Tools for this page
Print

Exile on Mainstream

(2007, Rock, by Matchbox Twenty, Label: Atlantic)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A little whiny, but pop rock songs are solid.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) message of self-absorbed pessimism that's comfy territory for many tweens and teens: "You left a stain/on every one of my good days/But I am stronger than you know/I have to let you go."
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Only in metaphor, as in "I believe the world is burning to the ground...the world is coming to an end."
  • Sex:

    Nothing explicit -- more about the end of relationships than the fun parts.
  • Language:

    "Hell" is as strong as it gets.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Exile on Mainstream

Parents need to know that this CD is a greatest hits compilation of sorts that includes only six new songs and no explicit language ("hell" is as raunchy as it gets). Content is neatly settled in end-of-the-relationship, self-absorbed angst without dwelling too much on the depressing side of things. Many teens and tweens will find this comforting and validating -- a stroll through familiar territory in more ways than one.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what happens when a relationship seems to be hitting the skids. It's so easy to think only about yourself and your own pain. Can you think of some things you might do to help yourself get over it and move on? Some kids talk to their friends, keep a journal, or create songs, poems, stories, or paintings. How about you?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you heard it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Exile on Mainstream?
  •  I think this title is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Awesome

    Great, totally appropriate.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A Must Listen to for Fans of Matchbox Twenty

    I enjoyed listening to this CD. A couple of the new songs are a little mediocre, but the majority of the new songs are pretty good. And the CD also includes old favorites like Bent, If Your Gone, Bright Lights, Disease, etc... I would recommend this to all people

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name