Lily Allen put her encyclopaedic music knowledge to the test on a viral online quiz show this week, effortlessly proving that her taste stretches far beyond the era that made her famous.
The interview kicked off with Blur’s Parklife, a defining anthem of the Britpop movement. Allen immediately recognised the track before revealing that her own listening habits have evolved over the years. “I like all pop music apart from really bad music,” she joked, name-checking modern artists including Jade, Addison Rae and Charli XCX as staples in her current rotation.
She also reflected on her musical upbringing, explaining that she grew up immersed in British punk, particularly bands like The Clash, whose influence can still be felt in her sharp lyricism and irreverent attitude today.
As the quiz continued, Allen confidently identified an impressively wide range of tracks, spanning Charli XCX, Toots and the Maytals, The Specials, and Kaiser Chiefs — the latter prompting a moment of nostalgia, as she reminded viewers she covered one of their songs 17 years ago during the height of her own chart dominance.
When a Robbie Williams track played, Allen’s admiration was unmistakable. “I think he’s a great artist and performer, and I love him dearly. He’s been an icon since I was a kid. He’s unapologetically himself,” she said.
She wrapped up the show with Marina and the Diamonds’ Primadonna, adding warmly, “I love Marina. We really came up in the same time. She’s f*cking cool.”
Lily Allen has revealed that West End Girl could soon be adapted into a stage play, potentially in London’s famed West End.
If the interview proved anything, it’s that Lily Allen’s musical knowledge — much like her voice — remains as sharp, curious and culturally tuned-in as ever.
