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Zeitgeist

  • 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

    Revival of '90s alt-rock giants is worth the wait.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The album delivers a clear message about the government, war, and the state of the world in general.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    "Doomsday Clock," "Shades of Black," and "(Come on) Let's Go" have lyrics like "They're bound to kill us all," "The gun is loaded, devoted," and "Beyond their punched-up skulls/To die upon this road."
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Four different versions of the album are being released with different bonus tracks depending on the retailer.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Zeitgeist was written by Denise Duval

Parents need to know that this album delivers a clear message of concern about the state of the country, the world, and our priorities. Some of the lyrics suggest violence, but not explicitly so. This "reunion" album includes only two of the band's original members and is being released in four different formats, each one featuring a different bonus track depending on the retailer. To get all four bonus tracks, you need to buy the 12 original tracks four times.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about music marketing. Why do you think the album was released in four different formats? Is it a ploy just to make more money? Will hardcore fans run out and buy every edition? Also, this is the first Smashing Pumpkins release in seven years. Does the new album sound similar to their earlier stuff, or is it different? The band has also been a big influence on some newer bands. What other of bands do they sound like?
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More on Zeitgeist

What’s the Story?

As the first Smashing Pumpkins' release since 2000, ZEITGEIST was one of the year's most anticipated albums. The CD's songs express concern about the world and the difficulties of love. The opening tracks "Doomsday Clock" and "7 Shades of Black" lean toward the former. A little further into the album, "United States" prolongs similar messages of despair for almost 10 whopping minutes. An album like this needs an epic moment, but this one seems to meander on forever. Stronger moments kick in on more melodic tracks like "That's the Way (My Love Is)," "Neverlost," and "For God and Country" -- all of which have more textured vocals and layers.

Is It Any Good?

Zeitgeist definitely brings the signature Pumpkins sound, with impressive guitar riffs, drumming like there's no tomorrow, and Billy Corgan's distinctive whine -- dripping with angst. Its tracks move easily between ominous messages about the state of the world and more plaintive, melancholy musings on love. While Zeitgeist is no Siamese Dream or Gish, it's a solid album that was worth the wait, and unlikely to disappoint Smashing Pumpkins fans.

Music Details

Released on: 07/10/2007
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Underrated Album-Very Good Actually

    I am a huge fan of old and new Smashing Pumpkins music (yes,at age 11,I have a lot of The Smashing Pumpkins on my iPod,and I have this entire album on it). My username is named after "Here Is No Why" off of Mellon Collie,and "Bleeding The Orchid" on this album. While this is no Gish or Siamese Dream,this album is very under-rated in my opinion,mainly by the people who live in the past times. We all have to change at one point. The word hell is used in one or two songs,but certainly nothing that is censored on television/your kids haven't heard before. I enjoyed this CD...there are some refferences to violence,but nothing anyone 12 (heck,even a mature 11 year old) couldn't handle. Jimmy's drums are one of the very highlights of this album,especially on "United States" (almost a 10 minute long track),which was done in one take! Wow! My favorite songs are "United States","Tarantula","That's The Way (My Love Is)","Bleeding The Orchid","Neverlost",and "Bring The Light",and "Doomsday Clock". Some older Pumpkins fans may not enjoy this CD,but I do. Bleeding The Orchid sounds a little 90's,a hint of nolstalgia to me. I wonder why they didn't put "Superchrist" on the album.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 2.0

    This album sucked. I can't believe how much different they sounded.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Pumpkins amazing even after 6 years apart...

    The Smashing Pumpkins are an amazing band, and I've been with them from the beginning. I didn't know what to expect when I heard that they were releasing a new album, but after I listened to the songs, it was like listening to their 90's songs. The Pumpkins will always be awesome!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

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