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"American Boy" (CD single)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    UK singer celebrates U.S. men in fun, flirty hit.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Lots of frivolous flirting. Promotoes female assertiveness.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    The singer talks about showing a man her bedroom and about liking what's underneath his pants.
  • Language:

    Kayne West's featured rap includes the line "most of the press don't f--k with me," but the expletive is deleted from many versions. West also says "hell" in one line.
  • Consumerism:

    West raps about designer clothes and other "bling" symbols.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of "American Boy" (CD single) was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Parents need to know that there are only a few iffy things for kids in this song. Kayne West's rap portion includes a single expletive ("f--k"), and the song is all about being attracted to "American boys." Although there are a few sexual references, the song is fairly mild and ultimately promotes female assertiveness and control, even if it's in regard to hooking up with someone.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how pop and hip-hop music differ in the United States and the United Kingdom. How do Estelle's British roots influence the sound of her music? Do you think audiences in Great Britain and America like the same type of music? Why are some musicians big hits in one country but not the other? Check out the pop charts of other countries to see how many artists you recognize.
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More on "American Boy" (CD single)

What’s the Story?

British rapper/singer/producer Estelle was virtually unknown in the United States before the release of this song. But with a little help from Kanye West, "American Boy" has proven to be her breakout single. The song is a lyrical tour of the United States, exploring the similarities and differences between America and the UK in the context of Estelle's admiration of U.S. guys.

Is It Any Good?

In the grand tradition of The Beach Boys' "California Girls" -- which equated geography with sexuality -- in AMERICAN BOY, Estelle creates a love song for the U.S. male population. The dance-inspiring track grooves with her seductive, spoken word-like vocals, followed by West's cool raps. The two complement each other nicely, and it's hard not to get caught up in the song's fun, funky vibe. Estelle's proper British style adds an elegant flavor that's often lacking from American singers' work.

Music Details

Released on: 3/28/2008
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: Yes

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    love it but not to much.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Good for 13 and up.

    GREAT SONG!! the only concerns are that she says "dont like his baggy jeans but imma like whats underneath them." which is a sexual term. there is also one use of f*** and one use of the phrase "so to h*** with all that rubish."

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    Pretty good but should be rated ages 10 and over.

    It has a great catchy tune to it! It is really cool.

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 10
    I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 3.0

    Ignorant Lyrics- Great Music

    To bad such good music has to be spoiled buy such ignorant lyrics. From what I've listened to so far the same applies to the whole album.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    Love American Boy!

    I realy, realy, realy, realy, realy LOVE American Boy it is so cool!!! I liste to it Every time on KW3! It's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You got to LOVE American Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!

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