Let Go

In my opinion, Avril Lavigne's Let Go is the most impressive debut album since Tori Amos' Little Earthquakes. I love everything about Avril: her sound, her song-writing prowess, her guitar-playing talent, her voice, her commitment, her honesty and realism, her attitude, her confidence, her individualism, etc. It's interesting to go back now and look at some of the critical reviews that came out when this album was released, seeing how even as beautiful and powerful a song as I'm With You was sometimes dismissed for its supposedly amateurish lyrics. Those who put down Avril's lyrics on this album don't really understand Avril Lavigne; this album is the product of a sixteen-year-old female trying to discover herself, deal with relationships, and generally figure out just what kind of world she is suddenly becoming an adult in. I'm no longer a teenager, but I like to pretend that I am, and these lyrics spoke volumes to me. The range of emotions Avril touches upon in her music run the gamut of normal teenager issues, finding extra fuel in a self-confidence and feeling of purpose that most young people (as well as most adults) will never know. I also hear a lot of critics say Avril sounds like Pink here, Alanis Morrissette there, someone else over here, etc. There's no reason why she wouldn't be influenced by other artists; even the most accomplished people get where they are by standing on the shoulders of those who have come before them. For my part, I find Avril absolutely original; while she may incorporate styles or sounds from elsewhere, she melds them all together into a sound and style all her own. Further proof that this is Avril's music can be found in the fact that she backed away from the talented professionals she was matched with when she first came to New York, then fortunately found in LA Reid a producer who allowed her to truly be herself.I am continually amazed at the tracks on this album. Any one of these 13 tracks could be a hit single; that's how good this album is from start to finish. Of course, Complicated is the song that sent Avril into superstar orbit, Sk8er Boi gave us ample evidence of Avril's skateboard punk rock foundation, and then I'm With You and Losing Grip gave us glimpses of the vulnerable side lying not far below the brash and confident surface of this energetic new artist. Normally, you would expect some loss of intensity in the remaining songs, but not here. Avril really seems to have her finger on the pulse of a most vibrant life, reflecting her wonder and fascination with the world she is embracing for the first time in songs such as Mobile and Tomorrow. Things I'll Never Say is an exploration of private thoughts everyone she be able to relate to, Unwanted and Too Much to Ask reflect the confusion and vulnerability of the human soul, but Avril boldly declares that she is Nobody's Fool. Avril's sense of empowerment and confidence are two of the strongest, most appealing aspects of her music. My favorite song on the album, and perhaps the one that best represents Lavigne herself, is Anything But Ordinary. Too many of us die inside at an early age, and Avril seems to be determined not to let that happen.The extras included on this enhanced CD are well worth noting. You get a short biography, a look at a day in the life of Avril Lavigne featuring impromptu performances on the sidewalks and subways of New York City, interview footage, the Complicated video, as well as - and this is certainly something not to be missed - an extra song track. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of Avril Lavigne, and I could not have asked for more from any veteran performer than I got from this newcomer on this extraordinary debut album.

This will always be my favorite cd from Avril

Llegó en excelentes condiciones, regalo perfecto para alguien que le gusta esta música

My adventure with Avril Lavigne started with the movie "Eragon" and the ending music within which Avril sang "Keep Holding On". Her powerful voice was stirring to say the least. After purchasing her third album and listening to that I realized that Avril could sing. Needless to say I own all of her music. In as much as I can.Disclaimer: Avril Lavigne is not for everyone.I'm nearly 60 years old and thoroughly enjoy her music. Avril Lavigne writes from experience, about moments of time in her life and snippets of what she was thinking or feeling at the time. Avril also collaborates on the mix. Her choice of collaborators has been excellent and they seem to know what Avril's supposed to sound like. The music has excellent spacial dynamics, excellent depth and headroom with many layers. And her voice is right out front. At times, the mix of voice and music is quite moving.I listen in the car, to and from work, on the desktop with a 5.1 speaker system. With over the ear headphones, and with well sealing earphones. I'd say I'm a fairly critical listener. I listen deeply. While listening in the car I have, at times, become quite animated while singing along, windows down and Avril cranked up.All of her music is good.At one time I thought I would make some discs of my favorites of Avril's, but it sounded "off" somehow. I realized I couldn't pull just two or three songs off an album. They needed to be together. They are integral to one another, and just wouldn't sound right.Again, Avril Lavigne isn't for everyone, like children, say 14 and under, but, it is powerful, moving and playful. Avril Lavigne, to me, sounds good.Any album would be a good first or an excellent addition to a collection.I'm currently listening to her most recent album which is self titled and, to me, is a mix of "now" and "then". "Hello Kitty" is a blast. I hear a little J-POP in there. Avril is fairly popular in Southeast Asia and parts of East Asia. I'm into K-POP these days and "Hello Kitty" sounds very familiar. I guess the music from those regions has had an impact.Avril Lavigne... good stuff.