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"American Boy" (CD single) (by Estelle, Pop)

common sense media says

UK singer celebrates U.S. men in fun, flirty hit.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are only a few iffy things for kids in this song. Kayne West's rap portion includes a single expletive ("f--k"), and the song is all about being attracted to "American boys." Although there are a few sexual references, the song is fairly mild and ultimately promotes female assertiveness and control, even if it's in regard to hooking up with someone.

Positive messages: Lots of frivolous flirting. Promotoes female assertiveness.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: The singer talks about showing a man her bedroom and about liking what's underneath his pants.
Language: Kayne West's featured rap includes the line "most of the press don't f--k with me," but the expletive is deleted from many versions. West also says "hell" in one line.
Consumerism: West raps about designer clothes and other "bling" symbols.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on "American Boy" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how pop and hip-hop music differ in the United States and the United Kingdom. How do Estelle's British roots influence the sound of her music? Do you think audiences in Great Britain and America like the same type of music? Why are some musicians big hits in one country but not the other? Check out the pop charts of other countries to see how many artists you recognize.

What's the story?

What's the story?
British rapper/singer/producer Estelle was virtually unknown in the United States before the release of this song. But with a little help from Kanye West, "American Boy" has proven to be her breakout single. The song is a lyrical tour of the United States, exploring the similarities and differences between America and the UK in the context of Estelle's admiration of U.S. guys.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In the grand tradition of The Beach Boys' "California Girls" -- which equated geography with sexuality -- in AMERICAN BOY, Estelle creates a love song for the U.S. male population. The dance-inspiring track grooves with her seductive, spoken word-like vocals, followed by West's cool raps. The two complement each other nicely, and it's hard not to get caught up in the song's fun, funky vibe. Estelle's proper British style adds an elegant flavor that's often lacking from American singers' work.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: March 28, 2008
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Pop
Edited version available: Yes
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

PeaceGirl
teen, 13 years old
6
 
Love American Boy!
I realy, realy, realy, realy, realy LOVE American Boy it is so cool!!! I liste to it Every time on KW3! It's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You got to LOVE American Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!
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tjstar
teen, 14 years old
10
 
Pretty good but should be rated ages 10 and over.
It has a great catchy tune to it! It is really cool.
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cheer15
teen, 16 years old
13
 
love it but not to much.
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jakek6
teen, 15 years old
13
 
Good for 13 and up.
GREAT SONG!! the only concerns are that she says "dont like his baggy jeans but imma like whats underneath them." which is a sexual term. there is also one use of f*** and one use of the phrase "so to h*** with all that rubish."
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bobsax
parent of 12 year old
15
 
Ignorant Lyrics- Great Music
To bad such good music has to be spoiled buy such ignorant lyrics. From what I've listened to so far the same applies to the whole album.
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h.m.222
kid, 12 years old
8
 
This is a good song for the mature crowds.They talk about sex and being naked and a lot of cursing. My mom hates this song because of the references, my dad does because of the rapping and my friend like it because they are immature and inappropriate. DON'T LISTEN TO THIS SONG.
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