The Best Damn Thing - Avril Lavigne
Narcissistic but spunky girl-power pop-punk.
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Music details
- Artist(s): Avril Lavigne
- Genre: Pop
- Label: RCA
- Parental Advisory: Yes
- Edited Version: Yes
- Release Date: 04/17/2007
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that Avril comes tearing out of the gate with a dozen chirpy, teen-friendly, girl-power anthems, enhanced with energetic punk-pop instrumentals and cheerleader ambiance. Reminiscent of eighties groups like the Go-Go's, Avril seems to have cheered up a lot since her last album came out. She also isn't afraid to be direct and snarky on several tracks -- an attitude that tends to overshadow the decent songs on the album. "S--t" is narrowly avoided once with a last-minute swerve and you'll hear "hell" and "damn" a few times. There's a deluxe version with a parental advisory sticker (for "Motherf--ker").
Families can talk about "Girlfriend," a song in which Avril tells a boy that she doesn't like his new squeeze because she likes him. What would you do if you liked a taken guy?
Families can talk about "Girlfriend," a song in which Avril tells a boy that she doesn't like his new squeeze because she likes him. What would you do if you liked a taken guy?
Message
Social Behavior:
Overall message of self-esteem and girl-power, but Lavigne comes across as self absorbed.
Consumerism:
CD insert contains ads for ring tones and other products.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
"Lets party till we drop/drinkin' beer nonstop."
Violence
Sex
Language
"S--t" is narrowly avoided once with a last-minute swerve; You'll hear "hell" and "damn" a few times, and there's a special deluxe version with a parental advisory sticker (for "Motherf--ker").
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
With energy, spunk, and cheerful hand claps, Avril Lavigne lets her male friend know, in no uncertain terms, that she doesn't like the girl he's dating. "You could do so much better/I think we should get together now/And that's what everybody's talking about/Hey hey, you you, I don't like your girlfriend…" Irresistibly infectious, the song will ring true for many girls who find friendships changing when the boys they hang out with fall in love -- with someone else. When she's not indulging in snarky send-ups, Avril delivers strong girl-power messages (although sometimes heavy on self-absorption) with a flamboyant and direct touch ("I'm better off without you anyway/I thought it would be hard but I'm OK/I don't need you if you're going to be that way/Cause with me it's all or nothing" in "I Can Do Better").
Is it any good?
Though other lyrics address more traditional lovesick longing, there's an overall sense of empowerment and control, spiced with an ironic wink that helps get these simple, appealing songs across. There's no doubt that tween girls will sing along on the hook-filled choruses, but their parents and older siblings might find themselves surprisingly engaged as well, especially on "Keep Holding On," the album's dramatic finale.
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Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 57 reviews.
Age 8+
Posted on 05/23/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
i luv AVRUIL!!!!!!
Adult Reviews
There are 12 reviews.
Age 8+
Posted on 05/23/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 13+
Posted on 06/23/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 17+
Posted on 05/28/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 2+
Posted on 05/26/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor
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4%
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39%
67 votes


