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Contraband

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Self-defined supergroup falls flat.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Sexist, homophobic, and nasty.
  • Violence:

    Some violent imagery.
  • Sex:

    Not really explicit, but sexist and cynical.
  • Language:

    The parental advisory sticker is well-deserved.
  • Consumerism:

    None.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    An odd message--lyrics appear to be anti-drug, while also glamorizing getting high.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Contraband was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Parents need to know that most of the songs here are innocuous, but those that do have offensive lyrics pack a wallop, and the music isn't brilliant enough to make them worthwhile.

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 rock star arrogance, and how -- if they become rock stars -- they should avoid it at all costs.
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More on Contraband

What’s the Story?

Velvet Revolver, a self-defined "supergroup" made up of members of Guns N' Roses and the Stone Temple Pilots, get an "A" for effort on CONTRABAND, but the whole thing ultimately falls flat. Gratuitous sexist posturing and references to guns and drugs don't help, but they aren't really the whole problem either -- this project reeks of a brand of cynical self-absorption that gets boring really fast. "All that first-class jet set brings me down, down, down/All that first-class drug sh*t brings me down, down, down," the boys lament after calling someone an offensive term for a homosexual on "Big Machine." Poor babies! If it's so awful, why not give it up? How about volunteering at a homeless shelter or a hospice instead? It would do the Velvet Revolver guys a world of good, and save the rest of us from having to hear them whine.

Is It Any Good?

Some of the performances on "Contraband are excellent. Slash contributes amazing guitar work and vocalist Scott Weiland sings his heart out, supported by a powerful rhythm section. But the arrangements feel old and warmed over, and the lyrics aren't interesting enough to make up for all the obnoxious -- and sometimes offensive -- posturing.

Music Details

Released on: 06/08/2004
Parental advisory: Yes, Edited version available: No

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    This review is rubbish!

    OK, this isn't the best album ever, but it deserves a better rating than 2 stars!!! I'm listening to it right now and it is amazing, there is one song with any words that could remotely be considered offensive, and Slash is on tune with some amazing solos. Not as good as Libertad, and Scott Weiland (singer) is a big ######, but it deserves a better review!!!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    ROCKS

    THIS IS A GREAT CD IT IS SO AWESOME AND ROCKS SO HARD! I haven`t seen such a great rock album since "Permission to Land". I can't believe the over- protective people on this site said it should be for 15 year olds and older, for most kids who are 10 or over it's nothing they dont know about.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 1.0

    Have ID?

    For twenty-somethings who still have Appetite For Destruction in rotation, Contraband is a hard rocking, take no prisoners, burn the village and salt the earth rock album. Talent oozes out of this record. However, for teens and younger, this album is contraband.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    best rock group...ever

    i cant believe the rating CSM gave this CD. Velvet Revolver is one of the greatest rock groups on earth formed from the legendary guns n' roses and stone temple pilots. so theres a few swear words???? what song doesnt have any?? the wiggles soundtrack?? i think this is a great CD (and group) for ppl who care about real music..not rap. we need more rock bands like VR.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

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