'Disappointing' Sums Up Avril Lavigne's New Album, The Best Damn Thing

I had been anxiously awaiting this week's release of Avril Lavigne's new album, The Best Damn Thing, assuming that it would continue her trend toward more mature music. However, after listening to the CD, it's obvious that the album falls short of those expectations.

Lavigne's teen angst lyrics have been replaced instead with a more pop-inspired sound, with some songs even featuring clapping and cheerleader-style chanting. The first track, "Girlfriend," with its repeating chorus and upbeat tempo, is a good indicator of what to expect for the songs that follow.

The album's sometimes cheesy lyrics leave much to be desired. For example, the intro to "I Don't Have to Try" features this rhyme - "I'm the one, I'm the one who knows the dance. I'm the one, I'm the one who's got the prance. I'm the one, I'm the one that wears the pants."

Interestingly, the peppiness of this album has an uncanny similarity to Sum 41's music. This should come as no surprise since Lavigne's husband, Sum 41 frontman Deryk Whibley, was involved in its making - a collaboration that may prove unsuccessful if Lavigne's new sound ends up turning off her long-time fans that were expecting a much deeper and insightful record.

Even so, the album will most likely still be a favorite among teenage girls. However, parents may be concerned with the many instances of foul language found on the album.

Songs that I do somewhat dig are "Hot" (probably because it's the song that most sounds like old Avril) and the two ballads, "Innocence" and "Keep Holding On."

On a different note, the only thing still "punk rock" about Lavigne is the way she's dressing while promoting her album. She has given up her recent mature, demure look and has returned to the boyish, skater outfits that were her staple during her first claim to fame.