The Best Damn Thing
by Avril Lavigne
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2007
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 416 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 297 out of 416
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 416
  3. Negative: 68 out of 416

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  1. draked.
    Aug 11, 2007
    10
    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.
  2. AshleyM.
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    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.
  3. Curdsy
    Feb 15, 2008
    10
    This album is so HOT! I'm loving every single song!!!!!
  4. jacobddful
    Oct 26, 2010
    6
    I can't really say this was a bad album cause her "old stuff" was better. But it is good in its respective field. Which would be teeny bopper bumblegum pop, with a little punk to it.
  5. avrilfan4eva
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    I love this album. It truly lives up to its name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Best songs are Innocence, When your Gone, Hot and Keep Holding on
  6. fedelmason
    Nov 29, 2010
    10
    Amazing! This is THE pop-punk album. I totally love it. This album rocks my body. Now i know why i came to this world. To be her fan. If you don't like it, **** you!
  7. Caio
    Jan 6, 2011
    10
    (10.0) Um álbum com músicas animadas e baladas emocionantes.
    A Avril ao contrário da maioria não apareceu mais madura no seu terceiro trabalho, porém aparecem mais animada, confiante e com uma nova cara.
    Não agradou a todos, porém não pode-se dizer que é apenas um    (10.0) Um álbum com músicas animadas e baladas emocionantes.
    A Avril ao contrário da maioria não apareceu mais madura no seu terceiro trabalho, porém aparecem mais animada, confiante e com uma nova cara.
    Não agradou a todos, porém não pode-se dizer que é apenas um álbum cor-de-rosa com músicas dançantes, também é um álbum de pop/rock e de influências punk com batidas muito fortes!
    Novamente a Avril arraso!!    … Expand
  8. owenrw89
    Dec 5, 2016
    6
    Songs, such as 'Girlfriend', 'Keep Holding On', 'Innocence', 'Hot', 'Runaway' and 'When You're Gone' save it from being a basic teen-rock album. The others, however fun they be, do have a certain cheapness to them. Half of the album is brilliant pop-rock, the other half is kind of awful.
  9. afinemess7
    Feb 21, 2011
    7
    This is the one step that she's evolution but not suit for her old fanbase. This album is more pop and funny. she do its great but not great for old fans
  10. owenrw2889
    Mar 4, 2011
    5
    POSITIVE - This album is very half and half for me. The good half - some stunning songs, some powerful songs and some catchy songs, Lavigne knows how to write songs, there is not doubt about that. Vocally this album is quite impressive aswel, she never never fails to present at least one beautiful song. NEGATIVE - After the good songs have been played and analysed you are left with somePOSITIVE - This album is very half and half for me. The good half - some stunning songs, some powerful songs and some catchy songs, Lavigne knows how to write songs, there is not doubt about that. Vocally this album is quite impressive aswel, she never never fails to present at least one beautiful song. NEGATIVE - After the good songs have been played and analysed you are left with some real hum dingers, filler tracks and songs that only 12 year old girls would like, at a push. Bad lyrics, bad sound - just BAD ! How one of Canada biggest selling artists can get away with such simple and awful songs is truely beyond me.
    OVERALL - A lacking album, no substance and not enough power. Yet, don't overlook this album, it's still worth a listen - in parts.    … Expand
  11. JeremyGazitsang
    Mar 6, 2011
    9
    Another great hit from Avril, but it contains too many foul words, i would prefer the clean version, Girlfriend and When You're Gone is the 2 best track from this album!! Over all is a gd album!!
  12. Mihai77
    Jul 23, 2011
    10
    The Best Damn Thing is the best punk album ever hear.Girlfriend it's the hit single with When Ur Gone and Hot.Another cool song:Runaway,I Can Do Better,I Don't Heve To Try,One Of Those Girls.Every song are special.
  13. vini1904
    Nov 1, 2011
    8
    I always wonder why fans hate this album so much, in my opinion he is simple a pink resumption of his first album and consequently so amazing as the first.
  14. Tib3rian
    May 25, 2016
    10
    For me this album is a miracle, maybe not so much after time, but who can say any different? Avril plays with her punky image and create my wet dream, as she said, for a fans that waiting for. This album mix greatly her style of rock with "neo-punk" sound and pace, and lyrics are maybe little bla bla bla stuff, but there are still some memorable moments, that I never heard from anyoneFor me this album is a miracle, maybe not so much after time, but who can say any different? Avril plays with her punky image and create my wet dream, as she said, for a fans that waiting for. This album mix greatly her style of rock with "neo-punk" sound and pace, and lyrics are maybe little bla bla bla stuff, but there are still some memorable moments, that I never heard from anyone else. And this together create a absolutely special kind, that was just in my dream that I cannot explain before.… Expand
  15. Mangaeyes
    Feb 27, 2016
    9
    9/10 - "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" - AllMusic
  16. FabioDelRio
    Dec 16, 2012
    7
    This album is a lot more fluffy than the other two previous ones, still, it has a bunch of great songs, the ballads here are the most amazing ballads Avril's ever done, When You're Gone is so emotional and so beautiful, lyrically speaking, and her voice is just sweet. Innocence is a top song with strings and top vocals too, Avril's done a great job on that one, and the other songs are justThis album is a lot more fluffy than the other two previous ones, still, it has a bunch of great songs, the ballads here are the most amazing ballads Avril's ever done, When You're Gone is so emotional and so beautiful, lyrically speaking, and her voice is just sweet. Innocence is a top song with strings and top vocals too, Avril's done a great job on that one, and the other songs are just fine, the best are Hot, Girlfriend, Runaway, I Can Do Better and the title track, and apart from these and Everything Back But You, the other tracks are useless.… Expand
  17. khutch
    Feb 16, 2013
    8
    With a great energy, unpretentious lyrics, catchy choruses and a beautiful blonde half a meter, 'The Best Damn Thing' is an inexhaustible well of fun.
  18. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    8
    I don't think anybody saw it coming when Avril changed her appearance from a tomboy to a badass woman who showed she could take anyone down that got in her way. Most of the tracks on this record were very good, "Girlfriend," "Runaway, "The Best Damn Thing," and "Everything Back but You" being stand out songs.
  19. pedrojunior
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Definitely the best album of 2007
    Avril is very aggressive and tough in this album, with great instrumentals and great productions
    I miss this Avril closed for love, but it's always good to change the lyrical themes.
  20. mike4444
    Mar 11, 2014
    7
    While this is probably Avril Lavigne's worst album, it's decent. The album sounds beautiful at times (Innocence and When You're Gone) but at other times its just carefree guilty pleasures (Girlfriend and I Can Do Better) The two piano ballads on the album sound complete, which for some odd reason she couldn't accomplish on her next album, and they're very beautiful. However, they get lostWhile this is probably Avril Lavigne's worst album, it's decent. The album sounds beautiful at times (Innocence and When You're Gone) but at other times its just carefree guilty pleasures (Girlfriend and I Can Do Better) The two piano ballads on the album sound complete, which for some odd reason she couldn't accomplish on her next album, and they're very beautiful. However, they get lost in the other more numerous tracks that for the most part are only mediocre. Girlfriend, while catchy, gets annoying and the writing is lazy (and she admitted to being drunk while writing it and taking only a couple hours to do so) and half the tracks sound no different and for the most part aren't any better. And other tracks like I Don't Have To Try sound like its trying to be 3 different songs at once. Despite the album's mediocrity, it at least helps add to Avril Lavigne's bratty image. However, the real highlights from this album were the songs that didn't make it onto the album. Alone and I Will Be would have been the best two tracks had they been included. Alone was likely scrapped because it sounded like someone threw Girlfriend, I Can Do Better and Runaway into one song and they decided it sounded too similar. However, that was a regretful decision because, as one critic author wrote for sputnikmusic, "it’s far more engaging than either of those lethargic rockers." And on the other side of the album's spectrum, the beautiful ballad I Will Be did not make it on for unknown reasons. However, Leona Lewis did record it for her 2008 album and it honestly does not compare to Avril Lavigne's version. In essence, the album is a mixed bag. If you like Avril Lavigne, you'll most likely enjoy this. If you don't, I would go for: Runaway (which should account for half the album), When You're Gone, Innocence, Contagious and Keep Holding On. And of course Alone and I Will Be if you feel like going to search them up.… Expand
  21. yessv
    Sep 8, 2016
    7
    Completamente bem produzido. Baladas tocantes e musicas chicletes
    Melhores: I will be, Girlfriend, Innocence, When You're Gone, I do't have to try, TBDT e Hot.
  22. KingdomHeart
    Dec 3, 2013
    9
    Avril Lavigne has never sounded so sincere, The Best Damn Thing comes as a fun, energetic and catchy album, the album opens with ''Girlfriend'' a fun pop-punk song, undergoes respectable ballads like ''When You're Gone'' and ''Innocence'', takes influences from punk Green Day and Blink-182 in ''Everything Back But You'' and ''Contagious'', Avril don't need to put a mask of maturity toAvril Lavigne has never sounded so sincere, The Best Damn Thing comes as a fun, energetic and catchy album, the album opens with ''Girlfriend'' a fun pop-punk song, undergoes respectable ballads like ''When You're Gone'' and ''Innocence'', takes influences from punk Green Day and Blink-182 in ''Everything Back But You'' and ''Contagious'', Avril don't need to put a mask of maturity to sound ''mature''. The Best Damn Thing may not be the best album in the world, but it sure is one of the most infectious and fun albums of recent years.… Expand
  23. linikedemarco
    Aug 23, 2014
    8
    Even though Avril proves she has made a rollercoaster of her own image with a glittery, cheerleader-y, girly album that contradicted her past concept, she's still earned the ultimate punkette crown.
  24. godwinkent888
    Jan 25, 2014
    5
    A major disappointment. I really loved her first two albums, and I really like how she matured so much from Let Go to Under My Skin. I don't even know what happened her. Aside from a few good songs like "When You're Gone", "Innocence" and "Keep Holdin' On", this is like a major step back from an artist who just started to grow up.
  25. f3l1p3
    Sep 30, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Best Damn Thing é um bom álbum. Avril diz que este é o melhor álbum de sua carreira. Bom,eu não concordo que seja o melhor, mas é um dos melhores sim.… Expand
  26. PinkFriday
    Sep 6, 2014
    6
    The Best Damn Thing é um álbum de Avril que marcou a sua vida, e a de seus fãs. Com o primeiro single, Girlfriend, perdeu muitos fãs e ganhou muitos outros, porque a música é pop/rock e mostra uma Avril "patricinha", e era muito diferente do que ela costumava fazer. Com certeza não é o seu melhor álbum, mas mesmo assim é escutável.
  27. Tery
    Jan 12, 2015
    6
    Apenas de ser um álbum popular com Girlfriend, When You're Gone e Hot, as outras músicas são tudo rock genérico e que chegam a dar dor de cabeça na gente, mas tirando isso é bom.
  28. musicismylife28
    Jan 30, 2015
    5
    Half of the album is some of the finest rock-pop you'll hear. 'Runaway', 'Hot' and 'Innocence' are prime examples of when the albums is at its finest. The other half of the album however, is silly, immature and very lazy filler.
  29. jackzagal
    Mar 1, 2015
    4
    So here we have the infamous "sell-out album". A real step back from previous albums in terms of artistry and maturity, it essentially alienated her fanbase and destroyed any kind of artistry she could have built with her first two albums. I can get she wanted to be a bit more "playful" and less serious than she was with Under My Skin, but she definitely went over the top with it.So here we have the infamous "sell-out album". A real step back from previous albums in terms of artistry and maturity, it essentially alienated her fanbase and destroyed any kind of artistry she could have built with her first two albums. I can get she wanted to be a bit more "playful" and less serious than she was with Under My Skin, but she definitely went over the top with it. Brattiness, borderline stupidity at times in songs like the superhit Girlfriend, the selftitled song or I Can Do Better (which she recorded unapologetically drunk), it definitely was a departure from her previous albums. Perhaps not so much in terms of sound, which was more pop-punk than alternative/rock, but in terms of meaningfulness and maturity.

    There are songs that show what she went for without being too infantile and fan-alienating, like Everything Back But You, One of Those Girls or Contagious. There are a few ballads to balance things out a bit, Innocence and Keep Holding On being some of the best songs and fan favourites from this albums.

    I give it a 4 because the album is sonically good enough and it has some good songs, but there's an overall feeling of brattiness and immaturity that I can't stand. No wonder people sometimes said she looked more mature in previous albums, I don't blame them. This album (and its era) destroyed her image and I was close to stop being a fan, although (a very superior) Goodbye Lullaby made me feel again what Under My Skin did. I hope The Best Damn Thing remains as Avril's worst album FOREVER.    … Expand
  30. ryanloveslana
    May 10, 2015
    5
    On this album, Avril abandons her dark image and goes into **** mode". I do not like the content or image Lavigne gave off on this album, because I feel that it is not her. Also her first album to be issued a Parental Advisory notice, features more sexual content than her previous efforts. Her best tracks on this album are "Keep Holding On", "Hot", "Everything Back But You", "Innocence",On this album, Avril abandons her dark image and goes into **** mode". I do not like the content or image Lavigne gave off on this album, because I feel that it is not her. Also her first album to be issued a Parental Advisory notice, features more sexual content than her previous efforts. Her best tracks on this album are "Keep Holding On", "Hot", "Everything Back But You", "Innocence", and "When You're Gone". Like her future effort in 2013, Lavigne was "all over the place" on her image. Either trying to stay the sassy-pop-punk girl she is or a Amy Lee wannabe.… Expand
  31. Boundman
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    Really nice album with good beats and vocals. The best pop/rock album of the year! and think this record it's awesome and a powerful expression of a great singer
  32. RK13
    Jun 5, 2017
    10
    This is Avril Lavigne at her best. This album produced her most influential track, Girlfriend, as well as other great songs. This album is fun, pop and empowering. This album is a great improvement from the disappointing Under My Skin.
  33. Nagishik
    Feb 5, 2020
    7
    I really enjoyed this album, but it's not my favourite. The style Avril opted for this record is totally different from Let Go and WAY more different than Under My Skin. She went from a sensible girl to a pop chick, and that change was a bit abrupt.

    This album is not bad, and it can make you dance and feel the beat, but you won't feel the same as if you listen to LG or UMS. It contains    I really enjoyed this album, but it's not my favourite. The style Avril opted for this record is totally different from Let Go and WAY more different than Under My Skin. She went from a sensible girl to a pop chick, and that change was a bit abrupt.

    This album is not bad, and it can make you dance and feel the beat, but you won't feel the same as if you listen to LG or UMS.

    It contains emotional ballads such as Keep Holding On, When You're Gone (my personal favourite), I Will Be or Innocence, but those tracks being joined to pop-punk tracks like Girlfriend, Everything Back But You, I Don't Have To Try or Hot doesn't do a great mix.

    In conclusion, it's a good album, but if you've listened to Avril's old albums you won't feel really satisfied with this record.    … Expand
  34. AldoJDC97
    Jul 10, 2018
    9
    The great controversy of the poppy Avril Lavigne in 2007. Even with her genre change, she managed to create a really great pop album. Catchy, fun, provocative, active but also with her sensitive side of a pink poppy girl, that's how I can define this album!
  35. fabianeribas
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    I like Girlfriend Remix with Lil Mama better than the original. Hot and The Best Damn Thing are so cool! Innocence, When You're Gone and Keep Holding On makes me cry sometimes. Avril Lavigne only has perfect albums.
  36. taylorswiftstan
    Nov 5, 2020
    8
    I'll never understand why people denigrate this album. Yeah maybe it's not her best, but GOD this album's fun!
  37. PabloRivie
    May 14, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1.- GIRLFRIEND.- Super pegajosa, divertida, perfecto primer single, mezcla perfecta de Pop y Rock como solo Avril lo sabe hacer. TOP
    2..- I CAN DO BETTER.- En la misma linea de el anterior track, divertida, pegajosa, un poco mas rock que pop. TOP
    3.- RUNAWAY.- Un pop rock bajandole el cambio un poco a la linea de las anteriores dos. Excelente coro. Sigue siendo fresco y divertido. TOP
    4.- THE BEST DAMN THING.- Bastante más atrevida en letra, vuelve a la linea un poco más rock, TOP
    5.-WHEN YOU'RE GONE.- Lindo instrumental, del tipo de baladas que Avril sabe hacer para tocarte en lo profundo. Perfecta como single aunque yo lo habría mandado como 3er single. TOP
    6.- EVERYTHING BACK BUT YOU.- Sube la linea punk. Divertido y fresco. El break del coro suena bastante refrescante.Sin embargo va sonando bastante similar entre las anteriores 5 canciones.
    7.- HOT.- Nos da una Avril muy sensual, lo cual es un giro perfecto para el disco. Bastante pegajosa, innovadora pero sin salirse de la línea del disco. TOP
    8.- INNOCENCE.- Lindo comienzo tanto en el piano como la melodía vocal. Perfecta balada para refrescar un poco la línea del disco. Muy a lo Under My Skin, Me trae al presente las mejores baladas de Avril. TOP
    9.-I DON'T HAVE TO TRY.- Lo más alto de la línea punk rock del album hasta ahora. Un poco menos divertida y mas agresiva. No la paso pero tampoco la volvería a escuchar. La guitarra me suena un poco a Blink 182
    10.- ONE OF THOSE GIRLS.- Suena un poco como un lado B de Girlfriend, bastante divertida y fresca siguiendo con el punk rock. Me gusta pero no me parece muy recordable.
    11.- CONTAGIOUS.- Igual que la anterior, no pienso que sea de las mejores del disco, no es mala pero suena a más de lo mismo.
    12.- KEEP HOLDING ON.- Linda balada, buena producción musical en general pero no llega a llenarme como las demás baladas de Avril. Bastante recordable sin embargo no es muy de mi agrado.
    13.- ALONE.- Más de lo mismo, no es mala pero no es recordable.
    14.- I WILL BE.- Linda balada. Debió ser incluida en la versión original del disco. De mis baladas favoritas de Avril. TOP

    EN GENERAL: El disco más punk - rock de Avril. En general un buen disco, fresco, divertido, COHESIVO en todas sus canciones. No me decepcionó para nada, tal ves en el arte y las visuales. De esos discos que disfrutas escucharlos enteros y te suben el ánimo. Buen trabajo Avril    … Expand
  38. Juan7
    May 13, 2020
    10
    Lavigne demuestra que pasó de ser la anti-Britney ha poder comportarse como ella.
  39. avrilbirdie
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    She really ended men in this album. Girlfriend is a smash hit. I love it. Legendary.
  40. Fra101
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best albums I've ever listened to. The lyrics are soo good. I love this.
  41. SHAANNNEEEE
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Deserves all the hype. Girlfriend is a smash hit and still a bop over a decade later.
  42. sevgiozdemir
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    This is a masterpiece from Avril. Amazing songs and lyrics. I'm in love with these songs.
  43. luizfelipe_crf
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    I Love Avril Lavigne so much
  44. Amyly
    Jun 30, 2021
    9
    “Girlfriend” is a classic and was a massive worldwide hit, the album was great and a success for 2007 she owned.
  45. IbrahimX
    Jul 31, 2021
    10
    A Queen with an attitude, big d energy
  46. dakeliaa
    Feb 4, 2022
    8
    I like some tracks from this album such as "When i'm Gone" and "Girlfriend" but I miss the old vibes she had on her first two albums.. still a good album overall
  47. After_peep08
    Feb 26, 2022
    10
    her best albun. best artist off all-time, best artist off all-time, best artist off all-time
  48. Pacogomezc
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is my favorite and one of the best since it surprised us with the successful Girlfriend ❤️… Expand
  49. Lopezl95
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    A change for her previous works, but it is very good anyways, I kove this album
  50. Aidan750
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Amazing album, never heard anything else like it before! Shows great artistic growth.
  51. Rafolinomusic
    Feb 21, 2023
    10
    It means the teenager days of that cute year called 2007. It’s easy to dream along Avril and all her cool vibe when you listen to her masterpieces.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2007
37
#37 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    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
  2. Slant Magazine
    40
    The Best Damn Thing is a big step back for an artist who was just starting to grow up.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    75
    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
See all critic reviews »