Head Above Water
by Avril Lavigne
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Feb 15, 2019
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 466 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 381 out of 466
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 466
  3. Negative: 51 out of 466
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  1. Psikolog
    Feb 16, 2019
    9
    Her vocals sound so improved and they're very strong. She was right when she said that her voice was going to be the main instrument of the album. Birdie, I Fell In Love With The Devil, Crush and It Was In Me really shine. The second half (except Crush) don't sound as powerful as the first but it's OK. As someone said here, good songs bridge the gap. She's never been a magnificentHer vocals sound so improved and they're very strong. She was right when she said that her voice was going to be the main instrument of the album. Birdie, I Fell In Love With The Devil, Crush and It Was In Me really shine. The second half (except Crush) don't sound as powerful as the first but it's OK. As someone said here, good songs bridge the gap. She's never been a magnificent songwriter anyways and also simplicity can be much better than redundant writing sometimes. I don't really get all the hate since most of the lyrics and metaphors are quite decent. It's sad to see an album like this is treated so harshly by the critics, definitely not fair. They should stop focusing on the "nudity" of the cover photo and Avril's past relationships and just focus on the music itself.… Expand
  2. rickynho
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns da carreira da Avril, músicas fortes com uma produção impecável....
  3. kevenmars
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Álbum maravilhoso ,mostra a evolução dela como cantora e é um álbum profundo e nas mais sentimentais dá para sentir pelo oque ela passou nesses últimos tempos com a doença de Lyme
  4. Gabbs
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Excellent album that makes you cry... Don’t be fooled by what the critics say... we are more and so many people do agree on the power that this album has... one of the best album of the year and for me the best Avril has ever released... thank you Avril for such amazing songs... cheer up!!!
  5. DaniloVidal
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Esse álbum é incrível. Fala sobre força e superação. Me identifiquei muito e sei que muita gente também vai. Avril fez um álbum muito pessoal e como humana, muitos dos problemas que ela já passou, também são os nossos. O álbum foi feito com todo o seu coração. Vale muito a pena ouvir.
  6. Kevinrpan
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    HAW is a mature album. She clearly evolved comparing to the last three of her career. The only frank point is Dumb Blonde that is different of the rest of the songs from this album.
  7. demiexplicit
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Her best album. She put her heart in every single song and you can feel when you’re listening to it. Her masterpiece.
  8. CamsPrimo
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Just perfect. A fresh new start after lyme and a six year's. This album deserves conquer everything, it's a grow up and I'm so proud of her. Head above water means the world to me and we fans of the legend called Avril Lavigne.
  9. Vanessavcc
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Excelent piece of art. Honest, pure, well-produced, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING VOCALS, catchy songs, emotional ones... amazing job. One of the best if not the best album from this extremely talented singer and songwriter, miss Avril Lavigne.
  10. Hamood
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    This album may not be everyone’s favorite but for me I just loved how on most of the tracks she used real instrumentals and her voice on this album never sounded this good in a very long time.
    I love how the album progressed from Head Above Water and how she was crying for help, to being in a toxic relationship to finding the person that she loves and cares about to Warrior and how she is    This album may not be everyone’s favorite but for me I just loved how on most of the tracks she used real instrumentals and her voice on this album never sounded this good in a very long time.
    I love how the album progressed from Head Above Water and how she was crying for help, to being in a toxic relationship to finding the person that she loves and cares about to Warrior and how she is a survivor of this life. The album tells a story and it is very well done.    … Expand
  11. AmelyCyl
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Stellar production, lyrically her best album. This album is something I'd never exepect from her but she really outdid herself this time. Probably my favourite album by her. If you didn't like the album at first listen, you have to listen again. Birdie, I Fell In Love With The Devil, It Was In Me and Warrior are standout tracks from this album. The rock Avril is dead and y'all have to dealStellar production, lyrically her best album. This album is something I'd never exepect from her but she really outdid herself this time. Probably my favourite album by her. If you didn't like the album at first listen, you have to listen again. Birdie, I Fell In Love With The Devil, It Was In Me and Warrior are standout tracks from this album. The rock Avril is dead and y'all have to deal with it, the pop Avril is doing pretty great. Honestly if she flops this era, it's because y'all never gave the pop Avril a chance and will always prefer the rock Avril.… Expand
  12. theswiftflash
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Loved this album. It has some great ballads including I fell in love with the devil, It was in me and Head Above Water, as well as some really good songs to dance to.

    After her six-year break and almost dying, Avril Lavigne is BACK with her trademark vocals, inspiring lyrics and great production!
  13. jesusbronze
    Feb 15, 2019
    6
    There is something strange that has happened to Avril Lavigne over the course of this last decade: The deadly sin of pop music, called Aging, has finally caught up with her and her artistic persona, and the once "anti" pop rebel who once famously claimed was "never growing up" is getting astray with every musical release, a case which has become evident with the release of "Head AboveThere is something strange that has happened to Avril Lavigne over the course of this last decade: The deadly sin of pop music, called Aging, has finally caught up with her and her artistic persona, and the once "anti" pop rebel who once famously claimed was "never growing up" is getting astray with every musical release, a case which has become evident with the release of "Head Above Water", a "coming-of-age" album that rarely delivers what it promised with the first single..

    The record sounds like Lavigne is trying to remember who she was, is, and who she is supposed to become as time goes by and the audience's tastes evolve, which makes the album sound unauthentic and little cohesive, making it hard for Lavigne to retain her well-deserved place in the popular musical landscape. The first single and title track "Head Above Water" promised to take Lavigne into the next chapter and somehow failed to deliver in spite of being a great ballad, and judging by subsequent singles "Tell Me Its Over" (deliciously soaked in Memphis Soul) and the forced (and tired) "Dumb Blond" (a collaboration with Nicki Minaj) demonstrate that Avril is in danger of losing track in her musical evolution, something that was somehow foreshadowed in her previous self-titled album "Avril Lavigne".

    Nevertheless, this doesn't entail the album doesn't have its memorable moments. Besides the aforementioned "Tell Me Its Over", the album includes the powerful ballads "It Was Me", "I Fell In Love With The Devil", "Crush" and "Goddess", that if anything, reminds us that Avril's vocals have gotten better and better and retain that powerful and striking feeling, something that her hard-core fans will surely be thankful for.    … Expand
  14. DanS98
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    This album has a different sound from everything Avril Lavigne has released previously. A more mature sound, more worked lyrics and better produced songs. Lavigne shows her vocal potential more clearly during the 12 tracks on the album. I have no words to describe how incredible that work was done by her. But it's just perfect. In fact she put up with all the waiting for the release.
  15. LeonardRoses13
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Head Above Water es un album muy esperado por los fanaticos de Avril. Si duda ella ha demostrado que ha dejado por un momento el estilo Pop/Rock que tanto la carateizaba para explorar nuevos estilos y nuevos generos. Tal vez no fue el resultado que muchos esperaban, pero el album abarca una buena tematica y un excelente mensaje, Avril no ha defraudado con su excelente composicion y con sus letras melancolicas que a mas de 1 hace sentir identificado o especial. Es un album real, Honesto, que vale la pena tomar un momento para escucharlo y analizarlo.… Expand
  16. paulooliveira
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    This album is unbelievable! We have great songs and Avril’s powerful voice.
  17. henri99
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    HAW surely is one of Avril's best albums and one of the best albums of 2019 (probably the best), it's a mature, deep, emotional, breathtaking album. Songs like IFILWTD, IWIM, Birdie, Warrior, Head above watter and Crush show us Avril's true musical power, all of the songs are amazing including dumb blonde which is a fun track that makes the album lighter. She's a brave and amazing humanHAW surely is one of Avril's best albums and one of the best albums of 2019 (probably the best), it's a mature, deep, emotional, breathtaking album. Songs like IFILWTD, IWIM, Birdie, Warrior, Head above watter and Crush show us Avril's true musical power, all of the songs are amazing including dumb blonde which is a fun track that makes the album lighter. She's a brave and amazing human being, she didn't let her disease stop her from doing what she loves( singing ), and i'm so grateful she's back with this masterpiece, it's a gift to us her fans. It's impossible not to get emotional while listening to it. Thank you dear for bringing happiness into my heart while i listen to this!
    These critic reviews are strangely wrong, how can anyone think this is not a masterpiece, i can't understand.    … Expand
  18. lleticiapires
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    I loved this album, I loved the songs and the melodies, her vocals are wonderful, and I loved the fact that this album is so personal, talking about everything she went through during that hiatus and with such honesty!
  19. Arthurmell0
    Feb 15, 2019
    9
    Avril lived the hell for the one arrived here. She released a great album and explored the vocals beautifully even on the tracks that spoil the album.

    Best tracks: Birdie, I Fell In Love With The Devil, It Was In Me, Crush
  20. Luzcazz
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    one of the best albums released lately.IFILWTD, Birdie, It Was In Me and crush so perfect songs...
  21. Misrian
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Hino de album! Quem não gostou nem sabia o que é ter um ótimo gosto para músicas.
  22. GabrielOlimp
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    The albums is a masterpiece, Avril never be an better.
    Pyou should never buy this album with the old ones, each album is a unique work and should not be criticized based on the past. I believe that the vritic must overcome this petty criticism that wants to trap the artist in a stupid mold.
  23. luckyficious
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Um inegável amadurecimento em sua carreira, sua voz, suas composições e suas produções.

    01 - HEAD ABOVE WATER: Avril abre o disco falando como se sentiu durante esse tempo em que esteve em seu pior momento, quando penso que seu corpo estava se desligando aos poucos, morrendo. Ela sentiu que estava se afogando e pediu a Deus que mantivesse sua cabeça acima d'água, que a viesse salvar,    Um inegável amadurecimento em sua carreira, sua voz, suas composições e suas produções.

    01 - HEAD ABOVE WATER: Avril abre o disco falando como se sentiu durante esse tempo em que esteve em seu pior momento, quando penso que seu corpo estava se desligando aos poucos, morrendo. Ela sentiu que estava se afogando e pediu a Deus que mantivesse sua cabeça acima d'água, que a viesse salvar, que estava esperando por Ele. A faixa dá nome ao álbum. Possui uma carga dramática incrível, batidas emocionantes e um instrumental poderoso. Foi lançada como lead single desta era, não podia haver acerto maior.
    -
    02 - BIRDIE: outra música com um instrumental poderoso e uma melodia incrível! Ela nos remete a baladas poderosas do segundo álbum de estúdio da canadense (Under My Skin). Lavigne canta sobre se sentir presa como um pássaro em uma gaiola, sobre querer voar alto. É uma das melhores do álbum.
    -
    03 - I FEEL IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL: essa é uma das músicas mais bem produzidas do álbum e, arrisco a dizer, de toda a carreira. Na faixa que inicia com um violino maravilhoso e toques de piano de arrepiar, Avril nos conta sobre uma pessoa pela qual se apaixonou, que foi como ter se apaixonado pelo diabo, que se sentia em um inferno, que a relação a estava matando e tudo que ela queria era que um anjo viesse salvá-la. Soa muito como músicas da banda Evanescence.
    -
    04 - TELL ME IT'S OVER: essa foi o segundo single da era. Uma aposta totalmente diferente do habitual som de Lavigne. Um instrumental bonito, vocais maduros e poderosos, um ar meio "soul", onde nos fala ainda sobre um relacionamento tóxico, que ela sabe que precisa acabar, mas que nem sempre é tão fácil assim romper.
    -
    05 - DUMB BLONDE: logo de cara temos um choque ao ouvir esta música, que nos lembra um dos maiores álbuns de sucesso da cantora, o The Best Damn Thing, que garantiu o primeiro #1 da carreira. É uma faixa animada, com batidas "a la" Hollaback Girl, com um ar "cheer leader". A letra é muito empoderada e, em entrevista, Avril disse que foi uma resposta a um homem que disse que ela era apenas uma loira burra. Ela responde com "me assista mostrar que você está errado". Temos uma versão solo da música onde ela faz um rap no final, e também uma (que se tornou o terceiro single do álbum) com a rapper Nicki Minaj. É de longe a faixa mais diferente de todo álbum.
    -
    06 - IT WAS IN ME: com certeza uma das melhores músicas da carreira, que também lembra um pouco algo do álbum Under My Skin. Essa é uma música sobre procurar suas forças, procurar sua fé em vários lugares, sobre encontrar Deus e principalmente a fé em si mesmo. O refrão é poderoso, as batidas são incríveis e a letra é uma obra de arte.
    -
    07 - SOUVENIR: depois de tantas faixas pesadas, temos uma música gostosinha de ouvir, que um pouco na letra e um pouco na melodia e na "batidinha" gostosa, nos lembra músicas do primeiro álbum, Let Go (que também é um dos maiores álbuns de todos os tempos). Lavigne fala sobre um amor de verão, sobre sentimentos dessa época, coisas passageiras e que não duram (mas que podem durar, quem sabe?) e sobre querer levar isso guardado consigo, como uma lembrancinha de viagem (souvenir).
    -
    08 - CRUSH: o nome da faixa pode não animar muito e soar clichê, mas não se engane. O instrumental da música surpreende no início, os vocais lembram um pouco Tell Me It's Over. Poderia ter sido lançada no Natal, tem um ar bem propício a essa época do ano. A música surpreende muito em letra, melodia e sentimento.
    -
    09 - GODDESS: única música mais acústica do álbum. O violão traz uma harmonia muito boa que combina perfeitamente com o estilo da música. Algumas rimas aqui soam engraçadas, mas é aquele sentimento de sentir-se amado e meio bobo. É muito divertida!
    -
    10 - BIGGER WOW: "na na na na. na na na..." É assim que começa uma das músicas mais animadas do álbum e que condiz com seu restante. É uma "good vibes" de qualidade, que também lembra um pouco algumas músicas do Let Go, como My World e Things Will I Never Say. Deve ficar maravilhosa cantada ao vivo!
    -
    11 - LOVE ME INSANE: a faixa segue uma linha animada também, talvez um pouco inferior a produção impecável de algumas outras faixas, mas ainda assim é uma música muito boa, Avril mostra que sabe que ainda tem muita coisa boa por vir em sua vida.
    -
    12 - WARRIOR: como todo enceramento de álbum da cantora, é uma faixa poderosa e maravilhosa. Warrior também remete à doença de Lyme e a batalha que a cantora enfrentou e ainda enfrenta. Nela sabemos que Avril não irá se curvar, não irá quebrar, que continua e continuará sempre lutando por sua vida e sua saúde. Os violinos são de arrepiar! A faixa é carregada e poderosa, é linda e nos faz ter vontade de ouvir o álbum todo novamente.    … Expand
  24. electraisgood
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    amarelaram de novo FILHOS DA PUTA album impecável parabéns avril por outra obra prima
  25. andersontbona
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Álbum lindo, tocante, bem produzido, emponderado, forte, agridoce, estridente, jovial, pungente e principalmente verdadeiro. Não apenas um produto na prateleira, mas uma história, uma jornada, uma batalha vencida e impressa ao mundo por meio de um vocal honesto, poderoso e sedutor.

    Este é mais que um trabalho especial, é algo que toca o coração de uma geração que acompanhou a evolução e    Álbum lindo, tocante, bem produzido, emponderado, forte, agridoce, estridente, jovial, pungente e principalmente verdadeiro. Não apenas um produto na prateleira, mas uma história, uma jornada, uma batalha vencida e impressa ao mundo por meio de um vocal honesto, poderoso e sedutor.

    Este é mais que um trabalho especial, é algo que toca o coração de uma geração que acompanhou a evolução e as mudanças constantes de Avril durante todos esses anos!    … Expand
  26. SoBirdieFlyAway
    Feb 15, 2019
    8
    Overall, this album was a good one. There are songs that are a hit-or-miss, such as "Dumb Blonde" or "Bigger Wow," but there are songs that also absolutely shine within this, mainly being "I Fell In Love With The Devil," "Birdie," and the title track, "Head Above Water."

    Avril truly shines when her songs have a flair for dramatics - a heavy, powerful orchestra with powerhouse vocals are    Overall, this album was a good one. There are songs that are a hit-or-miss, such as "Dumb Blonde" or "Bigger Wow," but there are songs that also absolutely shine within this, mainly being "I Fell In Love With The Devil," "Birdie," and the title track, "Head Above Water."

    Avril truly shines when her songs have a flair for dramatics - a heavy, powerful orchestra with powerhouse vocals are the songs that are best suited for her, and in this album, it seems as though she embraced this.

    Songs ranging from heartbreak to health scare, this album is built around emotion, and you can feel that within every single song.    … Expand
  27. Djonny
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Following a nearly 6-year hiatus, Avril Lavigne comes out from a turbulent time in her life, battling Lyme disease, and releases an album full of maturity, personal growth, bare emotions and most of all, full of heart. She has poured herself into this record like she's never done before.

    For any fans of good, well written music out there, this is a MUST LISTEN.
    10/10
  28. Nuanee
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    Avril Lavigne still can make it brilliant, new and hopefull. It doesn't matter how long was the road she had to drive by, in the end she still can touch you with her music in a way nobody can. The best tracks are "It Was in Me", "Birdie" and "I fell in love with the Devil".
  29. s9yk3r
    Feb 15, 2019
    6
    I'm a big fan of her... still, this album is average for the most. There are maybe 2-3 valid songs; others are forgettable... can't understand how there are so many fanboys and fangirls that don't see problems of this record... 8.7? this album deserve 60. Avril, i know you can do better (pun unintended). I just know you can, you proved that in so many occasions... so please, do it. I'llI'm a big fan of her... still, this album is average for the most. There are maybe 2-3 valid songs; others are forgettable... can't understand how there are so many fanboys and fangirls that don't see problems of this record... 8.7? this album deserve 60. Avril, i know you can do better (pun unintended). I just know you can, you proved that in so many occasions... so please, do it. I'll keep follow your work because I'm a big fan of yours but most of the songs of this album were just... uninspired.… Expand
  30. breegabs
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    This album was perfect! Avril was able to put all her feelings into the songs ... for me, one of the best albums released so far, perfect melody, composition, arrangements with piano and guitar ... it was incredible.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. NOW Magazine
    Feb 27, 2019
    40
    She’s become her own worst nightmare – boring.
    Read full review
  2. The Skinny
    Feb 21, 2019
    40
    The best tracks here are those which delve into the power ballads that we know Lavigne can produce so effectively. But other than the album's self-titled lead single and It Was In Me, with soaring orchestrals and subtle keys paving the way for her lung-bursting croons, it feels much like a lost Lavigne seeking a sound that’ll just keep her afloat.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    Feb 20, 2019
    40
    On every track, the mad-libs are paired with stylistically diverse arrangements--and invariably plodding tempos. The album’s lone sugar spike is “Dumb Blonde,” a rehashed “Girlfriend” that features a phoned-in Nicki Minaj guest verse midway through and, for some reason, a pre-chorus melody yanked from Lipps, Inc.’s “Funky Town.” In spite of everything, Head Above Water offers one brief moment where Lavigne’s emotional alchemy assumes a bolder musical form that’s properly befitting of her powerhouse vocals and enduring authenticity: the opening stunner of a title track.
    Read full review
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