The Stoop (album)

Critical reception

The album was met with mostly positive reviews from music critics. The New York Times praised the songwriting as "modern and quick-tongued" with "insouciant, articulate takes on relationships in various stages of disaster". Associated Press indicated that the music was "contemporary and classic", with a "funky Motown vibe mixed with hip-hop beats". Billboard called the album an excellent debut and said Coppola's fans would be pleased by the "bubbly blend of swinging hip-hop rhythms, bright R&B horns and sassy soul-siren vocals." Salon said that the album provided "a perfect soundtrack for a lazy summer day" and that Coppola has a "knack for satire." Blues & Soul spoke about the music having "A bittersweet musical vibe that combines a respectful nod to the soulful Motown rhythms of the past with a sneer to the many social and cultural issues that consume today's public."

Some critics were more skeptical of the album. A review by Jude Rogers for The Guardian felt that while "In terms of pop's major aims, 'The Stoop' is practically a perfect record," the songwriting was often too harsh and that "Coppola trips over" the "fine line between songs about sassy, female independence and old-fashioned arrogance" regularly.

Composition and songwriting

Pallin indicated that the song "28 Butts", about a woman wasting her life, was pivotal to the album with respect to its vibe, which helped set the tone for the rest. Coppola says that in terms of the lyrics she had to tone herself down, as she was "going through a little angry phase, getting in touch with my inner whore." But though the material may be angry, Billboard noted that "attacks on brain-dead celebutantes and deadbeat boyfriends rarely feel like this much fun."

The lyrics to "Cryin' for the Queen" are a diatribe launched against chemically-impaired foreign performers that appears to be directed specifically at Amy Winehouse. In a 2008 interview with VH1, Coppola stated "I don't want her (Amy Winehouse) to die; I just want her to be okay. I struggled a very long time to get into the position I am in today [...] so it's really just disrespectful and disgraceful to everyone - this golden opportunity, just destroying yourself."

Salon singled out two other songs for comment, noting that in "Go Hard or Go Home" Coppola talked about deep family scars without self-pity and that the title track of the album captures both the "comforts and craziness of home" even for those who might not "have a Brooklyn stoop to sit on." According to Coppola, "The World Should Revolve Around Me," the first single and video off the album, was inspired by a break-up, and talking about people's need for space, reflecting the kind of thing that people say when they are angry that they might later regret.

Use in Media

The song "The Stoop" appears in the 2009 movie The Final Destination and an episode of 90210 and in New York Goes To Hollywood when Little Jackie asked for Tiffany Pollard's help (New York) to record backing vocals. The song "28 Butts" appears in a season 4 episode of Criminal Minds (titled '52 Pickup').

Track list

All tracks written by Imani Coppola, Mike Mangini and Adam Pallin, except where noted.

Personnel

Adapted credits from the liner notes of The Stoop.