CD Review: Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin

(andPOP) - "Let Go," Avril's Lavigne's debut album in 2002, had people debating over whether the Canadian teen was rock, pop, punk, or something in between. With the release of "Under My Skin," the debate continues.

Lavigne's focus on this album was to prove her longevity (that she's not a fad), and to show that she can actually write lyrics to hit songs (some wondered how much writing she actually did on her last album). Gone are The Matrix as co-writers; in is Chantal Kreviazuk, another Canadian songstress, who Lavigne calls "her sister."

Similar to "Let Go" is the dominance of the topic of love -- crushes, hopes, and heartbreak. Lavigne's greatest strength is capturing the thoughts that almost any teenager has. Other teen singers rely on other writers, therefore losing the personal input that Lavigne brings.

"He Wasn't," one of the standout tracks, deals with sitting around waiting for "the phone call." The lyrics aren't brilliant, but she relies on her voice to tell most of the story. While the subject badmouths the "crush," she clearly is eager for him to call.

The first single, "Don't Tell Me," is just one of several acoustic-driven tracks that have the "singer-songwriter" vibe to them.

Unlike most hot-for-a-while songs these days, in 20 years, some of "Under My Skin's" songs will still be played on the radio.

4*