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"Acapella" (CD single) (by Kelis, R&B/Pop)

common sense media says

Upbeat single reveals a much more kid-friendly Kelis.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this song is fine for tweens. It celebrates love and life in an optimistic manner, but doesn't get into any discussions of lust or sexuality. As a bonus, young listeners might get to learn what words like "acapella" and "symphony" mean. With many musical references, the song focuses on emotion, rather than sensuality, and the sentiment expressed here could really relate to any close relationship.

Positive messages: "Everything was the same, One color was just like the others, an assembly routine, my memories were all black and white." Kelis uses creative metaphors to describe how her life used to be.
Positive role models: Although Kelis credits someone else with her current happiness, the topic is covered maturely, with positive lines like "Till I stopped overthinking, decided to draw back the curtains, and I cleared all the cobwebs,
and began to let in the light."
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Acapella" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the controversy surrounding the break-up and on-again/off-again relationship of Kelis and Nas. Going through a well-publicized divorce and child support debate got the two in the news. What do you think about celebrity couples who fight like this?

  • Talk about life changes. Can someone make you feel differently about your life? Is your life richer because of friends and family? Do you feel better when you hang out with the people you care about, rather than just digitally chat?

  • What do you think about music that uses lots of electronic elements? Do you think it's easier to create a techno-heavy song, or is it just another way to create music? Do some artists rely too heavily on electronic production?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Kelis moves out of her R&B comfort zone with "ACAPELLA," an electronica-inspired release full of techno-effects and dance-club vocals. The song is the first to be released off of her upcoming sixth album, and is said to have been inspired by the birth of her son. In the trippy song, Kelis describes how her life has been completed and her perspective has been expanded thanks to a certain special person.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Kudos to Kelis for taking a chance with a daring multi-dimensional sound that isn't your typical safe pop release. Kelis is sweet, soulful, but always in control here. The lyrics never get boring, and when Kelis's own experience in motherhood is factored into the sentiment, the song becomes all the more power and unexpected.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: March 9, 2010
Label: A&M Records
Genre: R&B/Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Review "Acapella" (CD single)

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Most useful reviews by all members

Sio
educator and parent of 6 and 10 year old
13
 
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
dr duck
teen, 15 years old
7
 
Fun, clean song uses clever medaphors
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (5)
jlai559
adult
9
 
Kelis looks to Guetta for a more house song
I am a big fan of Kelis and I am very happy that she is still abel to make music, because her last album flopped. With "Acapella" a more playful, happy Kelis comes out. It is a David Guetta-produced track. For anyone not familar, he is responsible for the Black Eyed Peas mega-hit, "I Gotta Feelin'" As a song, I have to say I don't really like the sound. The beats are too hard-hitting and is a major break from her rnb roots. There seems to be too much going on at once, giving a sense of chaos. However, content-wise, this is perfect for even the 9+ crowd. There are no allusions to sex or drinking, while profanity is not an issue at all.
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kid, 12 years old
17
 
what are these recommendations for my age?
i hate recommendations. bad acapella used the word of "cr-p" or "a--"
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)

teen, 14 years old
17
 
what are these recommendations for my age?
i hate recommendations. bad acapella used the word of "cr-p" or "a--"
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)

kid, 11 years old
17
 
what are these recommendations for my age?
i hate recommendations. bad acapella used the word of "cr-p" or "a--"
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)
BenjyBoy10
kid, 11 years old
5
 
Best for little kids who don't know about the word "acapella"
5-year-olds will want to listen to this song. Parents, go ahead. The song is tame and perfect for anyone who needs to know the words "acapella" and "symphony".
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
ILoveView
teen, 15 years old
2
 
This song srsly sucks!
We're not part of the 60's now are we?
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)
timmycuddlebea ...
kid, 12 years old
8
 
good song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)

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