Under My Skin [Explicit Lyrics]

Right away, a sense of honesty and genuine emotion is gained from opening stormer "Take Me Away" and the even better "Together." The catchy pop hooks remain, but the somewhat plastic facade of the rebellious teenager has been replaced by the sincere angst and confusion of a young woman approaching adulthood. Similarly on the singles - the slightly disjointed "Don't Tell Me" and the bonafide hit "My Happy Ending" - a feeling comes about that Avril is speaking her own mind this time, as opposed to the A&R man's.

The defining moment comes halfway through the record in the shape of downright classic "Nobody's Home," a thunderbolt of dark, irresistable pop-rock. If this song doesn't get Avril Lavigne taken seriously among all those "real music fans," nothing will.

At times, Avril slips back in time two years. The likes of "Freak Out" and the "Sk8er Boi" sequel "He Wasn't" seem intrusive, butting in from "Let Go" to disturb this album's clear progression. However, being as inevitably catchy as they are, she is easily forgiven - especially when you reach yet another masterpiece like "Forgotten."

As a whole, then, Avril has triumphantly improved in many different areas. Musically she's less predictable, as a writer she's more mature and vocally she's improved a lot (her voice more than good enough to rival that of elder Alanis Morissette at times.) A few brief time warps are included to keep younger, "Sk8er Boi" fans on board, which is perhaps the album's only flaw of sorts. Otherwise it is certainly a step in the right direction for the more honest Avril.

Highlights include 'My Happy Ending', a stunning mid-tempo track with a great chorus which Avril sings just beautifully. 'Who Knows' makes you feel good inside, whilst 'How Does It Feel' and 'Nobody's Home' are gorgeous, slower, thought-provoking tunes. 'Take Me Away' is a suitably powerful and absorbing opener and if 'He Wasn't' doesn't get you moving and singing along, there's no hope!

Match all this with a clear, bass-heavy production and in my opinion you've got a winner. So why only 4 stars? Well, for me, 'Forgotten' is just a bit too depressing and the pseudo-punk bonus track 'I Always Get What I Want' isn't what Avril does best.

Anyway, if she carries on like this, I can't wait for album No. 3!

The rest of the album is as follows:

1. Take me Away - 9.5/10 - A great opener from Avril and co. The song holds many great instrumental performances as well as vocals.

2. Together - 10/10 - Another one of my favourites for this album, a great rock feel and fab lyrics. Excellent vocals from Avril considering the song is quite compact when it comes to breathing.

4. He Wasn't - 5/10 - Not Avril's best by a long shot honestly. This song just doesn't appeal to me and the lyrics are quite amateur for a pro like Avril.

5. How does it Feel? - 10/10 - A great controversial beautifully lyricated fluent song which shows off Avrils songwriting and vocal maturity.

7. Nobody's Home - 9/10 - After hearing the acoustic version of this song on a friends Cd i instantly fell in love with it. Although the original doesn't quite scratch up to the acoustic performance, the song once again shows Avrils songwriting maturity.

8. Forgotten - 10/10 - A great song which deserves praise. This song clearly shows Avrils frustration towards her ex and you know what, she put this down loud and clear! Great song with superb band

9. Who Knows - 7/10 - An ok song i suppose. You know what, there's really not much else i can say about this song.

10. Fall to pieces - 9/10 - Great song with good all round performance. Great instrumental influence, great lyrically, good vocally and once again overall great

11. Freak Out - 7/10 - Not most appealing, but still good work from Avril. I think it's the power level that doesn't suit avril, she needs to be her normal powerful self and be fab!

12. Slipped Away - 9/10 - Once again good lyrics, voice, instruments and tempo, good.

13. I Always Get What I Want - 10/10 - Great bonus, great to see Avrils roar attitude in this song, fab!

Overall this album is worth it's money, a little worrying about 2 of the songs, but that's nothing to fuss over when the rest of the album is of such high quality! Great Album! 10/10!