Avril Lavigne - Let Go (Let Go - Avril Lavigne)

Member Name: ManUtdBoi

Product:	Let Go - Avril Lavigne
Date:	30/10/04 (727 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fun, energetic, fresh

Disadvantages: -

She’s got her fans, she’s got her critics and she’s got the people that quite frankly couldn’t care less. Yet Avril Lavigne still goes on, chin up, replying to the critics the only way she knows how, through her music. There’s no doubting that the critics will be there regardless, she may make the finest album of all time, yet still she’s ‘not punk’ lol. Fact is, after two years of constant touring, constant TV appearances and numerous photo shoots, the thing that keeps Avril above everyone else is the quality of her studio material. Alright, so you’ll say ‘but she doesn’t write all her material’ and my response would be, so what. Name me anyone in modern music that does in fact write every damn word to every one of their songs, because I bet you can’t. In my opinion, the people that won’t even bother to give her music a go before criticising her need to go find a very high cliff and take a running jump. Sorry to sound critical of some people, but that’s exactly how you make people feel when you do exactly the same thing day in day out. So, to completely change subject, let us delve into the world of ‘Let Go’……….

Avril Ramona Lavigne, once a shy child from small town Napanee, Ontario, has since developed the ability to absolutely blow your mind with her live performances, and despite the rock rooted sound of second album ‘Under My Skin’, it was the pop-happy sounds of her debut album ‘Let Go’ that gave this tiny person her start in this business we call show. It’s a record that, despite not being solely written by Lavigne, still conveys her personal thoughts and feelings with every passing second, compromising her integrity to a number of people form the off. Complicated, we all know it, and whether or not you dare admit it, we’ve all found ourselves humming along at some time or other. It gives the story of being Complicated (no brainer eh) and making things harder than they need be by trying to be something you aren’t, when in fact being yourself will always win the day. It’s the track that started the Lavigne band-wagon on its way, giving her the platform to produce more radio friendly pop, yet still using the hints of rock (Losing Grip, Unwanted).

As a mention to Losing Grip, I believe it to be the finest song Avril has done so far, along with Nobody’s Home, it’s a gut kick at the guy that didn’t have, shall we say the guts to have a proper relationship and always tried to ‘play it cool’ around mates, something that simply will not do with our Avril. Loud, hard and in your face, Losing Grip is the complete rock tune as far as Lavigne goes. As I also mentioned Unwanted, I’ll do it the honour of giving it the mention that it deserves. It is without doubt harder than Losing Grip and as likely to be the loudest song on ‘Let Go’, giving the proverbial middle finger to the guy that ignored Avril when she wanted him. Of course it’s quite obvious who’s missed out in the long run (assuming these are all genuine tales of woe) …….

“You don't know me
Don't ignore me
You don't want me there
You just shut me out
You don't know me
Don't ignore me
If you had your way
You'd just shut me up
Make me go away….”

Now, there isn’t a possibility that I can review ‘Let Go’ and not mention the song. Yes you know the one I mean, the one that has become Avril’s trademark since its release, with constant references, continuing radio time, as well as being an interview question on a daily basis…… ‘Sk8er Boi’. There’s no question of its appeal, its loud, hard and in your face and even after being physically shoved down our throats roughly 5000 times since 2002, there’s just no let up in its appeal. I’m sure the majority of us know the story (if you don’t then where have you been hiding) From Avril’s personal perspective, it’s about a guy (the sk8er boi) and a girl that believes he’s not good enough for her. Of course ‘princess’ gets shown up as the boy goes on to become a huge MTV rock star, leaving her with the remains of a failed relationship and an extra mouth to feed. Meanwhile we see a happy conclusion to a Lavigne track as it turns up that she ends up with the Sk8er Boi, awwwwww.

Other than the singles, there is a lot of tracks on here, that had it not been for live shows, may never have had their fare share of the spotlight. Naked, a beautiful ballad telling of how (again presuming its personal) Avril felt truly open to someone for the first time, feeling totally exposed and naked of her feelings. it’s a track that channels I’m With You in the emotion stakes. Talking of such a track, I’m With You was the other big release from the album, again with the stock tale of abandonment and lost love, with Avril looking for someone to save her from the loneliness that she feels after being stood up. I made my feelings clear as to which of Avril’s albums I prefer, that being ‘Under My Skin’, as it does just that, delves into her soul and mind, bringing out personal thoughts. Of course ‘Let Go’ does just that also, but doesn’t quite get as deep as her second release had the chance too. Credit given for Avril leaving the 12 year old brigade behind, but lets not forget had it not been for this amazing debut record, then would there have been an ‘Under My Skin’ ?

Track listing

1. Losing Grip
2. Complicated
3. Sk8er Boi
4. I’m With You
5. Mobile
6. Unwanted
7. Tomorrow
8. Anything But Ordinary
9. Things I’ll Never Say
10. My World
11. Nobody’s Fool
12. Too Much To Ask
13. Naked

Summary: