspective. Giggs' guest verse adds depth, highlighting her evolution as an artist.
6. Pussy Palace (2025)
For sheer shock value, nothing matches this West End Girl track. It airs dirty laundry with jaw-dropping flair, set to an addictive melody that underscores its dramatic impact.
5. Not Fair (2008)
Breaking ground with its theme of premature ejaculation, this hit single combines humor and honesty. It's a testament to Allen's willingness to tackle taboo subjects in pop music.
4. Madeline (2025)
Using Neil Diamond's Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon, this song confronts the "Other Woman" with panic and narrative control. It's a powerful moment in Allen's discography, blending emotion with musical homage.
3. Fuck You (2009)
With Olivia Rodrigo's 2022 Glastonbury performance, this song's influence on modern pop was reaffirmed. It wraps political intolerance in a jaunty melody, remaining relevant and impactful years later.
2. Smile (2006)
Sampling the Soul Brothers' Free Soul, this enduring hit has over half a billion Spotify streams. Its sweary tale of revenge ushered in a new era for women in British pop, making it gobbier and more relatable.
1. The Fear (2009)
Topping our list, The Fear critiques late-00s celebrity culture with wit and a monster chorus. Allen's acknowledgment of her complicity, coupled with its chart success, highlights its enduring relevance in today's fame-obsessed world.
As Lily Allen gears up for her Brit Awards appearance and tour, these songs underscore her legacy as a sharp, candid voice in pop music. From personal anthems to social commentaries, her work continues to resonate, proving her lasting impact on the industry.
