Album Review

Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Thing

• 24th May 2007

Believe it or not, it was five years ago that Avril Lavigne first graced us with her rock-chick presence, releasing a number of big hits including catchy debut single, Complicated and the more hyperactive Sk8er Boi. Back then, her music had a rebellious edge layered with that whizzing hormonal teenager angst, and her follow up album, Under My Skin, continued along a similar thread before she vanished from the charts.

Fast forward to 2007 and Avril has re-appeared as a confident and sassy young twenty-something, complete with pink hair extensions and not to mention sporting a rather grown-up wedding ring. And this time round, she’s even dabbling in choreographed dance routines, shaking off that Tom-boy persona once and for all.

And if you found her latest offering, Girlfriend, infectious (but in a good way) then you’re sure to like her new album, The Best Damn Thing.

The shout-along style chorus in that track can also be found in I Can Do Better, reminiscent of the independent-streak of Christina Aguilera’s song Fighter – making this the heartbroken girl’s song of choice for venting their defiance over an ex. And the ‘hey hey ho’ lines in The Best Damn Thing further sample that 80s Hey Mickey cheerleader vibe.

There is generally a more evident girly-pop sound to this album, wrapped of course, in Avril’s zesty aftertaste, with Runaway and Contagious being perfect examples of this.

But for those who are hoping to hear a piece of old-style Avril, there are a few tracks that show-off her rock roots, including Everything Back But You and I Don’t Have To Try.

And all those up-tempo numbers are complemented by slower tracks like Innocence and Avril’s alluring vocals are displayed to full effect in the ballad When You’re Gone – definitely one to tug at the heartstrings. Keep Holding On is another powerful track, complete with crashing drums.

All-in-all, this album reveals a more assertive songstress and after teaming up with producers like Dr Luke and Rob Cavello (who have produced for the likes of Pink and the Goo Goo Dolls, respectively) The Best Damn Thing marks her transition from moody rock into a fun and confident pop-punk sound. And although it might not appeal to all of her existing fans, the album is sure to attract many more from a mainstream crowd.