Avril Lavigne - Influences

August 26, 2007
Entertainment World

Artist: Avril Lavigne
Album: Influences
Record Label: 180 Music/Song BMG
Genre: Pop/Rock
Recommended if you like: The Beach Boys, Marilyn Manson, Blink 182

4 out of 5

The punk princess picks ten tracks that she either admires the artists or simply loves the song. There is a wide spectrum of artists appearing on this CD. Blink 182 opens with the edgy, charisma filled “Anthem Part Two”. The Distillers get truly chaotic and crazy with “Sing Sing Death House”. A couple tracks later the dark and mysterious Marilyn Manson appears with the rock masterpiece “This Is The New Shit”. Fellow Canadian rocker Alanis Morissette graces the next slot bellowing “All I Really Want”. The next two are instant classics and appear in films or TV shows on the regular with Goo Goo Doll’s “Iris” and The Cranberries “Dreams” respectively. The party friendly “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba fills in the next slot. The last three cuts will take you back quite a few years or decades with “Sugar Sugar” courtesy of The Archies. The Beach Boys lay down their surf sounding “I Get Around” that no matter what your age you just have to love. She closes out the album with the slow embrace of Janis Joplin’s “Me And Bobby Mcgee”. A well rounded and brilliant mix of artists that showcases Avril’s musical diversity and excellent taste in music.

-Geoff Dellinger