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The Best of Shel Silverstein

(2005, Compilation, by Shel Silverstein, Label: Sony Music)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Surprise! For teens and older.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Songs with stories of a "freakers ball", revenge, plastic surgery, drug use.

  • Violence:

    One song features a boy who hunts his father.

  • Sex:

    Includes a "freak fest" where characters are described.

  • Language:

    One profanity (b-word) and derogatory slang for homosexuals.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Includes euphemisms for marijuana and other drugs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Best of Shel Silverstein

Parents need to know that Shel Silverstein has done a significant amount of work outside of his kid-oriented sphere, and this album includes previously recorded tracks with other artists, some containing mature material. For example, "Cover of the Rolling Stone" mentions taking "pills for thrills," and a lady named "Kocaine Kitty," while the track "Got Stoned and I Missed It" uses euphemisms for marijuana to describe situations the main character experiences as a result of his habit.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the messages the songs are trying to convey, often on topics for teens and older.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    pokeymom
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0

    I was shocked!

    I bought this disc while searching for something to listen to while traveling with my children (ages 11 and 6). It was sold in the Children's section at both Amazon.com and Walmart.com and while I recognized a couple of the songs, assumed it was "clean versions" appropriate for small children. Wow! Was I wrong? While the disc may have some songs and poetry that I enjoyed hearing, I would definitely NOT SUGGEST FOR CHILDREN because of the sexual content and drug references in the lyrics!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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