Review: Avril Lavigne's "Under My Skin" still cuts deep


Avril Lavigne recently put out a new song with Simple Plan, which gives as good an excuse as any to discuss her sophomore album "Under My Skin," released on May 25, 2004.


In contrast to her debut "Let Go," which saw her aided by professional pop songwriters like production trio The Matrix, Lavigne chose to primarily co-write with a fellow Canadian singer-songwriter, Chantal Kreviazuk. As such, the album delves deeper than "Let Go" did into Lavigne's personal experiences and maintains an edgier sound.


The album opens with a bang(er) with "Take Me Away," where Lavigne seeks to escape her mind, filled with painful confusion. "Don't Tell Me" sees her refusing to give in to pressure, symbolized sonically by its slower tempo. One of the heaviest rockers on the album, "He Wasn't," details the nervousness that comes with moving on from someone.


The album adopts a more serious tone from here, beginning with symphonic rock ballad "How Does It Feel," which seems to discuss mental health. "My Happy Ending" stands out as the best song on the album in terms of lyricism, vocal performance and instrumentation. "Nobody's Home" sees Lavigne narrating the story of a lonely girl unable to find her place in the world.


Contrasting "He Wasn't," in the songs "Forgotten," "Who Knows" and "Fall to Pieces," Lavigne has fully moved on from an unfulfilling relationship, and meets someone who uplifts her as an equal. All three songs lean closest to the song structure of tracks on "Let Go," but with a greater emphasis on electric guitar.


After a briefly unserious note with "Freak Out," which basically outlines a carefree desire, the standard album comes to a close with "Slipped Away," a song about missed opportunities, inspired by Lavigne's grandfather. 


Deluxe track "I Always Get What I Want" remains an interesting enigma on the album; while it arguably strays the furthest from the record's tone, it compromises by serving as a through line between what Lavigne was and what she would go on to be on 2007's "The Best Damn Thing."


Overall, "Under My Skin" built on what Avril Lavigne established with her debut by getting heavier, both musically and tonally.

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