English vocalist’s eclectic style expressed in ornate new album

My Best Friend Is You,” the second album from English singer Kate Nash, was released in the United Kingdom last week. Nash rose to fame in 2007 with the release of her single “Caroline’s A Victim” and the subsequent release of her debut album, “Made of Bricks,” which went to No. 1 in the UK charts.

Nash is renowned for her unique style of music, which can only be described as interesting. Listening to her songs might call to mind a toy store after dark, wherein all of the toys come to life on their own and run around merrily chiming, ringing and buzzing.
Her approach to vocals straddles the line between a vaguely singsong-y style and actual singing. For the most part, she manages to keep it from getting annoying. As always, she does a good job of writing seemingly silly songs but singing them with enough honesty to make you really listen to what she’s saying.

The album opens up with “Paris” a song that reminds the listener just why they probably loved Nash in the first place. It’s the same old infectious pop her fans fell in love with, pulling off the perfect blend of keyboard and handclaps.

What I love about this album is its straightforward lyricism. There are no hidden meanings; Nash prefers to take issues head on and speaks plainly about things I’m sure all women can relate to easily with tracks like “Do Wah Doo” and “Later On.” “Kiss That Grrrl,” for example, addresses the envy and insecurities that women can fall victim to even when in a secure relationship and no actual reason for jealousy is in sight.

“Mansion Song” is a standout hit for its mere unconventionality and raw feel to it. In what could be considered more of a rant than a song, Nash takes on the dirty-hipster-rock-and-roll scene with her signature sarcasm and directness.
The problem I had with this album, and her previous album as well, is Nash’s tendency to go off the deep end every once in a while. While the twists and turns she takes with her songs are certainly interesting and usually tickle my fancy, she just has a way of letting it all go on a little bit too long.

Things can go quickly from engaging to boring, as did a few of the songs toward the end of the album. I found myself wanting to skip songs like “Pickpocket” and “You Were So Far Away.” Rather than coming off as slow-paced as Nash probably intended, they just end up putting the listener to sleep seeing as they refuse to pick up the pace even a little.
Luckily, Nash is able to snap the listener back to attention with the last track, titled “I Hate Seagulls.” It’s an endearing, slow-paced song about simple likes and dislikes that come together to paint the picture of a couple ensconced in a love that can only be described as comfortable.

I give this album a 3.5 out of 5 stars because although it tends to ramble a little, it still stands to be an accessible compilation of pop songs.

— Alexandria Vasquez is a junior human services major and an arts and entertainment writer for The Mirror.