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The Young and the Hopeless

(2002, Punk rock, by Good Charlotte, Label: Sony)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sometimes rude, crude, and lewd, and humorous.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    "Riot Girl" praises body piercings, tattoos, and attitude. "The Day That I Die" describes suicide.

  • Violence:

    "My Bloody Valentine" describes stalking a rival boyfriend and ripping out his throat. "Hold On" refers to an abusive father. "The Day That I Die" contemplates suicide.

  • Sex:

    In "Girls & Boys," the "girls with the bodies like the boys with Ferraris/?. She'll get what she wants if she's willing to please."

  • Language:

    Occasional crude language describes rich celebrities (they "piss and moan"), while direct and forceful terms depict an alcoholic father ("The Story Of My Old Man") and a murderous boyfriend ("My Bloody Valentine").

  • Consumerism:

    Despite isolated references to "Ferraris," "Christina," and "Britney," the lyrics do not extol name brands.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    "The Story Of My Old Man" describes a father's alcoholism, and that of his father before him: "Monday he woke up and hated life/ Drank until Wednesday and left his wife."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Young and the Hopeless

Parents need to know that this album is a minefield of behavior to be avoided, or a rich source of conversation about tough subjects like alcoholism ("The Story of My Old Man"), crack cocaine ("The Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous"), obsessive love ("My Bloody Valentine"), and suicide ("The Day That I Die").

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the self-destructive, dangerous behaviors discussed in the songs.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    bradley4846
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Great Album

    Surprised in how good this album is, theres really nothing bad, some violence. Most innapproprite song is "Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous" (whcih includes a drug refrence and violence)

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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    alpha1014
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Great CD!

    I love Good Charlotte and all their works. I think that you really need to understand the issues, though. It tackles a lot of strong emotions, and is probably best for someone in middle-high school. Grades 5 and under should probably avoid it.

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  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Bloody Gorgeous
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    I Love This Album!!

    I Love Good Charlotte! Their Music is Great! I only gave it a 13+ Because You Really need to Understand These Songs. The Songs Tell a lot of Emotional stories including love and suicide. One of the songs, Hold On, is my favorite. It's so sad, you must see the Music Video! I cried the first time I saw it (My Schools [first and only] Suicide Prevention Assembly. Funny How they dont Happen Anymore) The only song you might worry about is, another one of my favorites, My Bloody Valentine. The Album IS Great Though!! GOOD CHARLOTTE ROCKS!!

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  4. Adult Reviewer
    alex549us3
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

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  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    childsplay176
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A great album. but it cpntains some mature content.

    This album is very good, but parents need to know that it has some strong violent content. It's okay for teens, but I definately recommend discussion with parents.

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