The Best Damn Era Review
Posted 01-26-2009 at 06:17 PM by The Epic Winner
Tags the best damn thing
Originally posted here, I thought I'd re-post it as my very first blog
My first experience of Avril's third album was in the form of her first single from the record, "Girlfriend". After having such high expectations of the song from reading countless reviews of it, I absoloutely hated the song, and was severely disappointed. But somehow, the song grew on me, as have countless Avril Lavigne songs before it. Still, the release of the album itself, together with the pink, poppy, probably-drug-induced happy attitude seemed kind of strange. Whatever image she had before it's release, The Best Damn Thing truly shattered all of that and more. I really don't understand why she did what she did. Okay, so she gained new fans and maintained popularity, but is that what music is all about? It seemed to me that the release of this record was somehow superficial; somehow false. Had Avril, under the pretence of a musician, made a bold move, turning into a pop princess she knew a newer, younger audience would love? Or had she done what her biggest fans preach? Had she simply "developed" as a musician, and was this the somehow relevant and money-making result?
Whatever it was, I believe that with this record, Avril lost a lot of dignity in herself. It simply isn't heard of for a person to change musical tastes seemingly "just like that" as people say. Alright, so while it may not have been so instantaneous, it was without a doubt, as I have already said, strange. This girl went from suposedly deep and depressing to insanely happy and blissful (and no girls and boys, getting married doesn't just change a person like that).
So anyway, enough of the "what if?"s. Here's what I think. I think Avril made this record simply to remain relevant, and remain relevant is what she did. I simply refuse to believe that her musical taste changed in the way it did. This wasn't personal development, this was clear marketing at it's most obvious. This record was less about the music, and more about the image and in some cases, the money. Shoot me down all you want, but Avril has said herself that many of the songs featured on the album mean absoloutely nothing, and that doesn't speak passion to me.
It seems that Avril has lost her focus. Why does she feel the need to "design" a clothing brand? Or release a perfume? You can experiment with new things without making money from them. Avril isn't a designer, she's a musician. And it seems that these days, she's less of a musician and more of an image than anything else.
Yes; The Best Damn Thing was an enjoyable record. It was fun, light-hearted and an enjoyable listen. But my question is, was it really worth the cost?
My first experience of Avril's third album was in the form of her first single from the record, "Girlfriend". After having such high expectations of the song from reading countless reviews of it, I absoloutely hated the song, and was severely disappointed. But somehow, the song grew on me, as have countless Avril Lavigne songs before it. Still, the release of the album itself, together with the pink, poppy, probably-drug-induced happy attitude seemed kind of strange. Whatever image she had before it's release, The Best Damn Thing truly shattered all of that and more. I really don't understand why she did what she did. Okay, so she gained new fans and maintained popularity, but is that what music is all about? It seemed to me that the release of this record was somehow superficial; somehow false. Had Avril, under the pretence of a musician, made a bold move, turning into a pop princess she knew a newer, younger audience would love? Or had she done what her biggest fans preach? Had she simply "developed" as a musician, and was this the somehow relevant and money-making result?
Whatever it was, I believe that with this record, Avril lost a lot of dignity in herself. It simply isn't heard of for a person to change musical tastes seemingly "just like that" as people say. Alright, so while it may not have been so instantaneous, it was without a doubt, as I have already said, strange. This girl went from suposedly deep and depressing to insanely happy and blissful (and no girls and boys, getting married doesn't just change a person like that).
So anyway, enough of the "what if?"s. Here's what I think. I think Avril made this record simply to remain relevant, and remain relevant is what she did. I simply refuse to believe that her musical taste changed in the way it did. This wasn't personal development, this was clear marketing at it's most obvious. This record was less about the music, and more about the image and in some cases, the money. Shoot me down all you want, but Avril has said herself that many of the songs featured on the album mean absoloutely nothing, and that doesn't speak passion to me.
It seems that Avril has lost her focus. Why does she feel the need to "design" a clothing brand? Or release a perfume? You can experiment with new things without making money from them. Avril isn't a designer, she's a musician. And it seems that these days, she's less of a musician and more of an image than anything else.
Yes; The Best Damn Thing was an enjoyable record. It was fun, light-hearted and an enjoyable listen. But my question is, was it really worth the cost?
Total Comments 6
Comments
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Well said Brian
xxPosted 01-26-2009 at 06:18 PM by AliceUndergroundx_
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Really Christina? Really?! lolPosted 01-26-2009 at 06:36 PM by Lewymocha Original
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^ Yes Really
xxPosted 01-26-2009 at 06:43 PM by AliceUndergroundx_
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*agrees* what a great review!! too truePosted 01-26-2009 at 07:18 PM by Crash And Burn
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Great ReviewPosted 01-26-2009 at 08:02 PM by Camber239
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Is that you, Christina?
Well, I'm gonna have to agree with you, because what you say make a lot of sense. I think TBDT was a like a "break" and I deeply hope she knows what's better for her. Her words about 4th album make me feel optimistic.
Great review, Brian, I'd like that Avril would read it
Posted 01-27-2009 at 01:20 AM by jacklavigne
