The Best Damn Thing
by Avril Lavigne
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2007
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.
  2. 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.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    70
    The range of emotions and material on display make The Best Damn Thing a much easier listen than the monotonous angst of Under My Skin.
  5. AllMusic
    90
    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.
  6. The Guardian
    80
    Crammed with hooks, The Best Damn Thing is a triumphant comeback.
  7. Billboard
    70
    A mostly sassy'n'snotty affair on which she sounds even younger than when her debut album, 2002's "Let Go," went multiplatinum. [28 Apr 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. musicOMH.com
    80
    A fun, engaging record.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    75
    It’s enormous, senseless, superficial, selfish, and cocky past the point of absurdity, but it’s never wrong.
  10. Spin
    70
    The Best Damn Thing rarely takes itself too seriously. [May 2007, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Hot Press
    65
    A boisterous and bratty collection of hook-swamped shout-alongs.
  12. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Lavigne's punk-lite cheerleader chic could well be tweens' first tantalizing steps down the primrose path to Patti Smith.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. musicisallineed
    Aug 5, 2011
    5
    An average album created for average music fans that satisfies your ears with some beautiful and catchy songwriting for a small percentage ofAn average album created for average music fans that satisfies your ears with some beautiful and catchy songwriting for a small percentage of the time, but remove these efforts and you have nothing more than a bad teenage album from an artist who just needs to, at times, grow up. The potential is present, but potential feels somewhat lazy by album number three.… Full Review »
  2. Liameq
    Jun 17, 2011
    6
    1st post AHHHHHHHHHHH =)

    If you liked the albums Let Go or Under My Skin then there is a good chance you wont like this album. Avril    1st post AHHHHHHHHHHH =)

    If you liked the albums Let Go or Under My Skin then there is a good chance you wont like this album. Avril Lavigne's 3rd album, The Best Damn Thing is in many ways a bold one. Avril really does throw away her Pop punk rift's and melody's produces something a bit more glamorise and I hate to use this word but 'mainstream'. To be honest this album really did disappoint me, saying that, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a good album. The thing is, it's just not why I listen to Avril. That's okay though because this album is sure to capture a whole new audience. ARGH I'M GETTING LOST!

    To the point...
    I thought this album had some great beats such as Girlfriend, The Best Damn Thing, Everything Back But You and I Don't Have To Try, It also delivers some emotional drainage that you expect with an Lavinge album with the songs 'When You're Gone', 'Innocence',' Keep Holding On'. Although I enjoyed 'When You're Gone' I though 'Keep Holding On' was nothing but mediocre and 'Innocence' just made me **** angry =( To summarise, the album is probably not what anyone expected but it actually takes nothing away from the album. This is a relatively good, fun, POP album.    … Full Review »
  3. henryg.
    Jul 11, 2007
    7
    It's good. Fun, poppy laughs. All the tracks are good, and are only let down by some bad rap style parts, but that's it. I still It's good. Fun, poppy laughs. All the tracks are good, and are only let down by some bad rap style parts, but that's it. I still prefer Under My Skin though.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »