The meme of the moment does seem to be young female singer-songwriters. Right now, I'm waiting for the *official* release to radio of the new Tori Amos song, so that I can *officially* chart it and probably have it up as a Record of the Week within two weeks. And then there's the Sugababes (OK, they're not songwriters yet,) and Vanessa, and Ashanti and this really has been a year for the solo lady. Fourteen of my 27 RoWs have been either female soloists or groups, and three more had distaff vocals. Make of this what you will.
Anyway. Avril is Canadian, and there are perhaps comparisons with early Alanis - so long as one doesn't push them so far. While Alanis' debut was preppy pop that was utterly disposable, and it wasn't until the third album that she got the harsh edge we know, Avril combines pop sensibilities with sharp lyrics.
Lead single Complicated
is a case in point. In theory, everything should be nice and simple. Chap, chapess, meet up, get close, snuggle up ... you get the picture. But there's so much baggage preventing what should be a simple relationship from being so simple. Et voila, the crux of one hit single.
The accompaniment features some decent electric guitar work, but isn't anything particularly spectacular. It's the unusual rhythm combination that makes the hit; if I'm not mistaken, the verse is in plain time, the bridge in 6/8, and the chorus in 5/4. This is a spectacular combination, yet Avril pulls it off without effort.
The first publicity for this record said that Avril is not Britney. Ms Spears may have many assets, but the ability to handle complex time signatures has never been one of them. While this isn't as immediate as ...Baby One More Time
, it's clear that there's a lot of talent behind Complicated
, and we should expect to see Avril around for some time to come.
Either that, or she'll go the way of so many talented acts, and turn into a one-hit wonder. This would not be good.
The album, also entitled Complicated
is scheduled for autumn release. Heck, the single isn't going to be released here until the second week of September.