JULY 2004

Though discouraged, a girl refuses to let a love “Fall to Pieces.” She seeks emotional support (“How Does It Feel”) and sympathizes with a troubled lady (“Nobody’s Home”). “Who Knows?” preaches a carpe diem philosophy that includes laughter and doing one’s best. “Take Me Away” resists unloading on a guy who caused pain (“My words are cold/I don’t want them to hurt you”). Romantic frustration is often a downer here, but the singer shows self-respect and a reluctance to compromise on “He Wasn’t,” “Forgotten,” “Freak Out” and “Don’t Tell Me.” On the latter, Lavigne puts up walls when a boy pressures her for sex, however ...

Her in-your-face retort contains crass slang and a profanity. Another romantic confrontation uses the s-word to drive a point home (“My Happy Ending”).

The No. 1 hits on Lavigne’s first CD (“Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “I’m With You”) were made more radio-friendly by a song-doctoring team absent from Under My Skin. The new disc may not have as many upbeat pop hooks, but teens will still resonate with the artist’s raw emotion. A solid pick except for a few choice words and the rebellious aura Avril fans have come to expect.