By Colin 
Eliza Sophie Caird, better known as Eliza Doolittle, had already begun making waves before her debut album landed. The brilliantly bouncy ‘Skinny Genes’ served as a minor hit, generating plenty of buzz ahead of the full release. The timing was no accident. This is an album made for the height of summer. Light, frothy, and joyfully melodic, it pairs perfectly with a glass of Pimms and the scent of a barbecue. Try playing it in autumn, and it just would not feel the same.
The record opens with ‘Moneybox’, bursting with energy and charm. While the momentum softens slightly in the second half, it never completely fades. Tracks are cleverly sequenced, with enough variation to keep things fresh. Current single ‘Pack Up’ provides an early highlight, injecting a dose of swagger while showcasing Eliza’s creative streak. Built around George Henry Powell’s wartime marching song ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag’, it transforms a piece of musical history into a breezy modern anthem. The result is both surprising and completely satisfying.
Breezy brilliance with hidden depth
There is no shortage of influences on display. From 1950s doo-wop to modern London pop, the blend is seamless. Early comparisons to Lily Allen or Kate Nash make sense on the surface, but they fall away quickly. Eliza’s voice, clean and confident, brings her own tone to the table. There is no affected snark or shock value here. Just strong melodies, thoughtful arrangements, and a performer who knows how to carry both playfulness and polish.
Beneath the easygoing tone, there is real depth in the production. Seemingly simple tracks give way to layered harmonies, marching rhythms, and clever hooks. Every song has that buoyant summer skip, and almost all are lifted by Eliza’s wide-ranging, expressive vocals. Her voice brings consistency across a set of songs that often shift genres, yet never lose their identity.
With Lily Allen publicly stepping back from music at the time, there was talk of who might fill her place. The answer may have arrived sooner than expected. Eliza Doolittle offers a brighter, lighter version of the London pop singer, without the need for tabloid controversy or lyrical cynicism. This debut has a bounce that feels timeless. It delivers fun without force and attitude without anger.
Music does not always need to come with edge or angst. Sometimes, a well-crafted, sunshine-filled album is exactly what the moment needs. Eliza Doolittle is that kind of record — cheerful, clever, and entirely self-assured.
Colin