Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Sheryl Crow isn't shy about expressing her anti-war political views. "God Bless this Mess" references the events of 9/11 and the Iraq War, and "Gasoline" raises environmental concerns. In the explicit-language department, the words "bitch" and "bastard" are both used once or twice.
Families can talk about rock stars making political commentary. What do you think Sheryl Crow is trying to say with her lyrics? Do you agree with her take on the Iraq War ("a war all based on lies")? Also, "Make It Go Away (Radiation Song)" seems to have been inspired by Crow's experience with breast cancer. Do you think this song will resonate with others who have had health challenges?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Sheryl Crow makes the political personal on DETOURS, a collection of 13 songs that take themselves far more seriously than her earlier "sun-in-the-fun" hits, but still mostly come across as breezy and fun. Addressing such diverse subjects as romantic break-ups ("Now That You're Gone"), the wisdom of the war in Iraq ("God Bless This Mess"), environmental concerns ("Gasoline"), and parenthood ("Lullaby for Wyatt"), Detours will be most appealing to those who are already true blue Crow fans.
Though some of the songs are wonderful -- evocative, subtle, and irresistibly rhythmic -- others veer dangerously close to self-indulgent preaching. "Make It Go Away (Radiation Song)," about the artist's experience with breast cancer, is an admirable thematic attempt, but a musical low point. "Peace Be Upon Us" works better due to complex, hypnotic percussion tracks, not the repetitive, simplistic lyrics.
New fans will enjoy other Sheryl Crow CDs, or music by the Dixie Chicks.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentNothing explicit -- more about the complexities of relationships. |
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ViolenceAn anti-violence message, if anything. References to 9/11 and the war in Iraq ("Heard about the day/that two skyscrapers came down/firemen, policemen/and people came from all around/The smoke covered the city/and the body count arise/The president spoke words of comfort/with tears in his eyes/then he led us as a nation/into a war all based on lies"). |
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Language"Bitch" and "bastard" are used a couple of times. |
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Social BehaviorSubtle message of stepping up in spite of difficulty and standing up for your beliefs: "I won't back down/I won't turn around...doesn't matter what comes crashing down/I'm still gonna stand my solid ground." |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoOne song ("Drunk With the Thought of You") equates being in love with being drunk. |
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