Unless you were living under a rock for all of middle school, everyone has heard Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and her even more famous song “Sk8ter Boi.” On Tuesday, March 8, Lavigne released her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby.
Some people may recognize Lavigne’s single, “What the Hell,” which she sang at this past Dick Clark’s New Year’s Celebration. The tune is carefree and catchy with lyrics like “All my life I’ve been good but now, whoa, I’m thinking what the hell.”
The energy and girly fun of “What the Hell” doesn’t stick for the rest of the album though, and it looks like Lavigne doesn’t want it that way.
The album opens with a minute and a half long introduction, “Black Star,” a lonely lullaby that shows a gentler (and dare I say more vulnerable) side of Lavigne.
After all, this is her first album released since her divorce from Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley. At moments throughout the album Lavigne’s heartbreak over the Whibley is obvious and shows a more pensive side of Lavigne.
My belief is that “Remember When” and “Not Enough” is about Whibley as well. These tunes are more like a reflection of the last few moments of their relationship.
Lavigne sings “It’s not enough to give me everything I need, And I wish it was, I think it’s time to give this up.”
In “I Love You,” Lavigne sings “even though we didn’t make it through, I will always be here for you” clearly addressing her ex-husband. Reports from Perez Hilton show that the two are still good friends. These slower and croonier songs are balanced out with punchy pop songs that incorporate occasional half-rap, half-yelling techniques.
Although Lavigne’s slower songs tend to fall flat, I found myself humming along with “Push” and “Stop Standing There.” Both of these songs are cheeky and youthful, and indicative of a young girl looking for love after a breakup.
From Lavigne’s music, it is clear that she is (for the most part) moving on from her divorce with grace . . . that is until someone hears “What the Hell.”
Maybe Lavigne is trying to fool us after all. There are a few songs in the album with references of excessive drinking and partying.
Could this be an influence from Lavigne’s new beau, Brody Jenner from The Hills?
As mismatched as the references to her partying lifestyle are, they foreshadow the mismatched nature of the songs in the album. Lavigne combines appealing girly pop tunes with darker and unfocused songs, and even a Miley Cyrus-like attempt at an uplifting song (“Everybody Hurts”).
The unfocused nature of the album leaves audiences confused with Lavigne’s overall image. Is she a punk rock princess? A sad divorcee? Or is she something else entirely?
Where Lavigne excels is during her work for Tim Burton’s movie Alice in Wonderland, for which she wrote the track “Alice.”
The song is drastically different from the rest of her album as it has a very obvious heavy and dark core. It is remarkably raw and dramatic, which works very well with Burton’s darker interpretation.
The track gets a little shouty at times, a risk that is pretty common with any Avril Lavigne song, but overall succeeds as it pairs perfectly with the feel of Burton’s movie.
Overall, Lavigne’s new album has a few catchy songs that will please her fan base, and potentially earn her some more.
Fans who enjoy the album are also sure to enjoy the rest that Lavigne has to offer.
Whether you want to listen to the album to remind you of high school, or to test out what fresh sounds Lavigne gives out, Lavigne is your girl for candy-coated punk princess fun,
Recommended Tracks: “What the Hell,” “Push,” “Stop Standing There,” and “Alice.”
