You have to be special to make it as a woman on the punk, rock, or alternative scene. And there are many women I could write about who dominate the stage and capture our souls with their music. But my focus today is Avril Lavigne.
Avril’s explosion onto the punk scene, though she was probably mislabeled, was a huge success. Yet even though her back-up band didn’t have it “go’in on,” Avril’s crystal-sharp voice snagged the ears of her listeners. I remember fondly the first time I heard Complicated; her voice was beautiful. Not only that, but she’s a born performer. Her eyes communicate a soft sexuality tie-dyed with adamant attitude. She has a beautiful smile, and a flair for showmanship.
A gorgeous voice, rock’n persona, and meaningful lyrics were the backbone of her first album. She had at least 4 singles and the rest of the tracks (save one) were equally phenomenal. One of my personal favorites was Naked.
Then came the second album. Take everything on the first, fire the band, give her tons of money, and a kick’n recording/mixing team and you’ve got Avril Lavigne . . . only better. The music quality was sky high and Avril continued to amaze us with her vocal variety. Not only that, but because she was older I was allowed to say she was hot without people thinking I was a pedophile!
I have to admit that when the second album came out I said I wouldn’t like it as much as the first. Mircowaved seconds never seem to be as tremendous as the original oven-roasted goodness. But I was wrong.
Then the third album was born.
We’ve known since the first CD that Avril has never felt completely comfortable shoving herself into a single genre, or fashion mold. Her newest album cemented that even further into her performance . . . and clothing choices. New styles, but also more mature lyrics seperated this album from the rest. Her second CD sounded a little bitter, and though The Best Damn Thing has it’s moody boy-hating themes, at least she added a few motivational tunes.
Like with the second girl-punk installment, I swore the third CD wouldn’t be my favorite, but I was wrong, at least sort of. I have to say it’s really awesome but it’s almost an even tie with the second album, even though many songs from the first are still my favorites.
In the end I hope Avril will be around for awhile. Sure, she’s married now, so I have no chance with her. But I can dream, and in my dream she’ll be singing softly and sweetly one of my favorite songs . . . Naked. Wow, that can mean so many things.
Posted by Kevin Olsen
