Compared to its predecessors, this album features more playful connotations, representing a phase in the artist's journey of balance compared to other more introverted and dark phases from which "Under My Skin" drew; while compared to the debut, "Let Go," there is a greater awareness of her own femininity and balance, the latter dictated not only by age but probably by the harmonious agreement capable of erasing so many uncertainties that even afflict the greatest singers. Moreover, I think it must not have been easy for a singer who, despite herself, arouses elementary approval with her image to assert herself as an artist. Yet in my opinion, she has succeeded beyond any reasonable doubt, even with her previous works.
The album effortlessly shifts from sad themes to happy and provocative ones; the best example of this is "The Best Damn Thing," one of my favorites, along with "When You're Gone," the latter truly haunting.
Another beautiful song is "Innocence," which somewhat mirrors the previous one, as well as "Keep Holding On." Meanwhile, the more cunning and intriguing side is very well expressed in "I Don't Have To Try," which features rawer vocal lines, explicit lyrics, and some screams. Songs like "One Of Those Girls" and "Girlfriend" underscore the disdain towards other girls, according to Avril's perspective, which is hard to reconcile with her personality; just like "Contagious" and "Hot," quite arcane love declarations, as opposed to "Everything Back But You" and "I Can Do It Better," which revisit the theme of disillusionment towards the opposite sex present in previous albums.
Musically, it is very well-crafted, always within the punk-rock-pop genre; Avril's voice and the intonation, which even when smudged, retain their grace, a peculiar quality.
The DVD is also interesting, concerning the making of the album and those involved in its creation, but it doesn't lack some gags.
In conclusion, a beautiful album, just as much as the previous ones; the lyrics are very beautiful, full of vitality and sweetness; a clear 10 out of 10, as bright as the moon.
"This album doesn’t make sense, it’s not one of those records where you can say: oh yes, it really means a lot to me... it was created specifically to entertain my fans."
"Avril is back more charged than ever, she has finally made peace with her wardrobe, married the hunchback of Notre Dame, bought a nice villa in LA, and spat on the paparazzi’s heads..."
Sparkling, fun, aggressive, exciting... well, these are the attributes that characterize it!
Are you really sure you want to miss something destined to become the best damn thing you have?!
"When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne is the most beautiful and intelligent track from her latest album.
All in all, it’s a very listenable album, not at all boring, but above all fun and cheerful like Avril.
I believe it is definitely catchy, with the right mix of fun and entertaining tracks along with softer and mellower ones.
I recommend it to those who want to have fun, as the singer herself has often stated.
"Just the first single, 'Girlfriend', is enough to make you shiver, with cliches more than overused of fake heavy guitars sped up by overdubbing and sing-songy voice."
"The only poetess and princess of punk is and always will be Patti Smith, and forgive me if that’s not much."