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Into the Wild Soundtrack

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Vedder sings soulful songs of a tragic journey.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Chris McCandless essentially "ran away" by dropping out of civilization and traveling alone into the Alaskan wild to find himself. The songs warn of the dangers of nature as well as the danger of wanting more than you have or need. Lyrics such as "Empty pockets will allow a greater sense of wealth" frequently urge listeners to simplify and steer clear of greed and excess.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Obvious tie-in to the movie and book of the same name.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One reference to being "nature drunk and high."

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Into the Wild Soundtrack was written by Conny Coon

Parents need to know that this inoffensive soundtrack from the movie of the same name is the first solo album from Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. Many young teens won't care about -- or get -- most of the themes (running away to find yourself, having more than you need), but the music is folksy enough to be fine for anyone older than 13.

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 the inspiration to do soundtracks. How was Vedder moved by the tale and the movie? Do you think it helps to have a famous artist as the voice of a soundtrack? Families can also talk about McCandless' tale. What things in society would you want to leave behind? Is running away really the best way to "find yourself" or to shun capitalism and corporate America?
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More on Into the Wild Soundtrack

What’s the Story?

It's fitting that Eddie Vedder's first full-length solo album tells the story of another man's solo journey. There's nothing offensive anywhere on INTO THE WILD, just soulful, folky songs that follow the doomed Alaskan adventure of Chris McCandless. Vedder's words won't cause parents to pause, but the story might. It's essentially the true story of runaway McCandless, a smart 20-something kid who shunned society and ventured off (with few supplies and even fewer survival skills). But his live-off-the-land dream turned into every parent's nightmare when he was found dead several months later.

Is It Any Good?

Vedder's plaintive voice and simple, soulful lyrics gently guide us into the wild world that McCandless saw, perfectly blending a sense of freedom with a strong foreboding. His songs warn of the dangers of nature as well as the danger of wanting more than you have or need -- messages that many parents may want to instill in their children. Like his muse, Vedder also respects nature while railing against materialism and greed.

Music Details

Released on: 09/18/2007
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Fantastic. =)

    I am a huge fan of Pearl Jam and of Eddie Vedder and this album is fantastic. It is a lot folksier than Pearl Jam but it is definitely an album worth having. It is actually very inspirational and the lyrics really make you think. Eddie Vedder is an amazing lyricist and musician. It is a must-buy album.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    Beautiful

    The best soundtrack for any movie in my opinion. The songs are catchy and mix folk with rock complimented with Vedder's amazing vocals. Highly recommended

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