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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
The Best Damn Thing
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 143 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: RCA
Release Date: 17 April 2007
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Pop
Summary
Rob Cavallo and Butch Walker are among the numerous producers on the Canadian pop singer's third album, which is preceeded by the single "Girlfriend."
Also By This Artist: Let Go Under My Skin
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
All Music Guide
True, this is far from deep but Under the Skin proved that a deep Avril is a dull Avril. The Best Damn Thing, in contrast, builds on every one of her bratty strengths which makes for ridiculously catchy pop - the kind of music that provides a soundtrack for teens and guilty pleasures for everyone else.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
It’s enormous, senseless, superficial, selfish, and cocky past the point of absurdity, but it’s never wrong.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
The dumb, girly, giddy Best Damn Thing reembraces the 15-year-old pom-pom punkette within, with multitracked hand claps, Toni Basil-gone-bad cheers, and pep-rally-rattling guitars.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times
It's a consciously lightweight pop-punk romp that appears to have been inspired by "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson's massive hit.
Read Full Review >Sputnikmusic
The range of emotions and material on display make The Best Damn Thing a much easier listen than the monotonous angst of Under My Skin.
Read Full Review >Spin
The Best Damn Thing rarely takes itself too seriously. [May 2007, p.89]
Billboard
A mostly sassy'n'snotty affair on which she sounds even younger than when her debut album, 2002's "Let Go," went multiplatinum. [28 Apr 2007]
Austin Chronicle
Lavigne's punk-lite cheerleader chic could well be tweens' first tantalizing steps down the primrose path to Patti Smith.
Read Full Review >Rolling Stone
There are few surprises here, but The Best Damn Thing is totally fearless about targeting pop radio and rather expert in its execution.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
The album is filled with strong pop-punk turns, offset by a handful of regrettable ballads.
Read Full Review >Hartford Courant
The songwriting is weaker than on her previous two albums, though there are plenty of sugary pop hooks and a slick, punked-up guitar sound that exists solely in $1,000-a-day recording studios.
Read Full Review >The New York Times
As an album “The Best Damn Thing” is too relentless to be heard end to end. Its songs are expected to bring occasional jolts to a playlist. [16 Apr 2007]
Read Full Review >Slant Magazine
The Best Damn Thing is a big step back for an artist who was just starting to grow up.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 6.0 (out of 10) based on 143 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Curdsy gave it a10:
This album is so HOT! I'm loving every single song!!!!!
Ashley M. gave it a10:
I love this album!!! It shows that she can really sing. She is a happy person being herself and grown up. She wanted to release a fun album so people could dance to and enjoy it. My top 5 favorite songs are: Girlfriend, I can do better, when you're gone, hot, & I don't have to try.
Kyle gave it a0:
Heard the album cover to cover 3x in a row while waiting to get my hair cut... it was so annoying it got to the point I couldn't tell when one song was starting another was ending. Wretched album--
Norman G. gave it a10:
Its not her best album but it has some prety cool songs such as runaway and innocence but still theres other songs such as contagious and the best damn thing which sound like cheerleaders songs.
Andrew W. gave it a10:
This is a phenomenal album! Every single song has hooks and the lead single, Girlfriend, is mindblowing!
Robb P. gave it an8:
fantastic maturity in lead and backup vocals throughout the album. A little "cheerleady" on a couple tracks. Great guitar riffs throughout. Overall, something to enjoy on every track.
drake d. gave it a10:
of course, the hooks pull you in easily, and have you singing along in about the first time you hear the album... i honestly do not like alot of pop but this is my favorite cd in my collection.
