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Narrow Stairs

(2008, Indie rock, by Death Cab for Cutie, Label: Atlantic / WEA)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Melancholy indie rock for aching hearts.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not bad, but very melancholy and pessimistic; disenchantment with life and its unmet expectations; lost hopes ("It's hard to stay awake/when everyone you need/they all seem to be asleep"); obsession, possession, and "stalking" ("You gotta spend some time with me/I know that you will find love/I will possess your heart").

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One mention of wine -- "we bought some wine and paper cups" -- but doesn't discuss drinking it.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Narrow Stairs

Parents need to know that this band is known for their melancholy tunes and ballads, but the lyrics are fine for teens; just a lot of pessimism and disenchantment with life and love. There is one song about stalking ("I will possess your heart") dealing with obsessing over someone without realizing it's wrong. Overall, they sing about what many other indie rock bands sing about: lost hope and unmet expectations.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the notion that big label bands are forced to subscribe to a certain image or "brand" that is put upon them by the record company and industry as a whole. Do you think this makes music fake or over-produced? Do you prefer bands, like Death Cab, who try to stay true to themselves and their ideals?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    strawbryblondy
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    lyrics

    the lyrics of these songs on the album are so intense... in a good way! like in the ice was getting thinner is my favorite on the cd. it really touches dead on, on couples fading away...

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    jobrofan10
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love Death Cab for Cutie.

    I love Narrow Stairs!My favorite song is Bixby Canyon Bridge.There music is just so calm and soothing.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    eater
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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