Some People Have Real Problems

Safe, sophisticated lyrics from indie darling.

Artist: Sia
Genre: Indie Rock Label: Hear Music Parental Advisory: No Edited Version Available: No Release Date: 01/08/2008

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this album from the lead singer of indie favorite Zero 7 is squeaky clean. There is a song titled "The Girl You Lost to Cocaine," but it never refers to the drug and is more about escaping someone who is a negative influence. The rest of the CD covers about positive themes such as being good to yourself and self-empowerment.

Families can talk about the growing dilemma of pop stars and celebrities losing their battles with addiction and increasingly self-destructive behavior. Why is it that so many artists fall into the trap of addiction? Is the entertainment industry to blame? Are certain entertainers more prone to addiction or negative behavior? Why? What could be done or changed to stop this harmful trend?

Rate It!

Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jessica Dawson

In her third solo album, SOME PEOPLE HAVE REAL PROBLEMS, Aussie singer Sia has truly given a gift, to old fans and new, of beautiful arrangements and sophisticated vocals. Her songs have been featured in the finale episode of Six Feet Under and the series The O.C.. But, after listening to this album, every song could be a powerful anthem on the big screen, too. Sia is a gentler Fiona Apple and a more soulful Tori Amos, with impressive poetic lyrics and music that is constantly surprising. The bluesy-pop ballad "Little Black Shoes" is a great radio song, about getting away from a negative relationship ("These little black sandals are walking me away"). "Lentil" is striking with strings accompaniment, and "Academia" is clever with a mouthful of fun lyrics to chew on. Some people may have real problems, but anyone with this album won't have a problem listening to it again and again.

Fans may also enjoy Feist's The Reminder or Made of Bricks by Kate Nash.

Rate It!

Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content One playful reference to sex: "See I'll never get laid while I'm running your life."
Violence One line in track "Playground," but only in juvenile/playful means; "I'll be sure to write you from the war/put your guns away it's tea time."
Language
Message
	Social Behavior Overall themes of self-empowerment, positive love, being good to yourself.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Song titled "Girl You Lost to Cocaine," but it's about getting away from someone who is bad for you, not about drugs. Few references to drinking: "I took you home when you drank too much" and "You shot me up, yeah/you filled my cup/I've drunk my last beer with you."