Title track “Love Sux” is yet another commanding performance by Lavigne, a timeless sounding track that would transition perfectly whether it was released in 2002 or 2022. Powerful, demanding and proud, this is the most “Avril” she’s sounded since 2011’s “What the Hell.” The two lead singles from “Love Sux,” each serves its purpose flawlessly.

Tracks such as “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me” remind us that her vocal prowess is the main reason why Lavigne remains a massive artist. Few artists with decades-long careers can blend as seamlessly alongside emerging singers with the chemistry that these two have. A duet with Kelly, “Bois Lie” is a radio-ready, summer breakup bop. Long gone is the romance with her skater boy she’s calling him out.

It would be a missed opportunity for Lavigne to neglect “Bois Lie” as the album’s next single. With a dramatic drum-line and punchline lyricism, the opener sets the tone for the rest of the project, a high intensity that barely lets down throughout the entire 33 minutes. The opening track “Cannonball” is an example of this. A compilation of high energy breakup and heartache anthems, the album feels like a wave of nostalgia for 90s babies, so put on your black eyeliner and boots to feel like it’s 2002. One of the few punk artists from the early-2000s still producing quality music, Lavigne returns to her roots with “Love Sux,” partly in thanks to Barker’s production. Another fact is that most of these artists have credited Lavigne as an influence for their style. Olivia Rodrigo, WILLOW, Machine Gun Kelly, Ashnikko and Bella Poarch’s discographies speak to this.

It’s a fact that pop punk is making a comeback. One of the highest-selling female artists of the 2000s, her impact is massive.

Known for her Billboard hits such as “Girlfriend,” “Sk8ter Boi” and “Complicated,” Lavigne paved the road for female-dominant mainstream rock. With features from Machine Gun Kelly, Blackbear and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, the Travis Barker-produced project rectifies Lavigne’s title as a reigning pop punk icon. It speaks volumes that a 37-year-old still produces better pop-rock bangers than the punk artists of today.Īvril Lavigne, widely regarded as the “Princess of Pop Punk,” returned to mainstream music with her seventh LP “Love Sux,” released Feb.

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