Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this CD addresses issues important to tweens (relationships, depression, self-image, self-esteem) with the mildest of innuendo and a whole lot of infectious poetic energy. A gently positive role model for girls, KT plays her own guitar, writes her own songs, and wrestles her own demons with humor, grit, and soul.
Families can talk about some of the issues in KT's lyrics. Despite predictable-enough ups and downs, she seems like a centered young woman who handles problems with humor and creativity. Do you think writing about the stuff that bothers you can help solve problems? What about creative outlets like learning and practicing guitar, or joining a band?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
KT Tunstall's sophomore effort, DRASTIC FANTASTIC, is a delightful poetry-and-guitar-fueled romp through tween-familiar territory. With nearly-perfect lyrical and musical integrity, the Scottish singer-songwriter addresses relationships ("This little universe between our backs/so beautiful and colorful I lean on that" and "You can try to tie me down, you can try to string me up/but you'd have no luck now…"); depression ("I'm hopeless/follower of anything to take me away/from this hole in the ground" and "I'm all out of luck/I'm all out of faith"); self-esteem and identity ("I need a mirror/in the eyes of a man; I need no protection from my bullet-proof plan") with wit and emotional and musical integrity. There's a subtly empowering message here for kids, especially girls: You can write your own songs, play your own guitar, and create your own life.
Other intelligent music can be found on Mandy Moore's Wild Hope and John Mayer's Continuum.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe mildest of innuendo on one or two songs. |
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ViolenceOnly in a metaphorical sense: "...you'd already advertised that I'd slashed the tires of your one man show" |
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Social BehaviorSome uncertainty about losing self in relationships, honestly portrayed ("I need a mirror, in the eyes of a man/I need no protection from my bullet-proof plan") mixed into a subtle message of self-esteem and empowerment. KT writes her own songs, plays her own guitar, and fights and masters her own demons. |
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