THOSE early childhood years influence the adults we all become. Eliza Doolittle, 21, and the iconic MIA, 35, are both rising stars, but both come entirely different worlds, and this most certainly reflects in their music.

Doolittle is the daughter of director John Caird and Frances Rufelle (Les Miserables & Eurovision fame) and the granddaughter of the influential arts teacher Sylvia Young. Her airy, joyful pop has the sweet aroma of privilege and nurture. Her very radio-friendly songbook contains the hits Skinny Genes and Pack Up, which raids George Henry Powell’s WWI classic Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag. This debut release will appeal to those wanting a more accessible and sanitised version of Lily Allen.

MIA’s well-documented past was very difficult. Basically, living as a displaced refugee throughout her formative years, and with an absent father fighting with the PLO, MIA’s influences are bleak and disturbed, and a million miles removed from Miss Doolittle’s. Although a well-known secret on the musical underground since 2005, MIA really came to prominence with her contributions to the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack. Her abstract, raw hip-hop/ jungle landscape productions are to be admired and appreciated, rather than be enjoyed. Although, with perseverance, Maya could be recognised as one of the artistic triumphs of the year.

Incidentally, MIA dedicates her album to both her son Ikhyd and all the Tamil people who died voiceless. That says it all.