Avril Lavigne, Head Above Water | Album Review 💿

Six years after releasing her self-titled fifth album, Canadian pop standout Avril Lavigne returns with her highly-anticipated 6th LP, Head Above Water.

After a six-year hiatus, Avril Lavigne returns with her highly-anticipated sixth studio album, Head Above Water. From the onset, it’s clear that Head Above Water is in many ways a stark contrast to previous albums by the Canadian pop star.  The majority of this project eschews the bratty, whiny pop of her past, opting for more maturity – exhibiting resilience.  Head Above Water is no tour de force, but it has no shortage of strong moments.

“Head Above Water”

“And I can’t see in the stormy weather / I can’t seem to keep it all together / And I, I can’t swim the ocean like this forever / and I can’t breathe.” Avril Lavigne shines on the title track and album opener, ✓ “Head Above Water”. On this powerful ballad that dips into CCM and religious music, Lavigne is thankful for surviving a scare with Lyme Disease. Faith is key on this inspirational record.  On the first verse, Lavigne references being safe – surviving and weathering the storm. The second verse, shorter than the first, remains meaningful and thoughtful.  She delivers powerful vocals on the chorus, summarizing the deep emotions she’s been experiencing and petitioning God to help her persevere through.

“God, keep my head above water
Don’t let me drown, it gets harder
I’ll meet you there at the altar
As I fall down to my knees
Don’t let me drown, drown, drown
Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.”

“I ain’t your prisoner / You can’t chain me down no more.” On the well-rounded follow-up, “Birdie,” Lavigne delivers another, mid-tempo, uplifting ballad. Where “Head Above Water” dabbles in faith, “Birdie” instead explores escapism, ultimately seeking to be “set free.” Keeping the ballads coming, “I Fell in Love with the Devil” continues to find Lavigne showing off a commanding, truly powerful set of pipes.  Beyond the high-flying vocals, the production is dynamic, featuring piano, lush rhythmic strings, and checking off the boxes of good old adult contemporary music.  Also, worth noting, once more, faith factors in (“I fell in love with the devil / Please, save me from this hell”).

“Tell Me It’s Over” 

“But every time that you touch me / I forget what we’re fighting about / Oh, you come and you leave / Shame on me for believing every word out of your mouth.” Avril Lavigne totally surprises on ✓ “Tell Me It’s Over”. Here, Lavigne dives into soul music, or at least soulful, urban-pop, marking yet another career departure.  Honestly, I never thought I’d hear the day that Lavigne was accompanied by horns or choral, gospel-infused vocals.  But it’s not only the brilliant production work that stands out, but also those high-flying vocals from Lavigne.  The aforementioned lyrics from the pre-chorus are a perfect example of the emotions she superbly conveys. She’s incredibly believable on this break-up gem, which is summed up simply, yet masterfully on the chorus. 

Avril Lavigne completely changes course on ✓ “Dumb Blonde,” the only song with a featured guest, Nicki Minaj.  If the first quarter of Head Above Water showcased newfound maturity from Lavigne, not to mention her great abilities as a balladeer, “Dumb Blonde” is a throwback to bratty-sounding, whiny Avril, in all her glory.  “Dumb Blonde” is fun to the nth degree, with its marching band-style percussion and feisty, hella confident attitude. In its own way, “Dumb Blonde” is uplifting – Lavigne confirms she’s no dummy.  And for those who enjoy the ballads as opposed to the tongue-n-cheek, she follows up with an anthem of ‘self-belief,’ “It Was in Me.”  The chorus is a major selling point, while there’s mad respect for the faithful bridge.

“Souvenir”

“Souvenir” commences coolly, percolating on the chorus.  What souvenir is Avril Lavigne pining for? A soon to be ex. Per a tweet about this song, Lavigne stated that it’s “About a summer romance that’s sadly coming to an end and being a hopeless romantic.” “Souvenir” doesn’t quite make the list of the most elite cuts from Head Above Water, but it’s another highly respectable one. ✓ “Crush” ends up being another strong record, featuring some gorgeous production work, and more fantastic vocals.  Love continues to be firmly planted in Lavigne’s mind – “I don’t know what I’d ever do if I ain’t got you.” It’s nothing game changing, but quite charming. “Goddess” strips things down, placing emphasis on Lavigne’s lead vocals. The results are sound, though being nitpicky, the chorus irks me, specifically how Avril pronounces “bananas.”

“I just want a bigger wow, I’m not complaining / If you throw me up, I won’t come down…” ✓ “Bigger Wow” definitely packs a bigger punch than “Goddess.” Even though it also begins with a degree of subtlety, the record gradually percolates, coming to head on the aforementioned chorus.  Among the pros is the vocal control Lavigne exhibits here.  Penultimate record “Love Me Insane” is okay, but nothing to write home about.  It sorta reminds me of “Crush” which arrived just a couple of tracks earlier, so to some extent, it truly feels like we’ve ‘been there, done that.’ “Warrior” has a similar vibe to the other ‘adult contemporary’ cuts, but give Avril credit for continuing to show fortitude, resilience, and the utmost resolve.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Head Above Water has its fair share of strong moments.  Avril Lavigne consistently delivers strong vocals, and her spirit also shines throughout the course of the record.  There are too many ballads, some of which overlap in messaging.  Still, the good outweighs the mediocre, even if Head Above Water is imperfect.  It should be noted that the album begins stronger than it finishes, “Warrior” mentality or not.

✓ Gems: “Head Above Water,” “Tell Me It’s Over,” “Dumb Blonde,” “Crush” & “Bigger Wow”

Avril Lavigne • Head Above Water • BMG Rights Management • Release: 2.15.19

Photo Credit: BMG Rights Management