CORPORATE LINE: “I grew up so much in the past two years,” admits the Napanee, Ontario, native. “I’ve been through a lot, I’ve learned a lot, and experienced a lot both good and bad. These songs are about all of that, and each is very personal to me.” Working with producers, Butch Walker (of the Marvelous 3), Raine Maida (of Our Lady Peace), Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Pearl Jam), Avril co-wrote the dozen introspective songs on Under My Skin in near secrecy. “I’d just come off my world tour and got back to Toronto and was writing right away,” the 19-year-old says. “I had no idea what I was going to do. No one did. People wondered if I’d run out of things to write about, but it was the opposite.”
THE GREAT:
“Don’t Tell Me” – Although it is more Alanis than it is Avril, Avril pulls it off without trying. On top of being a good song there is also a message as Avril kicks a horny guy to the curb. With all the Christina’s and Britney’s in the world its nice to see someone taking a stand to tell young girls sex isn’t the only way to have fun.
“How Does It Feel” – Normally shifting gears into a ballad for an artist like Avril creates more of a stumble yet this sounds like a step forward. If you can’t or don’t sing along you aren’t listening.
“Nobody’s Home” and “Forgotten” – You can hear the influence of co-writer Chantal Kreviazuk. Avril finds new ways to use her voice for more than spouting about the crappy world. Avril again takes on an Alanis-like style as she toys with her vocals proving to be more than a one-trick pony.
THE AVERAGE:
“Together” – Reeks of big production and its no surprise that Don Gilmore is behind the board. It fakes rawness yet still makes your toes to tap.
“Take Me Away” – Tries hard to roar yet barely musters up a sweat.
“Who Knows” and “Fall To Pieces” – “Fall…” hints of Our Lady Peace—not surprising to find that OLP singer/songwriter Raine Maide produced the song.
“Freak Out” – Just as “Fall To Pieces” takes on Raine’s personality so does “Freak Out” which screams of Butch Walker punk-pop signature.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Avril Lavigne has been labeled as the anti-happy girl who is full of angst and apathy—yet Under My Skin doesn’t wear you down with dreariness. It is quite the opposite—in its apathy Avril has found a way to bring a black and white and gray kind of happiness. Listen, daylight doesn’t make everyone happy—in Avril’s world darkness can breed more than contempt. Under My Skin may not sparkle with sunshine but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Under the full moon the other half smiles and if Britney keeps you hiding perhaps Avril can break you out.
+ Rae Gun
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