On Wednesday (November 10), Avril Lavigne took to her official website to pen an open letter to fans, informing them that she has completed her new album. While the follow-up to 2007's The Best Damn Thing doesn't have a confirmed release date, the singer writes about the album and gives some insight as to why it has taken so long to hit shelves, even admitting she finished the project last year."I just wanted to fill you guys in. I'm done with my 4th record!" she writes. "Well, actually I have been done for a year and now my record company have finally decided to release it. OMG. How nice! Thanks guys."
Lavigne acknowledges her absence from the industry, revealing that she has infused herself into many aspects of the album, including writing and production.
"I have been dying to get back out on the road and do what I love the most ... PLAY MUSIC," she continues. "I know you guys have been waiting for a long time ... and so have I, but not by choice. I have been sitting with this record for a year now. It's really special to me. I have produced a couple tracks alone for the first time, written solo, with friends, I have pushed myself and I feel proud."
While the pop/rock songstress tried her hand as a producer for the first time, she also experienced some other not-so-pleasant first encounters.
"In saying all that, this has been a really difficult record for me to create and to release. Not only is this the most meaningful and special record I have written, it is sincere, honest and close to my heart," the post continues. "But for the first time I experienced a bunch of bureaucratic BS. People do their best work when they are doing what they want, love and is natural for them, not when you are forcing them to be something that they are not."
In what sounds like a sideswipe at her record label for holding on the LP, the Canadian singer reminds fans of the message she's promoted since the start of her career: "From the beginning of my career my message has always been to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in. Follow your heart."
But the 26-year-old ends on a high note by dishing details on the album's first single and the other projects on her plate.
"My first single off this record is called: 'What the Hell,' " she reveals. "This song is the least personal song to me off this album. It's a fun and funny anthem. It has a broad message about personal freedom. It is the most pop track on the record."
The singer reveals that she is scheduled to shoot a clip for the lead single in two weeks, with a January 2011 release date.
In addition to the album, Lavigne says she's concentrating on keeping a balance between her personal and professional life. "I have been extremely busy designing [my clothing line] Abbey Dawn and taking the line internationally for the first time, establishing 'The Avril Lavigne Foundation' and focusing on my personal happiness and health. Balance!"
While the singer has managed to keep her material from leaking onto the Internet, her 2002 hit single "I'm With You" has been making the blog rounds. Rihanna sampled the ballad for the party anthem "Cheers (Drink to That)" on her new album, Loud.
