Avril Lavigne: Bringing Back The Edge

Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago.

The 21-year-old Lavigne is now married (to fellow Canadian rocker Deryck Whibley of Sum 41). She's also a certified actress, having made her film debut in last year's flicks "Fast Food Nation" and the animated "Over the Hedge." And she's gone glam, ditching her tomboy duds for gowns and heels in high-profile modeling gigs.

But anyone concerned that the pop-punk princess had lost her edge will find reassurance in the title of her latest album: "The Best Damn Thing." And there's more attitude throughout the CD — the first single, "Girlfriend," is about taking someone else's guy.

It was Lavigne's edgy, tough-girl persona (along with the rock ditties she co-wrote) that helped to set her apart from the rest of pop's divas when she made her debut at 16 with her first album, 2002's "Let Go." It sold millions, as did her follow-up, 2004's "Under My Skin."

Now, with her third disc, Lavigne is picking up where she left off. Read a few excerpts from the interview, conducted by AP writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody below.

The Associated Press: It's been awhile since your last album. Why the break?

Lavigne: ... I just wanted to kind of take a break and live my life. I worked on a couple of movies, got married, and then I went into the studio and because I write my songs it takes much longer for me to work on my album. I took my time with the album. I didn't want to rush it, I wanted to make sure it was really good ... I want to make sure I have time for myself to enjoy myself to enjoy life, because I've worked so much in my life.

How has getting married changed you?

I don't feel like marriage has really changed me that much; just personally, in my personal life, I'm really happy.

Youre new album is very upbeat — does that reflect your mood?

Well, a lot of my inspiration for this record came from tour(ing), and me realizing what songs I like to play live the most ... I had this vision for this record, my vision was to make a fun record all the way tough, energetic, poppy and catchy but still a rock record, so that's what I did. So I went in the studio and had a really good time, and the songs are so me, and it's fun, it's like a party CD ... it's like a summer CD, that's what it's like to me.

Your husband worked with you on two songs — had you two always planned to work together?

No, I didn't plan on working with Deryck. I had written two songs with my friend Evan and they are kind of in the pop-rock vein and I thought he'd be perfect for it. He was producing his record, so he was already in the studio. I'm glad he got to be a part of it. We have very similar styles and we like a lot of the same music, and he's really good.

Read more at AP.

Comments

[not_dead_enough]

My friend who is a fan of (old) Avril just bought this album; by god has she changed! I myself am a fan of bands like Metallica who can change styles and pull it off just as well but I can see how alot of Avril fans would not like this new direction.

But anyone concerned that the pop-punk princess had lost her edge will find reassurance in the title of her latest album: "The Best Damn Thing." And there's more attitude throughout the CD — the first single, "Girlfriend," is about taking someone else's guy.

From what I've heard of the album, fans will lose that reassurance as soon as they hear that "Girlfriend" single, and the rest of the album.

Anyways I don't know; i'm no Avril fan.

[holybassbatman!]

From what I've heard on the radio her new album sounds very bubble gum popish.

[FaceTheBass]

Where did the guitarist for U2 go and why is Avril bringing her back?

[Nor'Easterbass]

"Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago." but she stilllll sucks.

[emil_sej]

FaceTheBass wrote:

Where did the guitarist for U2 go and why is Avril bringing her back?

I really don't know, but I was thinking the same thing... what did she do to him to make him go away?

[untalented]

ok, i am no avril fan but let's be honest, artists can't stay the same forever or people get bored.. and when they change, a lot of people aren't going to like it. Most of an artist's work isn't going to be great because unless they're mozart, bach, hendrix or led zeppelin, they don't have that many ideas and that much genious. Most artists today are probably liked more for their style and the way people can relate to their lyrics rather than the music.

[Fi-Fi]

Nor'Easterbass wrote:

"Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago." but she stilllll sucks.

agreed why is she even on UG?

[Metal claw]

The album sounds awesome. I never liked the old Avril, but the new one sounds good.

[TheUnholy]

Fi-Fi wrote:

Nor'Easterbass wrote:

"Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago." but she stilllll sucks.

agreed why is she even on UG?

Because she plays guitar, and has guitar in her songs. I don't like her music either, but it has a right to be on here.

[BlindS!ght]

Because she plays guitar, and has guitar in her songs. I don't like her music either, but it has a right to be on here.

What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

[got_trivium?]

not_dead_enough wrote:

My friend who is a fan of (old) Avril just bought this album; by god has she changed! I myself am a fan of bands like Metallica who can change styles and pull it off just as well.

hahaha riiight. you sure are a jokester.

[shoopdawhoop]

i hate that video for girlfriend its like we are meant to be on her side as she bullys people :s lol i like a lot of pop music but avril is shit

[Do Re Mi]

HAHAHA seriosuly!? Metallica able to change styles and pull it off!? Have you listened to St. Anger? Obviously not.

[Do Re Mi]

But anyway, even though it ain't my type of music, her new single is definitely different than anything out there. I give her credit for originality and doing what she wants to do.

[JohnnyHann]

i always wonder why people who dislike "insert artist here" always love to read news stories relating to "insert artist here" and comment about how much they hate "insert artist here". why even bother reading the article if you hate "insert artist here" so much? never quite got it...

[not_dead_enough]

Do Re Mi wrote:

HAHAHA seriosuly!? Metallica able to change styles and pull it off!? Have you listened to St. Anger? Obviously not.

Yes

Do Re Mi wrote:

But anyway, even though it ain't my type of music, her new single is definitely different than anything out there. I give her credit for originality and doing what she wants to do.

So you give her credit for originality and doing what she wants to do (even when you admit it's not your kind of music) but not Metallica??

Hmmm...

JohnnyHann wrote:

i always wonder why people who dislike "insert artist here" always love to read news stories relating to "insert artist here" and comment about how much they hate "insert artist here". why even bother reading the article if you hate "insert artist here" so much? never quite got it...

I know, it baffles me.

Anyway, no more discussion on the merits of Metallica's St Anger, if you want to discuss them go to the forums.

To the people complaining about this being on UG: firstly I don't know why you're reading news you're not interested in and posting about it, and secondly if you want news about the music you are interested in on UG... contribute it!

[MoshMaster101]

BlindS!ght wrote:
What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

Barney shreds like a pro, man.

[shakysam]

BlindS!ght wrote:
What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

Yes. End of.

[tommyt]

hey hey, you you i dont like your album .....

if thats music with an attitude ill take my headphones off haha

[TJ1991]

Although the previous albums were more meaningful, I'm a sucker for a catchy tune, and so I like this album waaaay more than the other two. And they were damn good albums.

[BlackRevelation]

JohnnyHann wrote:

i always wonder why people who dislike "insert artist here" always love to read news stories relating to "insert artist here" and comment about how much they hate "insert artist here". why even bother reading the article if you hate "insert artist here" so much? never quite got it...

Because it human nature to express ideas or opinions. If we didn't then this world would be boring. What if hendrix never expressed his emotions through guitar? Most of us would be here today.

[BlackRevelation]

wouldnt*

[5_Strings]

if you just quit providing us with her boring news .. it would be alot better .. shes a pop star for ****sake

[_sam_]

shes hot

Checked.

[ghostmouse859]

first of all, she never had an edge and second of all, look at that steaming photo!

[AAAAAAAAAARGH]

FaceTheBass wrote:

Where did the guitarist for U2 go and why is Avril bringing her back?

Damn you, i was going to make that joke.

[Gnarlysock]

I used to not like her music but now it's much much worse-she's still hot though

[Guitar_Poet]

BlindS!ght wrote:

Because she plays guitar, and has guitar in her songs. I don't like her music either, but it has a right to be on here.


What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

....thats probably one of the stupidest comments i have yet read.

my girlfriend loves Avril, and sadly i have to admit that being with her, ive heard the whole album. its all the same, really... but she doesnt understand that.. oh well. hey, her music makes some people happy, and thats fine with me. to me, her music is lame, but i can appreciate the fact that some people like it.. because it keeps them calm and at peace.

avrils music is MAINLY directed towards a female audience... im not saying guys are excluded, but the songs are pretty much all based on female.. feelings/thoughts/ideas/etc... so no shit most guys dont like it. lol.

[proguitarist11]

_sam_ wrote:

shes hot

amen. too bad she's married. at least it's to Deryck.

[proguitarist11]

when her music videos come on, i mute it, but still watch it.

[DaveGilmour1189]

**** this, iced earth album is comming out later.

all i'm gonna say is this (and this is not bashing of her music) but if you listen to her cd on a loop for 6 hours driving with your little sister it gets very annoying.

[Guitar_Poet]

DaveGilmour1189 wrote:

**** this, iced earth album is comming out later.

all i'm gonna say is this (and this is not bashing of her music) but if you listen to her cd on a loop for 6 hours driving with your little sister it gets very annoying.

yea, especially because the whole CD repeats every 15 minutes... lol.

[sk8ero131]

Fi-Fi wrote:

Nor'Easterbass wrote:

"Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago." but she stilllll sucks.

agreed why is she even on UG?

Doublely agreed, i find it hard to read this article without laughing

[zombie_monster]

I kinda like her music, but this new cd completely contradicts whatever her music was about at the beginning. I mean, wasn't her first point that a chick can be noticed without looking and acting like a hoe?

[sbass12]

i like that shes canadian.

[thesimo]

u wouldnt say no

[blakwyte]

last.fm has been playing that single as a track "recommended by sony bmg" aka a commercial, and i am even less impressed than usual ... usual being at about at the zero level

[earlobes]

Whats Avril Lavigne got to do with guitar? Shit all. It's like putting Britney Spears on the front page of a drumming web site because she released an album with drum loops.

[Angelus Mortem]

I like her. she's not a bad writer no matter what else can be said of her.

and yeah... she's hawt.

[El Cumanés]

Is not a bad album, but is not outstanding either. It has only very standard songs.

[chiefmegadeth]

yes she's bringing back her crazy solo's
yesssss
Speed metal Avril!!!!

[catchtherainbow]

chiefmegadeth wrote:

yes she's bringing back her crazy solo's
yesssss
Speed metal Avril!!!!

Dude,I think you mistaken Avril for Alexi.

[Codeman26]

Im not even gonna lie but chick rock is pretty good. especially Avril she is one of the best women in Rock right now

[Codeman26]

plus she's hot

[rocknrollreject]

Avril Lavigne Bringing Back The Edge haha she is the biggest poser ever but she is probably the hottest poser ever

[guitar_player5]

She has such a good voice and she is so gorgous. I can't believe her husband lucked out and caught her. Yes, I'm jealous. Haha. I liked you old songs, because they were soft and relaxing and had a good sound to them. Her new stuff is to girly and bubble-gumish.

[Steve Cropper]

A person has the right to read this story, as it is one of the headlines at the time of this comment. They also have the right to voice there opinion on X artist even if they dislike X artist. This right is only one which is given upon taking the time to read the article fully and really articulating what their thoughts are on X artist. You do not see a meal and say this sucks. you give it a taste and then say it sucks.

I personally think Avril is a total tool. There is a substantial amount of evidence to prove so. She has sold her soul to Lucifer and she has payed for this with no artistic credibility among the the guitar world, well the one represented by this website anyway.

Checled.

[IncendiumMortem]

she played a special show at my school once through Oprah. thats all i know of her

[dann_blood]

I hate the single. Its got that annoying tune, like that "hey mickey your so fine, your so fine you blow my mind" song.
But that wouldnt stop me ploughing her.

[dan_d_superman]

alright time for my rant. i was a fan of avril (don't care if it's shameful i even bought the album) i'm going to start off with what i am most angry about. she makes a song called complicated having a go at a man who acts fake, makes herself out to be a rock chick in sk8r boi and then changes from a woman to a girl image in the new album. to which she then sings about taking someone elses guy when she is married. it sounds fake and yes i love the controversy, changes mean attention. any publicity is good publicity i mean your reading this lol.

[dan_d_superman]

other then that mainstream song that has become a hit her music still sounds pretty good but one of them reminds me a lot of a blink 182 song. (sister was showing me avrils new album which is why i even commented here)

[slash_41]

BlindS!ght :
Because she plays guitar, and has guitar in her songs. I don't like her music either, but it has a right to be on here.
What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

lol and then Barney joins Gwar lmao the funniest thing ever!

[Rage`]

Avril never had "The Edge." =/

[FRDesign]

Ive never heard Avril lavigne on a Rock music radio station before.

Only Top 40

[pistols]

i'm glad she's acknowledged it's pop-rock and not punk

but i still had to laugh at the 'tough-girl' attitude in naming an album "the best damn thing"

[Scarlatti]

Avril ruiïned (Or whatever it's spelled) her looks in my oppinion...She was so mutch hotter. Anyways, I agree with the ones that say her new album isn't that great. I liked the old avril more.

[mitch311]

shes hot now

[paramore_fans]

Hey Hey You You!!!!

Don't just focused on Girlfriend song or video, I just bought the album, I like other songs in it such as

I Can Do Better - Sounds so punky, sounds like Blink 182

EVERYTING BACK BUT YOU - Sounds like Blink 182 too but lyrics are ****ing kickass and creatvie

WHEN YOU'RE GONE - an EMO song, I hope that you will relate to thsi song if for example your love ones left ou without kissing and saying goodbye

RUNAWAY - sounds very LET GOISH

ONE OF THOSE GIRLS - Sounds UNDER MY SKIN'NISH

INNOCENCE - A TOTAL MASTERPIECE BALLAD

HOT - This is something new, Implies having sex with Deryck!!!! coz she's married already so guys, don't be jealous to Deryck


Conclusion: The Reason why avril is here on UG is because she can actually play guitar, piano and drums if you watched her videos on youtube. So Stop ****ing whining!!! She's SINCERE, SHE'S NOT FAKE, She can really sing/write metaphoric songs!!!! So stop calling her a poser. Only a few rock chicks nowadays are as amazing as her

REMEMBER THAT SHIT!!! Besides, Avril is becoming better and better now if you only realize it!!! she can write both catchy/serious songs

[SlashNX]

exactly how is a pop song that goes "hey hey, you, you, I should be you girlfriend" "edgy"?????

I suppose the song does use the F word and her album title uses the word "Damn", thats gona cause a stir for sure!

[Skywalker_90]

I was a fan and she did play a kickin' version of fuel once but now i'm just embarrassed for her and i'm ashamed i ever listened to her

[TJ1991]

I know everyone's already judged her on Girlfriend, but thats not one of the better songs on the album. You can tell which songs she wrote when she was drunk, cos they're nowhere near as good as the rest.

However, I just saw the video for Girlfriend on Kerrang's "Heaviest Videos of the Week," and I have to agree, what the hell is happening to rock music?

Checked/Deleted.

[lyrixgirl]

untalented wrote:

ok, i am no avril fan but let's be honest, artists can't stay the same forever or people get bored.. and when they change, a lot of people aren't going to like it. Most of an artist's work isn't going to be great because unless they're mozart, bach, hendrix or led zeppelin, they don't have that many ideas and that much genious. Most artists today are probably liked more for their style and the way people can relate to their lyrics rather than the music.

seriously, look at joan jett...

[Styx]

I don't like her music one bit, but i still marry her lol

[VoodooChild15]

Anyone who spells "Derek" with a Y is just looking for attention.

[TJ1991]

Yeah, cos his parents didnt name him...

[leeprechaun]

BlindS!ght :
Because she plays guitar, and has guitar in her songs. I don't like her music either, but it has a right to be on here.
What if Barney played guitar and had songs with guitar in it. Would that have a right to be on UG too?

it probably is!

[MCR-Apostle]

Has anyone seen the video for 'Girfriend'? She's prancing around in a denim mini, fishnets, knee-high socks and heels; she wouldn't look out of place dancing with the Pussy Cat Dolls! And I remember Lavigne slating Britney Spears for dressing like a 'ho' but claiming she's a virgin, "She's doing one thing but saying another thing," Avril said, "That's not what I'm going to do." Now Avril's dressed in Chanel couture and claiming she's a rock chick. This isn't the artist we fell in love with people.

[the_deviant]

She's so hot it doesn't even matter XD

[masterohumans]

she is not similar to sum 41

[Sleaze90]

she is hot >=D

[chipsahoy]

"just personally, in my personal life," bit redundant isn't she. Her new single blows my mind due to it's amazingly badness.

[Witch-king]

she is damn hot in her new video.

[xXbleed4meXx]

I have no particular dislike for Avril, but if she's considered to be "on the edge", I must have fallen off long ago.

[samerika]

she's looking much nicer.

Checked/deleted.

[Mcut202]

I don't really like Avril Lavigne that much considering i am not a 12 year old girl. Also i really don't think she is all that good looking.

[punk_isntemo12]

everyone here either seems to hate Avril or thing shes hott stuff.....personally, i like the single. its catchy and im a sucker for a catchy song. unless its pure pop, then i want to scream and run in circles. hopefully Avril doesnt go down that path on this album.

[metallicax]

im not an avril fan and dont intend to listen or buy the album but lets be honest,, SHES FUCKING HOT AS! lol

[Aginor]

untalented wrote:

ok, i am no avril fan but let's be honest, artists can't stay the same forever or people get bored.. and when they change, a lot of people aren't going to like it. Most of an artist's work isn't going to be great because unless they're mozart, bach, hendrix or led zeppelin, they don't have that many ideas and that much genious. Most artists today are probably liked more for their style and the way people can relate to their lyrics rather than the music.

its not always the fans that get bored, but the band more than less.

[Tumble-weed]

So she went from "I'm a rebel and I'm way too cool for guys!" to "I'm still a rebel but guys are okay." and now, "Meh...might as well be a slut!" lol

[ClaimYourVictim]

Honestly I don't think she even plays guitar and/or records it in the studio. Somewhere I read that in one of her original videos, she wasn't even the guy skateboarding and that it was a proskater who was a male.

[ClaimYourVictim]

She's selfish. It's not like it's called the "Avril Lavigne band" or something, it's named after her. The peole who actually play guitar and record instruments get no credit, and that's selfish.

[ClaimYourVictim]

She's easily marketable. It's not about the music anymore. I bet she doesn't even write her own crap.

[HighVoltage559]

untalented wrote:

ok, i am no avril fan but let's be honest, artists can't stay the same forever or people get bored.. and when they change, a lot of people aren't going to like it. Most of an artist's work isn't going to be great because unless they're mozart, bach, hendrix or led zeppelin, they don't have that many ideas and that much genious. Most artists today are probably liked more for their style and the way people can relate to their lyrics rather than the music.

Ac/dc Has stayed the same, sept for the singer, but they say that staying the same has helped them with all thier success.

[MCMTEDNUGENT]

i'd do her.

[concept:one]

Why is this on a guitar site? It has no merit at all music and makes as much use of the guitar as bands like Busted do.

[SonOfTheFather]

concept:one wrote:

Why is this on a guitar site? It has no merit at all music and makes as much use of the guitar as bands like Busted do.

well, what are your hobbies? guitar, drinkin', perhaps smokin, and chicks right? well, this chick is a hot one, she may be the biggest poser ever, but she is the hottest poser ever, too.

i hate to read all the stuff about how she's supposedly bringin "the Edge" back... because she's just a sellout pop star... ...but i must say, her pictures are fun to look at.

[anaoshak]

^ so much truth in this post.

[dookie_dude_]

i think she couldnt find anymore ways of complaining and just simply went with the 'loud anoying anti-depressent girl' phase, next will be the 'redneck girl' or maybe the 'i wear glasses but dont care what others think phase'

[dnamra13]

lol i dont like avrils music but she was everything i wanted in a girl (talking about avril in the beginning) lol she has changed and she still looks hot but her musis is ***** and yes she is a sellout. and for the guy that says that metallica can pull of different styles., no way buddie. i'm the biggest metallica fan but i hate load, reload and in st.anger they got a little of their old agression back. but the songs just didnt sound like or feel like the metallica like we all love.

[dnamra13]

lol i forgot something there is also a guy saying avril is sincere and everything lol dude check out britt lightning now that is sincere

[bush_slayer_07]

its so funny before this album came out i was talking about how the only chick artist that hadnt really sold out her sound for more media attention getting music was avril lavigne .....i guess i was wrong

[JesseWyllychuk]

Fi-Fi wrote:

Nor'Easterbass wrote:

"Avril Lavigne has gone through a few changes since she released her last CD three years ago." but she stilllll sucks.

agreed why is she even on UG?

Just because she isn't metal or rock, doesn't mean she can't be on ug, she still makes music.

[JesseWyllychuk]

bush_slayer_07 wrote:

its so funny before this album came out i was talking about how the only chick artist that hadnt really sold out her sound for more media attention getting music was avril lavigne .....i guess i was wrong

She said she did something she likes, a fun record all the way through, how is that selling out?

[br4vw]

haha Avril is featured on UG because of her guitar playing abilities

Checked. No more posting just to say she's hot.

[paramore_fans]

c'mon guys, don't you believe me that she can really play guitar? not jsut guitar but also drums and piano if you search her on YOUTUBE videos. Also sk8board in the making of BEST DAMN THING.

Guys, please DON'T UNDERESTIMATE HER. She's not a total sellout. That's just a GIRLFRIEND video. What about other songs in the album? so please buy her album if you're a true loyal fan that supporst her.

She always rocks and I am always her ****ing loyal fan!!! so Please stop hating her and she deserves to be here at ultimate-guitar then she already had 400 guitar tabs if you search

[CrisseaLei]

i like the previous avril lavigne better..... sigh...

[paramore_fans]

hey JesseWyllychuk you have great point, we are Av's loyal fans, haters here SUCK!!! all they do is CRITICIZE HER, UNDERESTIMATE HER, MAKE FUN OF HER.

But who gives a f**? The matters most is AV makes music, She isn't metal and so what's the big deal, she DESERVES TRO BE HERE on UG.

Haters here are idiots, we are teammates JesseWyllychuk!!!!

She said she did something she likes, a fun record all the way through, how is that selling out?

yup that's true!!! This TBDT album is a big departure from her 2004 UMS. If UMS sounded EMO, this album is fun because she's happy now, especially she married Sum 41's Deryck Whibley!!!

[Skadge_101]

Hey Hey You You!!!!

Don't just focused on Girlfriend song or video, I just bought the album, I like other songs in it such as

I Can Do Better - Sounds so punky, sounds like Blink 182

EVERYTING BACK BUT YOU - Sounds like Blink 182 too but lyrics are ****ing kickass and creatvie

WHEN YOU'RE GONE - an EMO song, I hope that you will relate to thsi song if for example your love ones left ou without kissing and saying goodbye

RUNAWAY - sounds very LET GOISH

ONE OF THOSE GIRLS - Sounds UNDER MY SKIN'NISH

INNOCENCE - A TOTAL MASTERPIECE BALLAD

HOT - This is something new, Implies having sex with Deryck!!!! coz she's married already so guys, don't be jealous to Deryck


Conclusion: The Reason why avril is here on UG is because she can actually play guitar, piano and drums if you watched her videos on youtube. So Stop ****ing whining!!! She's SINCERE, SHE'S NOT FAKE, She can really sing/write metaphoric songs!!!! So stop calling her a poser. Only a few rock chicks nowadays are as amazing as her

REMEMBER THAT SHIT!!! Besides, Avril is becoming better and better now if you only realize it!!! she can write both catchy/serious songs

seems as if a teenage girl on her period wrote that....


shut up please.

what you just said is 100% bulls***.

barney played the f***** guitar ok?

[ticklemeemo]

zombie_monster wrote:

I kinda like her music, but this new cd completely contradicts whatever her music was about at the beginning. I mean, wasn't her first point that a chick can be noticed without looking and acting like a hoe?

I agree. The chick in Evanescence is the only other girl rocker I like to listen to. Some of her music was even quite catchy. I would guess though, that the reason it takes her so long to write is she can only make a song every 28 days.