Entertainment

Albums: New music from Avril Lavigne, Johnny Marr, Tears For Fears and Stone Foundation

Avril Lavigne – Love Sux
Avril Lavigne – Love Sux Avril Lavigne – Love Sux

AVRIL LAVIGNE – LOVE SUX

AVRIL Lavigne's fans have grown up with her. Her 2019 album Head Above Water attempted to reflect personal development, but received mixed reviews and lacked musical identity.

In response, Lavigne has made one for the fans.

If the 2010s were an era of 90s revival, then the 2020s are defined by 2KY. Much of the pop-punk that caused Olivia Rodrigo's debut album's stratospheric success has its DNA in Lavigne.

That said, Lavigne isn't just here to cash in. First single Bite Me – featuring Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker – is a self-respect anthem. Other highlights include the emotional Mark's Song, featuring Barker's bandmate Mark Hoppus, and last song Break Of A Heartache, which is pop-punk to the bone.

Dig out your eyeshadow and skull graphic tees – Lavigne is back.

4/5


Luke O'Reilly

JOHNNY MARR – FEVER DREAMS PTS 1-4

"YESTERDAY is gone" sings Johnny Marr in Spirit Power And Soul, the first track on his new double album. It's a powerful statement of intent from a man set on looking ahead, not back.

This is only his fourth solo studio album and his most ambitious yet, full of wonderful guitar playing, though there's no showing off or self-indulgent solos – just insistent riffs driving the songs.

Receiver, Sensory Street and Tenement Time are all anthemic with hints of glam rock, while Marr slows down on the brooding Lighting People and sprawling The Speed Of Love, the longest track at almost six minutes.

The album was created in Manchester during the unsettling days of the Covid lockdown, with the Fever Dreams title coming before the songs were written, setting the mood of uncertainty.

Marr says he wanted the album to sound classic and universal, an ambition he has achieved in full.

4/5


Matthew George

TEARS FOR FEARS – THE TIPPING POINT

TEARS For Fears' comeback album offers an array of new sounds but is still comfortingly reminiscent of the duo's traditional synth-pop style.

The title track has a dreamy pop sound that mirrors the bridge between life and death, with the lyrics inspired by the death of Roland Orzabal's wife five years ago.

From the dance-orientated Break The Man and the rock-infused My Demons to the slower Rivers Of Mercy and the jazzy Please Be Happy, Tears For Fears aren't afraid to mix up their sound – a definite positive.

The highlight, surprisingly, comes towards the tail end of the album with End Of Night, which is full of pounding energetic synth lines from start to finish.

The track Stay is not particularly memorable but remains a fitting end to a record of reinvention.

The Tipping Point is a highly satisfying return for Tears For Fears, decades after they first shaped the soundtrack of the 80s.

3/5


Mason Oldridge

STONE FOUNDATION – OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

THE soul revivalists' 10th album is a fine example of their straight-down-the-line take on the genre.

These dozen tracks showcase Stone Foundation at their most streamlined, delivering smooth, buoyant vocals and soaring brass of opener Soon You'll Return before diving into the meat of the album with the aptly titled Turning Up The Heat.

Tony Award-winning singer Melba Moore offers up a dazzling performance on the urgent Now That You Want Me Back, crossing the border into disco and R&B sounds.

The album was recorded at Paul Weller's Black Barn Studio and the former Style Council and Jam frontman also helps out with backing vocals and instrumental contributions.

The title, Outside Looking In, neatly describes the Stone Foundation outlook.

Sheasby and Jones have always prioritised their craft over commercialism and this is a perfect illustration of the positive results of such a choice.

4/5


Alex Green