 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Best Damn Thing
- By Avril Lavigne
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Narcissistic but spunky girl-power pop-punk.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What 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").
What's the story?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I'll be honest, the song "Girlfriend" totally ruined it for me. It's got a great beat, catchy song, but the message is terrible. I don't want to listen to a song telling girls to steal someone's boyfriend.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
March 10, 2012
AGE
good, but iffy.
its a good cd, but its iffy at times, first the bad things, swearing is in there, sexy stuff, hot is very sexy, listen to that before ur child does i say, the violent things r hardly anything, the only thing is she says, crash the car/and im gonna be really late. the good things r very good, runaway basiclly says that even on bad days, u can still be awesome.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
June 17, 2010
AGE
I LOVE IT!!!=]
avril is just trying to exspress how she feels,and shes probably the only female singer who isnt on disney channel that doesnt only talk about boy's in her songs and she doesnt let a boy get in the way of her life. its better than most stuff miley cyrus sings. i love avril lavigne,shes amazing.great album
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
She could've done better
Not as great lyrically and quality-wise as her past two. Her down-to-earth songs changed to pop anthems. Most language (on the censored album) Sticks to d**n, b***h, etc.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Love her Songs!!!!!
I like her music. You see my parents don't know I'm listening to her but she just has a few bad words in her music but other than that I think her music is great. I also think that her songs teach young girls to stand up for themselves and to help them see the true beauty they have. :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Nice album for teens!
This album is awesome. Girlfriend is one of the best songs, but the message and the mother F aren't very kid-friendly. I'd rate the explicit version on for 14 year-olds and the cut version ify for 12-year-olds.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Awesome! But not as good as her old music. True girl power!
This album is true girl power. Avril comes to a change in this album, a bit disappointing, but I still like the album. This is when her language use really takes a huge turn. Now she also uses "b*tch", "sh*t", and "f**k". That is also a bit disappointing, she didn't use to cuss so much. This is more of a girlie punk-pop album, unlike her first two. I still love it, and it's still fun and catchy. You can dance to it. But it fails to compete with her older music. Get the clean version. She still doesn't use any innuendo, which is good.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Catchy
Fun, catchy songs. Language is definitely a big issue.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
good cd
Messages about moving on, but does say sh*t and fu*k .
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
My Fav!!!
Best D*** Thing is my favorite CD out of all of Avril's CDs. It has the most songs about making yourself happy. There is language that kids under 13 shouldn't use, but if your child understand the difference between good and bad, this CD is fine. It's has a clash of emotional songs (like "Innocence" and "When Your Gone") and upbeat, party songs (like "Girlfriend" and "Everything Back But You") Great!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Artist: | Avril Lavigne |
| Release date: | April 17, 2007 |
| Label: | RCA |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already listened to it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
