It’s fairly remarkable that, after eleven years in the
industry (that’s right, ‘Let Go’ was released way back in 2002), Avril Lavigne
still sounds as youthful as ever. Where
some artists pride themselves on their ability to evolve and change with the
times, she’s stuck to the same pop-rock template since her debut. Yet amongst all the copycat EDM and R&B
pop hits, this new self-titled album still sounds fresh.
Lead single Here’s To
Never Growing Up really is Avril’s anthem, whilst on the rest of the album
she sings of teenage love (“he was working at the record shop, I would kiss him
in the parking lot, tasting like cigarettes and soda pop” – 17), summer vacation (“everyone is
waiting on the bell, a couple seconds we’ll be raising hell” – Bitchin’ Summer) and the thrill of a new
relationship (“hold on tight to this rollercoaster ride and if you’re loving
this, just give me one more kiss” – You Ain’t
Seen Nothing Yet). Co-written by
husband Chad Kroeger, the lyrics may be clichéd and basic but it fits with the
bright, juvenile feel of the album (despite the odd case of swearing). That said, Hello Kitty is a particular low point with the line “let’s all
slumber party like a fat kid on a pack of Smarties”.
On the plus side, Hello
Kitty is the only electronic track, providing a pleasing change of pace
similar to Ke$ha’s brand of electro rock-pop.
Bad Girl, featuring Marilyn
Manson, also stands out as the heaviest track.
Yet, despite her protestations on opener Rock N Roll, Avril is a popstar through and through, the album full
of breezy, guitar-pop tracks simply but effectively written and catchy as hell
- typified by Sippin’ On Sunshine. They might not rival the best of the classics
(Sk8er Boi or Girlfriend), but Avril can stand tall next to her nearest pop
competitor, Katy Perry.
Avril’s best tracks, though, have often been the ballads (I’m With You in particular). This album doesn’t disappoint, especially
with its final triptych of ballads. Hello Heartache feels like a continuation
of Complicated (“goodbye my friend,
hello heartache”); Falling Fast is a
touching parallel to You Ain’t Seen
Nothing Yet (“I’m falling fast, I hope this lasts, I’m falling hard for you”);
and closing track Hush Hush ends the album
on a piano-led, sombre note that contrasts with its opening. Let’s just forget that the soppy duet Let Me Go with
Kroeger exists, yes?
3/5
Gizzle’s Choice:
* Rock N Roll
* Sippin’ On Sunshine
* Falling Fast
Listen: 'Avril Lavigne' is available now.
Listen: 'Avril Lavigne' is available now.