This review covers the pop rock track Avril Lavigne – Sk8er Boi.
This track was released in 2002 on the album Let Go.
The track starts with a snare roll, then the guitars join in. After that, the vocals take the track into the first verse. An additional guitar then makes an appearance.
From there, the vocals take the track into the main chorus. Shortly after that, the vocals take the track into the next verse. The guitars drop back a little in the process. After that, the vocals take the track into the main chorus after an extended note. This is capped off with a vinyl scratch and an effect. After that, an instrumental section follows.
After that, the vocals take the track into the next verse. Lines are repeated, but with backing elements altered. After that, the vocals take the track into an altered main chorus. An effect is added and the guitars lead the track out.
One thing I think works in this track is the fact that the lyrics basically tell a full story. As I’ve found out over the years, this doesn’t happen that often. The last time I’ve heard this was while reviewing Prozzak – Strange Disease. Really, whenever this sort of thing happen, it’s typically a sign that the lyrics are at their strongest. This is no exception to this and I find that it’s quite a great quality.
Another positive in this track is the backing effects. While some of them might make this track less punk rock and more pop, they add a nice quality throughout the track that adds some good variety.
The vocals work quite well. In fact, I’d say they really lead the track from beginning to end. Normally, it’s either the guitars that do this or a mixture of vocals and guitars. In this case, I think the vocals really take control of the track throughout.
As for the guitars, they do a pretty decent job at backing the vocals. They might seem to use riffs that are pretty well worn, but it’s not really offensive in my view. So, a pretty solid effort all around there.
Overall, the production quality of this track is actually quite great. This is not something I find that often in a track that has leanings towards pop rock, but that dash of punk rock does help this one along. The vocals work quite well and lead the track from beginning to end and the guitars do a pretty decent job backing those vocals. So, a great track all around.
Score
8/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
