Kate Nash is the perfect pop starlet. She sounds enough like one existing star to make her an already snug fit for your tastes (if it needs spelling out for you--L.I.L.Y.A.L.L.E.N--there's no getting away from the thematic and elocutionary parallels, no matter how much the lady doth protest). She's ordinary-ish. She's you, your girlfriend, that girl over there you adore/admire, only clearly cuter and packed with a sharper tongue. She sings of nothing much, but sings it with juicy vim and bright expressions through a deliciously theatrical voice-box, a hangover from her stage school background that faltered, leading her to channel her wit and personality into writing songs. A sprinkling of anarchy too--something for the parents to disapprove of? Well, she's got a filthy mouth and a frankly blasé grasp of the Queen's English. It's a shame really that she's not quite made the perfect pop debut to match, but Made of Bricks is a damn fine first run, when it gets it right. The jerky prelude to the album proper, "Play" reminds briefly of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bis, segueing into the Lily Allen plays Carter USM playfulness of "Foundations". "Dickhead" is a silly, smoky blues ditty, the massive, gyrating "Pumpkin Song" is Sugababes with their hair pulled behind the bike sheds, key-hammering highlight "Mariella" reminds of expressive vaudeville New Yorkers the Dresden Dolls and "We Get On" could be a Grease outtake, though nothing the innocent Olivia Newton John would ever wrap her lips around. Like Lily Allen then, but not that much. --James Berry

I love this album, 22 Jul 2008
I never write reviews, but as this album has received wildly differing opinions I thought I would add mine. I love it. It's got lots of energy and the lyrics are interesting without getting too abstract. She is nothing like anything else out there, Lily Allen included (although she is great too), so don't try to compartmentalise. Just enjoy it. It's my most listened to album of the last 12 months as I can identify with the moods instilled by these songs.

Love it, great storytelling, 29 Jun 2008
I'm 34, I have a degree in literature, I don't know Lily Allen, but Kate is my new best friend and I really don't know what the negative comments are all about.
The lyrics are original, very eloquent, very very funny in parts, and excellent little stories in themselves. I don't know how to describe the music in terms of music cause I'm 34, don't know Lily Allen and generally haven't got a clue of what's going, but for me it's a great pick-me-up and (try to) sing along, and even the initially more annoying bits (in Mariella) make perfect sense when you listen to the lyrics (now one of my fave passages).
So. Great job, Kate. Loving it.

You either love it or hate it !!, 25 May 2008
Um with Kate Nash you either love her or hate her, hey she is just like marmite. No I think the album is trashy and irritating and hearing her annoying voice in the car after a hectic day out is not good or enjoyable. Basically if you love Kate then purchase it but if you want this album to just "Try Out!" Then this is a waste of your money

Nice!, 23 May 2008
Bought this after seeing her do foundations on jools holland. I didnt have any expectations having not read any of the press about her or reading any reviews.

I think its an excellent debut, the music is eclectic and I like her phrasing. Not sure i'd agree its aimed at teenagers, im 30 and can easily relate to it.

Comparisons with lily allen dont stand up for me - It reminds me of Ben Folds Five & Belle & Sebastian in places in its quirky story telling pop. She comes accross as very honest and open and there are some wonderful insights into her thoughts.

She doesnt take herself too seriously and if you dont take this album too seriously theres lots to enjoy.

I Just think its Great, 15 May 2008
The songs are so catchy and with much greater depth than i thought they might be. Initially i liked the album but after a few listens i love it. I was going to list my prefered tunes but theres not really one i dont like - which is unusual for most albums.