She is no new kid on the block out to make some fast fame and money. With her feisty, no-holds-barred attitude and wicked sense of humor, this long – hair, sassy chick, has the guts and grit to make it big on her own. Avril Lavigne (pronounced Ahvreel La-veen) latest work has her singing her own songs, with her own lyrics all penned by herself.

The Canadian’s pechant for the guitar is well known, but here she is playing the piano and she does it with practised ease. If you listen carefully, Lavigne’s work speaks about heartbreak, sadness of an affair that is on the verge of a breakup and love in general. Some are generic like Everybody Hurts no relation to the ever popular song by R.E.M. and Goodbye. Lavigne’s voice seems sad at times, but also full to an annoying level.

Her fourth work has slow to up-tempo pop – rock styled songs that bring out the true Avril as fans know her, with a few ballads thrown in. Sounding close to Katy Perry at times, Lavigne takes charge in songs like the guitar driven Smile and What the hell with super producer Max Martin. While the majority of tracks are very similar, the standouts include Push a song that really pushes Avril's vocal range, Not Enough that includes good drum work, to balladic stuff in I love you, Remember When, Darlin and Goodbye. You'll hear a lot of strings and electronic percussion, distorted guitars, a good dose of catchy hooks, neat melodies, but nothing that powerful to hold your attention.

If you go by her first album which was a pop/rock fusion with catchy radio tunes such as ‘Sk8er Boi’ and ‘Complicated’ mixed in with darker fare like Unwanted and I'm with You, you may just like this collection. Also look for the mysterious bonus track.

Though the album is a little hard on the ears, there is no denying that Lavigne is a talented singer, but as for maturing her sound, there is nothing much has been done. Her first two albums were the highlights of her career for sure, but still an album from Lavigne is always welcome for fans who still love her. You may just take some time to get hooked to this new offering from the 26 year old. Includes lyrics.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira