Lily Allen’s New Album Is a Belter and Proof of How Strong Sober People Are

Proof that even when life falls apart, staying sober can still hold you together

It doesn’t happen very often these days, but I was lying awake at 5am (having got up for the toilet – TMI!) and started thinking about today’s blog. It was obvious there was only going to be one topic: Lily Allen’s new album.

I’ve listened to it a few times this week – less than I’d like, thanks half term! – and if you’ve missed all the coverage, it’s a raw and emotional retelling of the breakdown of Lily’s marriage to actor David Harbour.

One song in particular stands out: Relapse.

Lily sings the word “drink” 30 times, exploring what it feels like when your safety net is gone – the urge to be numb, the restlessness, the fight not to spiral. You can hear the tension between wanting escape and knowing she could “lose it all.”

It’s not a light listen, but it’s honest. And for those of us living an alcohol-free life, that honesty matters.

When I first heard that Lily Allen was sober (since 2019), she joined a short but powerful (and slightly random!) list of people who made me believe life could be brighter without alcohol — alongside Jamie East, Susanna Reid and Calvin Harris.

So thank you, Lily, for staying sober through the absolute chaos life has thrown at you. Yet again, you’ve set an example to me and all the other teetotallers showing us we can do hard things.

You can listen to Lily Allen’s new album on Spotify – but fair warning, it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a soundtrack for anyone who’s had to rebuild themselves piece by piece.

Listen on Spotify

If Lily’s story stirs something in you – that quiet voice saying maybe it’s time – I can help you listen to it.

I work with women who want to feel more present, confident and at peace without alcohol. Email me to book a chat to find out more: ali@alipaynecoaching.com and you can also find me on Instagram.