I bought this album last week for my eldest nieces birthday, and being the nosy person that I am, I thought I would take the opportunity to have a sneaky peek at some of the more recent songs from the rage-filled, punk princess, and see what all the fuss was about.

Track Listing:-

1) Take Me Away
2) Together
3) Don't Tell Me
4) He Wasn't
5) How Does It Feel
6) My Happy Ending
7) Nobody's Home (with Ben Moody, formerly of Evanescence)
8) Forgotten
9) Who Knows
10) Fall To Pieces
11) Freak Out
12) Slipped Away
13) I Always Get What I Want (Bonus Track)

Originality:-

The new album 'Under My Skin' really isn't any different from her debut album 'Let's Go', which she will probably be ecstatic about, considering her first album became a multi-million pound chart-topper! When listening to this, the first impression I got was that both albums seem to be stuck together with the same glue, as both contain the trademark acoustic guitars, rock riffs in the chorus, and karaoke vocals for stressed out teens.

Lyrics:-

Even though the styles of the songs are all similar, I think Avril has developed well since dumping the songwriting talent behind her earlier hits. Working closer with her guitarist Evan Taubenfeld, it is obvious that Avril's singing/songwriting skills have greatly matured. 'Don't Tell Me', which they wrote together before the very catchy 'Complicated' was even released, has a parallel side to it's most obvious meaning. She may, at first impression, just seem like an angst-ridden teen telling a bloke to get stuffed, but if you listen properly to the words, you will hear how deep the song actually is, and how relevant it is to Avril, and most other peoples' lives.

Quality and Consistency Of Tracks:-

The tracks are all well written, and make big, bold statements. In my second favourite song, ‘Don’t Tell Me’, Avril tells us in explicit detail, of her reluctance to jump in the sack with the first guy that buys her half a cider. I felt that this song would have the best one to start the album off, rather than 'Take Me Away' as it gives quite a strong vibe to the rest of the album, with many of the other songs being in a similar style.
There are the odd exceptions to the norm though, such as 'Who Knows’, which is a very upbeat and optimistic song, and rather unlike Avril's usual strop-rock style. 'He Wasn't', (which has been dubbed 'Sk8er Boi - Part II', and is remeniscent of Greenday) and 'I Always Get What I Want' (Avril poking fun at her media self), are both in tied first place for my favourite songs on the album, and are a welcome break from the norm for Avril, as they are high-energy, pop-punk songs, which I think could prove to be huge hits at live concerts.

How Does It Compare To The Artists Other Releases:-

Avril, for this latest album, has decided to broaden her horizons, and explore the world of punk. Not happy with just being kiddie-friendly, she has tried to widen her audience by broadening her appeal to a much bigger and, by the sound of 'Don't Tell Me', older, crowd. I think she has managed to do this quite well, as you can instantly see how she has matured from a minature Alanis Morisette into a punk princess on a level of her own, with influences from bands such as Evanescence, and solo artists such as Michelle Branch.

How Does It Rate Alongside The Competition:-

With tough competition from other albums at the minute, this album could have it tough in the chart stakes. I feel that with other artists on the scene such as Keane, Franz Ferdinand and Ash, who's albums will be very competitive, Avril has little chance of getting the No.1 spot. As the album is nothing new, nor original, the majority of her sales will come from existing fans such as my niece, who probably already own her debut album.

Cover / Inlay Design and Content:-

With Avril on the front cover, the style is subtly sexy. With her giving her trademark sultry pout, and dressed in slightly more mature, but still punky clothes (including a black tutu), I think the album cover is more grown up than that of her first album. I felt that it stood out a lot less than the bright cover of the previous album, but with the covers and content being of a more mature standard, it still caught my eye in the record store.

Overview:-

Although I do like Avril, I feel this CD is too similar to her debut album, with the odd exception. I also feel however, that this could be the start of something big for her, as the new, more mature appearance shines through not just in looks but in her music too. This could be something that could work well for her, as long as she doesn't slow it down too much, as the punk style is what attracted the majority or her fans in the first place.
If she continues as she is, she will naturally progress into a style that suits both her, and her fans, with the possibility of gaining even more fans. For first time buyers of Avril's songs, I feel there is little to attract you unless you know and love her previous hits. If you are a fan, then this album would be perfect for you - if you're not sure, then personally I wouldn't buy this album.

Price and Availability:-

You can, of course buy this album from all the normal sources such as supermarkets, but the cheapest place I have found this album is at www.101cd.com, where it is £8.95 with free delivery to the UK (they offer free delivery on all items).

Similar Music:-

For those avid Avril fans out there, I thought I would add some artists who could be of interest:

Alanis Morrisette
Michelle Branch
Evanescence
Linkin Park
Stiltskin
The Calling

Avril Lavigne Gigs:-

All tickets should be on sale from 9am 04/06/04.

03/10/04 Manchester - Evening News Arena
04/10/04 - Birmingham - National Indoor Arena
06/10/04 - Belfast - Odyssey Arena
07/10/04 Glasgow - SECC
09/10/04 Cardiff - Cardiff Arena
10/10/04 London - Wembley Arena

Other Items:-

There are also two music DVD's available featuring Avril Lavigne:

My World
Skater Girl

Website:-

For more information you can go to www.avril-lavigne.com, or www.avrilfans.com for the fan page.

C.D Info:-

CD: Audio C.D
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Arista Records
Tracks: 13 - 12 Standard, and 1 Bonus Track
Release Date: 24th May 2004
Album Length: 45 Minutes
Promotional Tag: 'Avril Lavigne’s Under My Skin is sure to get under yours!'

Warning:-

This C.D does include anti-copying technology to prevent the illegal copying of the CD with a computer. This may affect the playability of the C.D on computer devices such as PC's and gaming platforms.

Hope you enjoyed this op - be kind! x x x Jo x x x

Update!
[Blushes] Avril Lavigne has reached No.1 in the album charts, week commencing 30th May 2004