Welcome to our 4th ever album review on CDS Music Chart. Today we are reviewing "Avril Lavigne" by Avril Lavigne, which is the self titled 5th studio album by the singer. It was released on November 5th, 2013 in the United States after being delayed for several months. It was preceded by the worldwide smash lead single "Here's to Never Growing Up" (which reached the top 10 in many countries) and "Rock N Roll" the second official single which reached a handful of markets and went to the top 10 in 3 countries. The third official single, "Let Me Go (feat. Chad Kroeger)" preformed better than "Rock N Roll" and reached a peak of number 78 in the United States.
Quick Facts
- 14 song deluxe edition (13 + bonus track)
- Target limited edition
- Includes limited collectable cover
- Exclusive booklet
- Includes 2 CDS Music Chart Top 5 songs (including 1 #1)
On with the album review!
1. "Rock N Roll" Avril Lavigne, Peter Svensson, Rickard B. Göransson, J Kash, Chad Kroeger, David Hodges
This fun and catchy punk pop album opener is pure Avril. From start to finish. It reinforces her signature style that she is typically known for. It is a perfect summer's end anthem and is easily one of the standout songs on the album. It is easy, breezy and just has a grungy yet clean sound that is very well executed. It really has all the correct components to be a radio smash, but it obviously didn't appeal to most worldwide listeners. A true gem that was never given the right treatment.
2. "Here's to Never Growing Up" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
The truth is simple. It isn't as good as "Rock N Roll" yet it is still a standout. It doesn't quite pack a powerful punch like "Rock N Roll" does, and seems on the softer side of Avril's crazy spectrum. With that said, the softness is not as soft as any song from Avril's quiet previous album Goodbye Lullaby. To be honest it it sounds a lot like "What the Hell" and was almost as popular. It really is a true Avril single complete with the f-word and a few other extra curses.
3. "17" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, J Kash
A nice throwback to her first studio album Let Go. She was 17 when that came out so it seems like a true song from the heart. Sounds very mild until the strong yet sweet chorus is belted out. Not quite single worthy material yet still an interesting song that has potential to be a good album track. It leads the album into a more current Avril approach that is showcased in later tracks, and is the ending of the old Avril sound in a sense.
4. "Bitching Summer" Avril Lavigne, Matt Squire, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
A soft ballad-like track that seems very rough and not quite right. The bridge is a total mess that includes more of a rapped style. It seems like she is trying to be out of the box but hasn't quite made it out. It is too experimental and fails to deliver. Not a good song to consider as a single, though it will likely appeal to most 'true' fans. A little bit weird and just a little bit of a shot in the dark. Thankfully it id followed by another standout track.
5. "Let Me Go (feat. Chad Kroeger)" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A perfect single that presents listeners with a whole new Avril Lavigne. Not only does it feature a more mature style and lyrics, it still packs an Avril style punch and the added verse from her husband, Chad Kroeger, signifies that she is moving on from her old roots. A big win and an excellent production that is simple, sweet and just absolutely perfect. It works on every level! Easily one of the best songs from the album. A big bravo for creating a mature song that is still catchy.
6. "Give You What You Like" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A deep song filled with emotion and passion. A mature Avril sound that really seems to work. The song is soft yet full of pain, regret and truth. Another out of the park song that really bids a farewell to her previous styles. Its perfect, but the whole experience doesn't last enough! This track is yet another standout that is a great addition to Avril's discography.
7. "Bad Girl (feat. Marilyn Manson)" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A song just for the fans. Easily the sassiest song on the album, and a turning point both lyrically and vocally. It seems like a grainy live version, and appears to have some sort of a throwback-y filter laid over the vocals. It really pops, but it really isn't a standout track. A good collaboration that brings a new dimension to the record as a whole. With some noticeable flaws, a song that could pass as an okay album track.
8. "Hello Kitty" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
Back to her younger roots again. Aggressive, electronic, and asian influences can be clearly heard. The pre-chrous is the best part of the song. The rest is very scary and weird. Actually could give people nightmares. Seriously. Parts of it are unbearable and you could easily press skip. Not really living up to the hype that it received earlier this year. Actually seems offensive to asian people, like she is trying to do an impression of them.
9. "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" Avril Lavigne
Although it seems somewhat mild, it really is a good song. Bound to be a fan favorite from the album. The chorus and verses seem very clean and polished. One of the better songs on the album that really is under-appreciated. A song about teenage love that roars on despite the bumps in the road. Extremely addicting and plain catchy. Perfect.
10. "Sippin' On Sunshine" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
Yet another end of summer anthem that seems somewhat passable and a little underwhelming. Not horrible, yet expected more from Avril. Some lyrics sound as if they are a reworking of lyrics from other summer hits by different artists ("Roar" and "Wide Awake" influences; most notably). A little mediocre and a track that doesn't bring anything new or fresh to the album.
11. "Hello Heartache" AvriL Lavgne, David Hodges
A decent track that is a little squeaky sounding and bears resemblances to classic indie/euro pop songs.
Like "Bad Girl (feat. Marilyn Manson)", there appears to be an extra filter added to the vocals to give it some sort of effect. While it worked on the other track, it really doesn't work here. An average pop song that doesn't add another notable element of sound to the album. Certain parts will get stuck in your head easily.
12. "Falling Fast" Avril Lavigne
Bravo! Another mature sounding pop record that is different than the other ones included on the album. A great album track that is very honest and is a soft and simple ballad. It has a guitar tinged country beat that isn't heard elsewhere on the album. The chorus works very well also. Very calm and totally grown up.
13. "Hush Hush" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges
A strong closer. It lets the album fade away, yet ends on a positive and strong note. One of the softest and brightest songs on the album. It shows the direction that Avril is trying to lean toward and is the complete opposite of the opening track on the album ("Rock N Roll"). A sparkling ballad that is emotional and actually made us cry tears of joy.Thanks for a satisfyingly good ending song Avril!
Overall Views and Statistics
Strong Songs: "Rock N Roll", "Give You What You Like", "Here's to Never Growing Up", "Hush Hush"and "Let Me Go (feat. Chad Kroeger)"
Weak Songs: "Sippin' On Sunshine", "Hello Kitty" and "Bitching Summer"
Strong Points: Departure from teenage sound, good singles, interesting and inspiring musical styles.
Weak Points: Album goes back in forth between sounds in a weird way, David Hodges is included on almost every song, some noticeable filler tracks that aren't good.
Rating: 7.5/10 (C)
Remarks: A noteworthy album that has some noticeable flaws, but strong singles. Not quite worth the 2 and 1/2 year wait but still an improvement over her last album. Some songs are radio smashes and have already heavily impacted the CDS Music Chart top 50!
1. "Rock N Roll" Avril Lavigne, Peter Svensson, Rickard B. Göransson, J Kash, Chad Kroeger, David Hodges
This fun and catchy punk pop album opener is pure Avril. From start to finish. It reinforces her signature style that she is typically known for. It is a perfect summer's end anthem and is easily one of the standout songs on the album. It is easy, breezy and just has a grungy yet clean sound that is very well executed. It really has all the correct components to be a radio smash, but it obviously didn't appeal to most worldwide listeners. A true gem that was never given the right treatment.
2. "Here's to Never Growing Up" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
The truth is simple. It isn't as good as "Rock N Roll" yet it is still a standout. It doesn't quite pack a powerful punch like "Rock N Roll" does, and seems on the softer side of Avril's crazy spectrum. With that said, the softness is not as soft as any song from Avril's quiet previous album Goodbye Lullaby. To be honest it it sounds a lot like "What the Hell" and was almost as popular. It really is a true Avril single complete with the f-word and a few other extra curses.
3. "17" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, J Kash
A nice throwback to her first studio album Let Go. She was 17 when that came out so it seems like a true song from the heart. Sounds very mild until the strong yet sweet chorus is belted out. Not quite single worthy material yet still an interesting song that has potential to be a good album track. It leads the album into a more current Avril approach that is showcased in later tracks, and is the ending of the old Avril sound in a sense.
4. "Bitching Summer" Avril Lavigne, Matt Squire, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
A soft ballad-like track that seems very rough and not quite right. The bridge is a total mess that includes more of a rapped style. It seems like she is trying to be out of the box but hasn't quite made it out. It is too experimental and fails to deliver. Not a good song to consider as a single, though it will likely appeal to most 'true' fans. A little bit weird and just a little bit of a shot in the dark. Thankfully it id followed by another standout track.
5. "Let Me Go (feat. Chad Kroeger)" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A perfect single that presents listeners with a whole new Avril Lavigne. Not only does it feature a more mature style and lyrics, it still packs an Avril style punch and the added verse from her husband, Chad Kroeger, signifies that she is moving on from her old roots. A big win and an excellent production that is simple, sweet and just absolutely perfect. It works on every level! Easily one of the best songs from the album. A big bravo for creating a mature song that is still catchy.
6. "Give You What You Like" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A deep song filled with emotion and passion. A mature Avril sound that really seems to work. The song is soft yet full of pain, regret and truth. Another out of the park song that really bids a farewell to her previous styles. Its perfect, but the whole experience doesn't last enough! This track is yet another standout that is a great addition to Avril's discography.
7. "Bad Girl (feat. Marilyn Manson)" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
A song just for the fans. Easily the sassiest song on the album, and a turning point both lyrically and vocally. It seems like a grainy live version, and appears to have some sort of a throwback-y filter laid over the vocals. It really pops, but it really isn't a standout track. A good collaboration that brings a new dimension to the record as a whole. With some noticeable flaws, a song that could pass as an okay album track.
8. "Hello Kitty" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger
Back to her younger roots again. Aggressive, electronic, and asian influences can be clearly heard. The pre-chrous is the best part of the song. The rest is very scary and weird. Actually could give people nightmares. Seriously. Parts of it are unbearable and you could easily press skip. Not really living up to the hype that it received earlier this year. Actually seems offensive to asian people, like she is trying to do an impression of them.
9. "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" Avril Lavigne
Although it seems somewhat mild, it really is a good song. Bound to be a fan favorite from the album. The chorus and verses seem very clean and polished. One of the better songs on the album that really is under-appreciated. A song about teenage love that roars on despite the bumps in the road. Extremely addicting and plain catchy. Perfect.
10. "Sippin' On Sunshine" Avril Lavigne, Martin Johnson, David Hodges, Chad Kroeger, J Kash
Yet another end of summer anthem that seems somewhat passable and a little underwhelming. Not horrible, yet expected more from Avril. Some lyrics sound as if they are a reworking of lyrics from other summer hits by different artists ("Roar" and "Wide Awake" influences; most notably). A little mediocre and a track that doesn't bring anything new or fresh to the album.
11. "Hello Heartache" AvriL Lavgne, David Hodges
A decent track that is a little squeaky sounding and bears resemblances to classic indie/euro pop songs.
Like "Bad Girl (feat. Marilyn Manson)", there appears to be an extra filter added to the vocals to give it some sort of effect. While it worked on the other track, it really doesn't work here. An average pop song that doesn't add another notable element of sound to the album. Certain parts will get stuck in your head easily.
12. "Falling Fast" Avril Lavigne
Bravo! Another mature sounding pop record that is different than the other ones included on the album. A great album track that is very honest and is a soft and simple ballad. It has a guitar tinged country beat that isn't heard elsewhere on the album. The chorus works very well also. Very calm and totally grown up.
13. "Hush Hush" Avril Lavigne, David Hodges
A strong closer. It lets the album fade away, yet ends on a positive and strong note. One of the softest and brightest songs on the album. It shows the direction that Avril is trying to lean toward and is the complete opposite of the opening track on the album ("Rock N Roll"). A sparkling ballad that is emotional and actually made us cry tears of joy.Thanks for a satisfyingly good ending song Avril!
Overall Views and Statistics
Strong Songs: "Rock N Roll", "Give You What You Like", "Here's to Never Growing Up", "Hush Hush"and "Let Me Go (feat. Chad Kroeger)"
Weak Songs: "Sippin' On Sunshine", "Hello Kitty" and "Bitching Summer"
Strong Points: Departure from teenage sound, good singles, interesting and inspiring musical styles.
Weak Points: Album goes back in forth between sounds in a weird way, David Hodges is included on almost every song, some noticeable filler tracks that aren't good.
Rating: 7.5/10 (C)
Remarks: A noteworthy album that has some noticeable flaws, but strong singles. Not quite worth the 2 and 1/2 year wait but still an improvement over her last album. Some songs are radio smashes and have already heavily impacted the CDS Music Chart top 50!
No comments :
Post a Comment