"American Boy" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

UK singer celebrates U.S. men in fun, flirty hit.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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.

  • Lots of frivolous flirting. Promotoes female assertiveness.
  • Not applicable.
  • The singer talks about showing a man her bedroom and about liking what's underneath his pants.
  • 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.
  • West raps about designer clothes and other "bling" symbols.

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?

 

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.


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What families can talk about

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.


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Teen, 14 years old
November 16, 2008
 
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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Teen, 16 years old
September 8, 2009
 
love it but not to much.

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Teen, 15 years old
February 9, 2009
 
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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Parent of 12 year old
January 29, 2009
 
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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Teen, 16 years old
August 24, 2009
 
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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Kid, 12 years old
January 2, 2011
 
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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This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Estelle
Release date:March 28, 2008
Label:Atlantic
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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