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They say you should never judge a book by its cover, though simply looking at Eliza Doolittle's self-titled debut album, you're immediately overwhelmed with thoughts of Lily Allen's Alright, Still album cover. It's fair to say that the comparisons between the new comer and her fellow Brit don't end with colourful cover art but then again perhaps we shouldn't jump to conclusions.
Doolittle is the latest in a line of sassy, lyrically clever female British pop stars from Lily Allen to Kate Nash, which as much she may try, Doolittle never quite escapes the striking similarities between herself and her contemporaries. But before you disregard the young 22 year old, one should listen to her single 'Pack Up' and it's mastering of '60s and 70's Motown.
Upon repeat sessions of Doolittle's 13 track record, several gems present themselves proving to be far more rewarding than the sickly sweet single 'Skinny Genes.' The cheeky bounce of 'Smoky Room' with its mid-tempo beat and slightly huskier vocals, Doolittle makes pouty pop that drips with sass. 'Rollerblades' is an effortlessly fresh pop ditty that charms, while 'Missing' is a throw back to '60s Motown spun into a modern pop track that's got a mean hook. The aforementioned 'Pack Up' may very well be the album's true gem. Reworking George Henry Powell's marching song ‘Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag’ into a joyous dancehall ode.
Supported by top-notch producers and collaborators like Greg Kurstin (The Bird & The Bee, Lily Allen) and Craigie Dobbs (Amy Winehouse) helps Doolittle deliver several pop gems by dragging classic '60s, 70's Motown and slamming it into modern pop but much of the record feels far too much like Lily Allen b-sides. Eliza Doolittle is more than a b-side but her debut spends far too much time following formula and not enough time where Doolittle shines, sharp hooks whipped into a frenzy of classic Motown and modern pop.
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