Avril Lavigne fans will be disappointed to learn that the edgy, punk princess you thought you knew has joined the squad. Her third album, “The Best Damn Thing,” is unexpectedly cheerleaderish, full of cheesy lyrics replacing the usual “ra ra’s,” making the album a downloadable pep-rally. On a positive note, her voice hasn’t failed her, making it the only thing separating her from the other bubble-gum-pop vocalists she’s now lumped with. But, if you miss your old friend Avril, listen to tracks such as “Innocence” and “Keep Holding On.” They show a softer, honest side of her. Amongst songs with cocky, self-absorbed lyrics, the track “Everything Back But You” is the most immature break-up song of the century. With few exceptions, the entire album is juvenile and should be sensational with pep-squads worldwide.
