Singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne has just released the latest music video for her newest single, “Give You What You Like,” a song which will be included in the upcoming Lifetime movie Babysitter’s Black Book. This is the fifth single off her self-titled album, the most controversial being “Hello Kitty,” which garnered negative reviews for both the video and the song. While the video was meant to contain many of Avril’s Japanese obsessions, in the eyes of many, it came off as racist and immature.
The music video marks the first time Lavigne has been seen since speaking out about her undisclosed illness. With her last public appearance being her September 30th birthday, rumors of pregnancy and divorce filled the interwebs, forcing her to speak out. On December 7th, 2014 she sent a direct message to one of her fan clubs via Twitter stating, “I feel bad because I haven’t been able to say anything to the fans to let them know why I have been absent. I’m torn as I’m quite private. I’m not feeling well. I’m having some health issues. So please keep me in your prayers.” She has also recently stated that she’s been using her own music to help her through her illness stating, “Right now I’m using my own (new) song lyrics to help me get through this… Just reach up/ don’t give up until you touch the sky/Just reach up/don’t give up until you’ve realized that we were all meant to fly.”
“Fly,” which will be released in support of the Special Olympics World Games, was co-written by Nickelback‘s Chad Kroeger and ex-Evanescence member Dave Hodges. It was one of many songs leftover from the recording sessions for her self-titled album. The “Complicated” singer rose to fame in 2002 with her debut album Let Go, which featured three Billboard Mainstream Top 40 hits; “Sk8er Boi,” “Complicated,” and “I’m With You,” making her one of only two artists to achieve this. The album was certified six-timed platinum and received eight Grammy nominations. Lavigne continued to stay relevant with her 2004 sophomore album, Under My Skin, selling twelve million copies worldwide, and her third album, The Best Damn Thing, with her single, “Girlfriend,” becoming the first YouTube video to reach one hundred million views.
In 2007, Tommy Dunbar of the band, The Rubinoos, sued Lavigne along with producer Dr. Luke for allegedly stealing from the song, “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” for her single, “Girlfriend.” A private settlement was reached and matters were dropped. Both Dr. Luke and Butch Walker produced several songs on the album. Butch Walker, whose solo career began in 2002 and is widely known for his work with other artists, has released his newest LP Afraid Of Ghosts, which hit stores February 3rd. Walker admits the album isn’t as in your face as his others and will take several listens to enjoy it. The album, produced by Ryan Adams, comes from a darker place, with songs meant to help him grieve the loss of his father. The LP also contains the song “21+,” which garners a guitar solo by Johnny Depp. “He kept calling him J. Diggle,” Walker says, referring to Adams who introduced them.