Canadian pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne has returned to the airwaves with a bang! Her new album “Love Sux” was released on Friday, Feb. 25, after nearly three years of no new solo music. She announced the album’s first single “Bite Me” back in Nov. 2021, right after signing with Travis Barker’s record label, DTA Records.
This album takes a more mature approach than Lavigne’s previous releases. It has themes of heartache, love and finding oneself. This compilation of songs shows how Lavigne’s range has grown since her 2002 debut “Let Go.” Twenty years later and she’s still got it!
The first track, “Cannonball,” is very reminiscent of Lavigne’s song “The Best Damn Thing,” because it sounds like a cheer. It starts the album off with a bang, proving that Lavigne is ready to make a strong comeback.
“Bite Me,” “Love It When You Hate Me” and “Love Sux” will also remind fans of Lavigne’s 2007 album “The Best Damn Thing.” The title track is perfect to listen to if you have had bad luck with a relationship but are better off without that toxic person. It’s basically a nice “fuck you” to turn up when you see your ex in the car next to you.
The fifth track, “Kiss Me Like The World Is Ending,” is where the album starts to take a more positive turn. It’s about a new relationship and finding happiness. The track was most likely written when Lavigne started dating her boyfriend, MOD SUN, back in early 2021. He co-wrote and co-produced the album while playing drums on several tracks. Hopefully this song will get some radio play because it has potential to become a summer hit!
The best song is the album’s sixth track “Avalanche.” It’s the most serious song on the album and is all about realizing that it is completely fine to not be okay. She beautifully sings, “I say that I’m just fine, but I don’t feel alright on the inside / I say that I’m okay, but I don’t feel okay right now.” Her haunting vocals will resonate with those who are struggling. Sometimes, something as simple as song can help you realize that you are not the only who is going through it. Fans of Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” and “I Love You” will form a strong connection with her message of hope.
The second-best song is the eleventh track, “Dare to Love Me.” It’s a song about letting your guard down so you can let someone love you. All Lavigne wants is someone who will always love her, even when life gets shitty. Listeners whose hearts have been broken one too many times will connect with Lavigne breaking down her walls. It looks like she found that in MOD SUN!
“Love Sux” reestablishes that Avril Lavigne is pop-punk royalty. It is sure to draw in new and old fans. Plus, fans of Machine Gun Kelly and Mark Hoppus will appreciate their features. The album can be listened to on any streaming platform or bought on CD – if you’re really missing the 2000s.
