After a prolonged absence from the UK pop charts, Avril Lavigne returns with a new single, Girlfriend, and a new album (The Best Damn Thing)in the pipeline.

Girlfriend’s a little bit too Daphne and Celeste for my tastes (remember them? Ooh stick you?). I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this is a kind of novelty song. It’s funny, and the video will make you smile. It’s also sassy and brattish, but not in the way Avril’s previous songs have been.

I’m not complaining though. Yes, it’s childish, but it’s also got a hook that will drill its way into your head. The Modern Age, however, disagrees:

This is like the theme song of romantically deranged tween girls everywhere. If you could have him wrapped around your finger in a second, why are you spending 3 minutes and 49 seconds telling me about it? JUST DO IT AND LEAVE ME ALONE!

All I will say is that it’s funny how Avril made such a big deal of being the anti-Britney. Now that Ms Spears has shuffled off to rehab, Lavigne’s latest video has her playing the schoolgirl and engaging in a dance routine!!! Cue a few photoshoots for FHM, a quickie divorce and the transformation will be complete.

Enjoy the video.