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Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

(2008, R&b, by Solange Knowles, Label: Geffen Records)

  • 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?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Motown vibe is less sexy than big sis Beyonce.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    One song talks about someone putting up with a guy being unfaithful, and another is about getting physical with someone too fast.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    The song "T.O.N.Y." implies regret about sleeping with someone too soon ("Maybe it's mornin' and the thrill is gone"), "Would Have Been the One" is about being unfaithful ("And she was cool with his fooling around"). Sex is implied on "Sandcastle Disco" ("Would baby baby feel up these walls of mine") and on "Valentine's Day"("You know what kind of gifts I give baby/I'm ready when you are").

  • Language:

    One song has the word "s--t" another says "ass." The worst offender is the final track, "This Bird" which features the refrain, "shut the f--k up."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    On the opening track, Solange assures us that "I'm not high," and on another she sings, "I want to go high, so high."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

Parents need to know that although this album is from Beyonce's sister, it's definitely an assertion of Solange's separate identity and own musical style. Several songs have some references to sex, but it's mostly implied, rather than directly in your face. One song has a subtle (more in the background) smattering of "s--t" and another, has a less subtle refrain of "shut the f--k up." There are also some references to being high.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Solange's music differs from that of her more famous sister. How do their voices compare? While she uses this album as an opportunity to assert her own identity, does it seem like it would be easier to get a record deal because of her connections? Does this album stand up for itself? Would it be hard to follow in the footsteps of a sister like Beyonce? Also, on "T.O.N.Y.," Solange seems to be expressing regret about starting a physical relationship with someone too soon. Why do you think this could be so? What are the risks of doing this?
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