Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the selection of songs on this soundtrack doesn't push the envelope in terms of content. There's a bit of "shake it for me, baby" here and there and a few references to fighting, but nothing really scary or explicitly violent. Lyrics do contain a fair amount of product placement -- there's an entire song, "Vans," about sneaker brands. Also, fans of the film may be disappointed because not every song is included on this CD.
Families can talk about why movie soundtracks often include a different selection of songs than those heard in the film itself. Why do you think producers choose to do this, and how do you feel about it? Do you think the Vans brand pays for their product placement here or just got some lucky free advertising? Do you think this kind of marketing in a song is more effective at selling products than a TV commercial?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
The STOMP THE YARD soundtrack has been criticized on fan Web sites for containing songs that are different from those actually heard in the movie, so those looking for a CD that will replicate the theater experience are bound to be disappointed. But if you want a well-produced, varied selection of hip-hop and R&B songs that also happen to be fairly family-friendly, Stomp the Yard is an excellent choice.
Energetic and raucous, each and every track sparkles; producers see to it that there isn't a tedious moment. Combining the talents of such diverse artists as Public Enemy, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Chris Brown, The Roots, and Ne-Yo, they've collected 14 strong, expressive songs.
For the most part, the lyrics are clean, and the sexy stuff stays firmly in innuendo-land. There's a little bit of leering "shake it for me, baby" sentiment that will cause PC parents to sigh and roll their eyes. And "Come On" featuring Onslaught is a theatrically pumped-up fight song. But overall this album's content is so much tamer than most hip-hop offerings, the artists and tracks so varied, that you and your kids could do a lot worse. When all is said and sung, the message of Stomp the Yard is that dancing is a good thing, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Fans of this CD might enjoy the more pop-y Jump In! soundtrack or the movie, Drumline.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentInnocent lines such as "shake it for me, baby." |
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Social BehaviorSome wearisome sexism; but an overall positive message about dancing. |
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CommercialismUnavoidable with a movie soundtrack -- may hold some kind of record for sneaker product placement on "Vans." |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of references to drinking. |
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