...did you put in my HAIR?!?!
Avril Lavigne has gone pure pop. Not the guitar-driven, punk-pop of "Sk8ter Boi", or even the half-pop half-rock of "Girlfriend", but pure, electronic dance pop. It's not a terribly surprising move for Lavigne, who hasn't had a major mainstream hit since the aforementioned "Girlfriend" (2007); she needs a real chart-topper to put her back in the public eye.
Plan B: whale costume.
So, when you need a hit, who do you call? That's right: Max Martin. Lavigne brings her fair share of singing and songwriting talent to the table, but Martin's contributions are what set this track apart from the pack. From the catchy opening organ riff to the massively hooky pre-chorus, his nuanced arrangement is what gives this song its momentum.
Lyrically, "What The Hell" is well summarized by its chorus, in which Lavigne states plainly, "all I want is to mess around". With this in mind, the remainder of the lyrics explore tried and true pop music subjects such as infidelity in relationships and not caring about what other people think. While this approach could have come across as formulaic and clichéd, Lavigne sells the song's premise with her exuberant vocal delivery.
Overall, "What The Hell" is a solid comeback single. If this doesn't get Avril Lavigne back to the top of the pop world, I don't know what would.
Actually, never mind.
Plan B: whale costume.So, when you need a hit, who do you call? That's right: Max Martin. Lavigne brings her fair share of singing and songwriting talent to the table, but Martin's contributions are what set this track apart from the pack. From the catchy opening organ riff to the massively hooky pre-chorus, his nuanced arrangement is what gives this song its momentum.
Lyrically, "What The Hell" is well summarized by its chorus, in which Lavigne states plainly, "all I want is to mess around". With this in mind, the remainder of the lyrics explore tried and true pop music subjects such as infidelity in relationships and not caring about what other people think. While this approach could have come across as formulaic and clichéd, Lavigne sells the song's premise with her exuberant vocal delivery.
Overall, "What The Hell" is a solid comeback single. If this doesn't get Avril Lavigne back to the top of the pop world, I don't know what would.
Actually, never mind.
Hey Tim! I have been lurking for a while, but I don't think I have commented yet since I really don't have anything to contribute to the discussion. Often times I haven't even heard the song in question. But I really enjoy reading about your analysis of them, and the photo captions display a sharp wit that reminds me of talking with you, so I decided you should know that I am a fan!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Timothy. I liked the old Avril, but seriously, this new direction is pretty fun. I think she deserves to say "What the hell" after all her angsty teenage years. Also, in that picture is she wearing a necklace that says "Drink Me"?
ReplyDelete