by Chelsea Ives

“Fuck stereotypes. If you’re a strong person and your partner can’t handle you, go find someone who has enough self-confidence and can support you and lift you up and inspire you in your life. As an equal.” Avril Lavigne said in an Instagram post hash tagged “Dumb Blonde”. The Canadian artist is making a cherry-bomb comeback with her sixth studio LP Album released in January, Head Above Water.

The quick rat-a-tat-tat of drums opens “Dumb Blonde” like a parade march…Avril is literally playing herself onto the court with her own song. If that doesn’t scream “strong, independent woman” I don’t know what does. After her 2014 diagnosis of Lyme disease, Avril has been through physical and emotional stresses that should have left her in the dust. But Avril proved the odds wrong, recovered, and now she’s here to say she’s “takin’ the lead”.

“Dumb Blonde” opens with lyrics and that electric guitar which gives me serious “sk8er boi,” flashbacks. The song is the most upbeat song on the album and it’s clear Avril is trying to show her fans that she might have grown up, but she still knows how to have fun. Nothing is holding her back, and she’s more confident than ever. Avril has a very Joan-Jett and the Blackhearts “I love Rock ‘n’ Roll” sound in this song, and I think it suits the theme of the song. Women shouldn’t be afraid to speak our minds and be recognized for strength, independence and confidence, and we shouldn’t be condescended for showcasing our abilities.

Interestingly the song was originally recorded as a solo piece, but two weeks before the albums release, a verse with Nicki Minaj was added. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge Nicki fan. Unfortunately I don’t see the point of her verse in the song. Avril really brings the feminist agenda here, calling to people to stand up for strong women. Nicki, apart from being looked at as a feminist (for what, though?) lends nothing to the song except a rap sound which refers to her own work with another artist? Sorry Nicki, but I think you dropped the bomb in this one.

Overall, if there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s that Avril really does have her A-game on, and she is bringing the heat to the court.