Loin drawer thinker always trying to push Avril in a particular corner stitch together, the Canadian pop-rock brat was already dubbed as anti-Britney, as Goth Girl or last as Power Punk Girl. Now she's suddenly grown up and making serious music, because they should be so become so mature ... Let the girl simply singer purely!
Yes, the new album is different. Pink Pop punk allergies can breathe because of Kitsch cheerful hooks in pink-pop-punky featuring nothing has remained. Avril returns to the quieter tones, how often represented on their debut album. Very tradition of typical compensation reaction she turned three transitions back toward thoughtful tones similar to the then Under my Skin, but unfortunately also the lush, snotty guitar production remains this time on the track, emphasis is placed primarily on the acoustic guitar.
Goodbye Lullaby starts with the promotional openers of Avril's perfume Black Star. Sounds ludicrous but is actually a beautiful Klavierkleinod with proven four-chord progression. What one has done it, but is on me. What What the Hell? because lost in this rather calmed album? Moreover, at this point, after a gentle matching intro? Unexpected and unwanted Plastikpop according to the book is all what's left here. Granted, songs like this are the only real change in this law introverted album. Even songs that do not require the typical four-chord formula and mating Lagerfeuergeschraddel are usually kept organically and quiet (Stop standing there and I love you, the latter unfortunately a bit exhausting.) Only Smile breaks out here and despite poppy Girly- mesh convincing than the lead single aforementioned. The guitars are extremely funky and although the refrain might annoy the long run, but it is also extremely catchy.
Granted: So far, the review sounded relatively harsh and Lavigne's songwriting is to criticize strongly. Especially towards the end followed by a 4-chord song to the next. Nevertheless she herself creates the most ordinary songs including still enchanted by incredibly soulful and impressive vocal lines (4 real). A masterful composer she may not be, any more than masterful poet that could her since the debut reproach, but her simple love songs are so poignant, honest, direct, something childlike and yet inevitable. So from the 4-Chorder Wish you were here is (admittedly: this basic formula just works almost always) a dramatic love ballad and the haunting Push (together with old friend Evan Taubenfeld) is a never out of my head. Quiet, catchy and above all beautiful.
Even if the formula is overused, songs like Everybody hurts just go always good ear. Melancholic melodies and good harmonies together with gentle instrumentation make simply good pop songs. Unfortunately, the change really will be the loser. Especially with the exciting Not enough one would wish that but the electric guitar would pop right again in the chorus. Power more attention Avril's nothing, it remains dedicated vocal organ. Brillierend not technically ecstasizing or scope, but direct and honest.
Towards the end there is (surprise, surprise!) Another 4-chord acoustic song called Darlin '. Ok, this one time it was her forgiven, after all, the song is a bit older and as usual catchy. When Remember when (the same again, only on the piano) that goes but just not right and Avril have to but the accusation of lack of imagination can be, which of course does not apply to the incredibly emotional, painted Closer Goodbye.
Conclusion: Fans of the best-damn thing will probably miss the bolder side of Avril. Others may change, more ingenuity or firmer guitars. But as calm following album Goodbye Lullaby is fully in order, Avril sounds again authentic to.
Rating: ****
