Avril Lavigne Album: “Under My Skin”

Avril Lavigne has changed a lot, in my opinion, since "Let Go". But I think those changes were made for the better. Not only do her songs have less cheesy lines in them, but you can tell just by looking at her that she is more mature. I found this album to be a little depressing because there aren't too many cheerful, upbeat songs like there were on Let Go, but still a cool pop/rock album! Here are my ratings for each song:

1. Take Me Away-5/5. This song has a hard rock beat, and is somewhat like "Losing Grip", the song that started off Let Go. It is about just wanting to get away from all the pain and suffering being felt inside.

2. Together-4/5. Avril's vocals in the chorus have a rather annoingly high pitch, but this song is still a good one. In this song, Avril talks about not feeling "together" with her boyfriend.

3. Don't Tell Me-5/5. One of my favorite songs on this album. It has a rather mature subject, and is not exactly the most appropriate for younger kids.

4. He Wasn't-3/5. The "Sk8r Boi" of Under My Skin, "He Wasn't" is really upbeat, and the lyrics are kind of cheesy in some parts. In this song, Avril sings about the boy she likes turning out to be someone completely different from what she thought he would be.

5. How Does It Feel-3/5. This song is slow, but Avril's vocals sound pretty good in it. That's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. It is about wondering how other people view the world.

6. My Happy Ending-5/5. Another of my favorites on this album. It has a great beat, and catchy lyrics. It is about an "UN-Happy Ending" with a boy. Note that there is a kind of big cussword in the part after the first chorus.

7. Nobody's Home-4/5. I guess this is the song I should be talking about the most, since Amazon won't let you listen to a clip of it on this album. It is a kind of sad song about a girl who's been misguided, and who is alone and depressed. The beat is good, and Avril's voice sounds nice.

8. Forgotten-5/5. This song starts out in an eerie sort of way, then turns into hard rock and loud vocals. This is yet another of my favorite songs. It is about, of course, being forgotten and left behind.

9. Who Knows-3/5. This song has a good beat, and is about making your dreams come true.

10. Fall To Pieces-3/5. This song is slightly better then "Who Knows", in my opinion, although it sounds rather similar to it. It is a love song, and Avril's vocals sound pretty good in it.

11. Freak Out-5/5. This song sounds like one that would end a really good movie, or be the favorite on the movie soundtrack. It has a good beat, and catchy lyrics. I used to not like it, but yes, it is now ANOTHER of my favorite songs on this album. It is about letting loose.

12. Slipped Away-5/5. This is a sad song Avril wrote about when her grandpa died. The beat is nice, though slow, the lyrics are good, and Avril's vocals sound great. If you're easily depressed/disturbed then you might not like this song, though.

By averaging, I got the overall rating of 4 stars for this album, which is better then the overall rating I got for Let Go. I would suggest listening to clips of the songs here on Amazon before purchasing, though.

In my review for Avril's first album, I wrote, "This is the best CD I've ever listened to in my life. Avril is *almost* your average 17-year-old punk. The only difference? Her amazing talent." My opinion changed a bit after seeing her live. She only played guitar on 2 or 3 songs, and her voice must've been altered a lot on the CD, because it didn't sound that good in concert.

However, I've bought "Under My Skin" and I have to admit that Avril's done it again--she's convinced me that she's awesome. Unlike with her first album, she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs. They're more angry, and they rock harder than the ones on the first album; those songs are more upbeat and pop-ish. Even though she only plays guitar on one song, whoever's doing it does a pretty good job. Also, Ben Moody, formerly from Evanescence, plays guitar on "Nobody's Home", which I thought was pretty cool.

It's hard for me to pick which songs I like the best, because they are all so good. I think anyone can relate to the lyrics on this one. Most of them are about a break-up with a guy. For the people who are complaining about that, like "Your Doom 'Beware' ", I think writing about a breakup is a good way of taking out bad feelings about it. I don't see why it's so bad that most of her songs are probably about the same guy. It's not boring to me at all. Also, if you don't like her, why did you spend money on the album? The words might be simple because she's still young and hasn't had a lot of experience writing lyrics. It's idiotic how people don't understand that musicians are still human.

Also, she might sound like Michelle Branch, Evanescence, or a female version of Dashboard Confessional, but I don't think any band or artist is going to not sound like another band or artist. Pick any band--I'm sure there's another one that sounds a least a little bit like it.

I think anyone who likes music will like this album, unless they are really against angry or heartfelt songs.

I love this album as much as her first one. Avril Lavigne is a talented musician and a great songwriter. My absolute favorite song on the album is "My happy ending" she really hits the nail on the head with bad breakups and dumping a guy too chicken s*** to stand up to his friends. "I also have the habit of hitting the repeat button for "Don't tell me" "He wasn't" and "Nobody's home" The rest of her songs send strong messages about not giving into the pressure to have sex, not having to be perfect and getting the courage to stick up for yourself. If I ever had a daughter, I would be happy if she listened and dressed like Avril. Rather her than certain artists out there. This CD is a breath of fresh air from the nauseating unoriginal songs on the radio (see my scathing review on Britney n Jessica)

I was thrilled to see her music videos on the 2nd Cd. They were done really well n the whole reason I bought this dualdisc. I haven't really gotten to take a look at all the extras but when I do, I'll be back to give an update!

Conclusion: Both CD's: addicting

Britney backlash as a result of this album's popularity: priceless!

All dual disc problems aside, might I say that I love Avril Lavigne's music. She is a great and fresh addition to today's music realm. I was at first skeptical about her first album, "Let Go," but it captured my attention and devotion, and now, "Under My Skin" has strengthened my loyalty.

Anyway, the Dual Disc was a pricey investment. The original copy of the album came out in June of 2004. I had already purchased it the day it arrived in stores. Of course, now in 2005, the Dual Disc formatted version comes out and I'm left to pay for a second copy of the exact same album. This was only because I was interested in the music videos and behind-the-scenes footage. As for the "high quality" sound, you can't tell the difference. I suppose you would be able to if it was say, an acoustic or opera performance. I thought that the original version was already produced in enhanced stereo anyway... I only wish that Dual Disc had been available last year. Nevertheless, it IS nice to have a back-up copy of the original. I also noticed some differences between the two versions. On the original, the album cover art is a clear, black/gray/white and a clear image. On the Dual Disc version, the album cover art is a more sepia/old-photograph style with a soft, blurred image. I'm not sure if this is coincidental, but maybe it will lead to something in the future.

All in all, the bonus videos and behind-the-scenes footage is a nice addition to an Avril fan's collection. It is well worth the extra $14.00 if you already have the original copy.

Always keep rockin' on...

I liked the album, it's different from "Let go". Great Lyrics, great sound.

Take me away: Good, it's depressing but it's true! "Is there inside all I do is hide..." I think She talks about herself, it's deeper and meaningful. Great rock elements on the chorus. 10/10

Together: It's a great song. I feel so identified with it. The best part is: "My thoughts are choking on you my dear". I liked the guitar. 10/10

Don't tell me: It's a popish song, but I liked. Good Message: Don't give it to the boys who only wants your sex. hehe.

He wasn't: I liked! It reminds me a little about "Sk8er Boi", the music. It's not great lyrically, but aceptable. It's quite funny, is about the guy that you like doesn't give you a call. "He never make me feel Like I was special, cuz I was special, cuz I'm special..." Bit weird! But I liked! 8/10

How Does it feel: I liked the lyrics, but I don't like much the song, just because I'm not lover of ballads. But it's good. 7/10

My Happy Ending: I understand perfectly why Avril could write a song like this. I really like it, it's a good song, quite sad but good. 9/10

Nobody's Home: Quite soft, but one of my favorites. Great chorus, great lyrics!!! Next single, good choice as a single. She talks about her, she's human... she shows how ie really her inside.

Forgotten: My favorite song of the album. Strong, sad, dark and angry. That's what I like!!! 11/10. The piano it's great, the voice of Avril with her "ah, ah" it's amazing, cool!

Who Knows: I don't like it much. But I like the lyrics. 7/10

Fall To pieces: Interesting, it shows an Avril who is in love with a guy. "I just wanna cry in front of you", I feel identified. whoa! I really liked!! Great Ballad. 10/10

Freak Out: It's a funny song, about being crazy for a while. Optimistic! I like the guitars and the bass! 9/10

Slipped Away: Good song, but quite sad and slow. I liked but is not my favorite. 8/10

I always get what I want: It's sounds weird, like recorded in a garage. Explosive, fast, great guitars, her voice sounds weird, but I like it! 8/10

Well, this album is much better than "Let go" because it's different in so many ways. I recommend this album.

By the way...All the Avril haters can kiss my a**!!!!!