It’s time for the world to witness the return of Avril Lavigne! Getting her start in 2002 with the album Let Go, this pop punk princess exploded on Billboard charts (almost overnight) with the song “Complicated”, with the subsequent single “Sk8er Boi” becoming a pop punk staple soon thereafter. Thus, the album Let Go is the obvious place to start, if you want to dip your toes in to the Avril pool. Avril’s second album, Under My Skin, is an album full of songs to sing along with… but, enough about the early stuff. Let’s talk about Love Sux — the newest album from Avril Lavigne.
Out as of February 24th, ‘Love Sux’ is a true return to form.
Lavigne also released two singles ahead of the album for fans’ listening pleasure: “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me”, featuring rapper blackbear. “Bite Me” is a song about getting cheated — on doesn’t that suck?! The opening lyrics prove that Lavigne isn’t one to be messed with: “Eh, oh, you should’ve known better better to fuck with someone like me // Eh, oh, forever and ever you’re gonna wish I was your wifey.” This song, I can imagine, was fun for Avril to record. I also love it because of the guitar — it hooks you in. For “Love It When You Hate Me”, I can say the same; I needed the rest of the album right when I heard it.
Pop punk is in a better place than it’s ever been. Did I mention there’s a Machine Gun Kelly collab on this thing? My hype meter is the highest it can go and the album was overseen by Lavigne’s current beau, Mod Sun. It’s time to get this pop punk princess back to front of mind! I currently have this album on repeat, for Avril Lavigne has definitely earned the title of ‘pop punk princess’.
So, let’s take a dive into this exquisite album.
The first track, “Cannonball”, starts immediately with its fast tempo riffs and drums. It starts with Avril shouting “like a ticking time bomb, I’m about to explode” and she definitely goes off in the best possible way. It’s definitely a party song, for sure… oh, who am I kidding? This entire album is comprised of party anthems. Avril says she’s coming on strong with “Cannonball”, but, compared to the rest of the album, she’s just dipping her toes in the pool of pop rock with this one. Track two, “Bois Lie”, features Machine Gun Kelly (like I said before); this one is much better — the guitar is classic Avril, igetting back to her roots on this song. The opening lyrics are awesome, as well: “You tell me what I want // What I wanna hear // Make me believe in magic, then disappear // You got a sharp tongue, like a razor blade // You put a knife into my back and try to write your name // So, tell me why you, you never tell the truth?” I wonder who Avril Lavigne’s ex is and how they hurt her so badly. “Boys lie // I can, too // Revenge is my sweet tooth // Girls cry, and so will you // Cause boys lie, boys lie,” Avril sings in the chorus.
Shortly after this amazing opening, Machine Gun Kelly comes in for a while and this, of course, blew my mind. They sound amazing together! I would like to see more collabs from these two amazing legends now. I won’t spoil the rest of the song… you’ll just have to give it a listen to know what I’m talking about.
The album then goes into the two previously released singles, “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me” featuring blackbear — we already talked about those. Let me just say that the latter song can put you easily in a great mood. The album then drops its title track and, wow, is it amazing. What more can I say? “Love Sux” is definitely a banger and feels like “Bois Lie” part two. Avril Lavigne asks the listener, “Are we having fun?” I love the fourth wall break.
“Kiss Me Like the World is Ending” rocks and is an awesome addition to the rundown.
“Tick tock // I should’ve known the time was coming // Yeah, it’s just like me to be kinda all or nothing.” This is what I love about Avril Lavigne: she’s going to give you her all or you will get nothing at all. Is she speaking to her newest boyfriend Mod Sun here…? This song is then followed by “Avalanche”, which has an amazing acoustic piece. We are getting the best of both worlds here — pop rock and indie chill. Definitely give this song a listen, because you are in for a great time.
Towards the end of the album sits “Déja Vu”, where Avril asks tough personal questions — “Am I insane? Expecting you to change?” It’s the same thing over and over again (hence, déja vu). Avril Lavigne seems pissed off In this song and I don’t blame her; I’d be mad too if someone broke my heart. Naturally, the song “FU” is the flip side to romantic anger, embodying the full-on energy that we’ve come to expect from Lavigne.
This song gives me vibes from her second album ‘The Best Damn Thing’ and I’m here for it!
“All I wanted” featuring blink-182‘s Mark Hoppus is great — it talks about Avril’s crushes a little bit and where she went wrong. I definitely feel like Avril has a bit of regret here. The inclusion of Hoppus is amazing, also. I don’t want to spoil the song, though, so you’ll just have to listen to it yourself. Up next, “Dare To Love Me” is a full-on ballad, which is a nice break from the rock side of this album. If you want a more mellow vibe, this is the song you’ll gravitate towards. Last, “Break Of A Heartache” is only a minute long, but is pure pop punk — fast, aggressive and angry… it’s amazing.
I hope Avril Lavigne is featured on Machine Gun Kelly’s new album. I am just dying for another collab with them both! These two, along with Mod Sun, have relit the kindling of pop punk to a full-out flame. This is pop punk for the next generation and I’m here for it. I have great confidence that Avril’s live shows for the Love Sux Tour will be epic — get your tickets now! It’s time for a new generation to experience the greatness that is Avril Lavigne. Love Sux is available on all streaming platforms and for purchase now, so go stream this exquisite album!
Purchase or stream ‘Love Sux’ album:
Track listing:
- Cannonball
- Bois Lie, feat. Machine Gun Kelly
- Bite Me
- Love It When You Hate Me, feat. blackbear
- Love Sux
- Kiss Me Like The World Is Ending
- Avalanche
- Déja vu
- F.U.
- All I Wanted, feat. Mark Hoppus
- Dare To Love Me
- Break Of A Heartache
Avril Lavigne – “Bite Me”
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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Great Article