Avril Lavigne released her first album Let Go in 2002 at the age of 17. Her style ranged from pop ballads to hard-edged rock and the prototype for much punk pop to come. She followed Let Go with another multi-platinum album Under My Skin in 2004.
1. Sk8erboi
"Sk8erboi" is the most exhilarating track on Avril Lavigne's groundbreaking first album Let Go. It has been criticized for simplistic lyrics, but the words are nearly perfect in capturing relationships and the concept of sweet revenge from a teen perspective. Musically, the song drew a blueprint for the punk pop wave that would soon sweep over the pop mainstream.
2. Complicated
The first smash hit from Avril Lavigne remains one of her best. The straightforward lyrics detail concern about a boyfriend's efforts to act a manufactured personality in public. Its strong sense of melody landed "Complicated" at #1 for 11 weeks on the adult top 40 chart.
3. My Happy Ending
The earnest, nearly shouted chorus effectively drives home the point of a happy ending gone bad. "My Happy Ending" appears to be overtly influenced by the style of Alanis Morissette. The cathartic refrain denouncing a former significant other is echoed in a number of Morissette's songs. Nevertheless, it is another song fueled by emotions that a significant number of Avril Lavigne's core fans will recognize.
4. Don't Tell Me
In "Don't Tell Me," Avril Lavigne handles a delicate topic quite well. She takes on the persona of a young woman determined to maintain her sexual independence and integrity. The song is filled with plenty of scorn for an anonymous would-be lover and other girls who "give it all away," but the most significant point of the song is perhaps best summed up in the line "This guilt trip that you put me on won't mess me up, I've done no wrong."
5. Fall To Pieces
"Fall To Pieces" is the melodic sequel to "Complicated." Lyrically, it's a pledge of commitment demonstrated by emotional trust. The emotional concepts of "Fall To Pieces" show Avril Lavigne moving toward more adult concerns in her songwriting.
