The Best Damn Thing (by Avril Lavigne, Pop)

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").

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.

Released on: April 17, 2007
Label: RCA
Genre: Pop
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes