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America's Sweetheart (by Courtney Love, Rock)

common sense media says

A lot to love on this CD, but being PC isn't one.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Courtney Love's mumbling saves the day -- the more graphic lyrics may go unnoticed simply because of the way she enunciates (or doesn't). Though the edited version is done more skillfully than most, it doesn't really dilute the unsettling take on life and love. Buy this CD only if the music is more important to you than the message -- and be prepared to talk to your teen about the highly sexual and violent themes.

Positive messages: Courtney's take on love is a little unsettling.
Violence: There are a lot of violent images, especially fire-related.
Sex: It's explicitly sexual.
Language: Courtney doesn't hold back.
Consumerism: There don't seem to be any obvious commercial references.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drugs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on America's Sweetheart

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the singer's troubled life has influenced her music. Discussions might help teens deal with the disturbing lyrics in some songs.

What's the story?

What's the story?
There's nothing boring about AMERICA'S SWEETHEART -- Courtney Love's long-awaited solo debut doesn't disappoint musically. And no one who's followed Ms. Love's career will be surprised by the raunchiness or drug references. The songs, many written by Ms. Love in collaboration with Linda Perry from Four Non Blondes, are impressive -- there's even something a bit refreshing about the fact that it's girl raunch instead of the usual boy raunch. But there's no getting around that some words and images could be upsetting (though Love is a mumbler, so it's genuinely hard to make out the lyrics on most of the tunes).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Love's solo debut is a terrific collection of well-written, emotionally engaging songs, performed with passion and attitude. Though the edited version is done more skillfully than most, it doesn't really dilute her unsettling take on life and love. Buy this CD only if the music is more important to you than the message.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: February 9, 2004
Label: Virgin Records
Genre: Rock
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Forknose
adult
 
Without Kurt....
Kurt Cobbain was a musical genius. His former wife isn't. He is dead, Nirvana is dead. Courtney Love isn't amazing to show for the loss. Her voice is similar to the voice of Brody from the Distillers except I think the Distillers are a star or two better than Ms.Love.
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GreenRhino
teen, 13 years old
13
 
OK for those who want to bother listening- sounds horrible
This album is appropriate for most teens... if you want to listen to a wanna-be superstar who has to feed off her dead husband's fame to make a name for herself. Unlike Dave Grohl, Courtney Love has resorted to exploiting Kurt Cobain's fame to make a terrible album like this worth anything. It would also be helpful to note that this album sucks.
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SystemOfANintendo
parent of and 2 , 11 , 14 , 18 year old
13
 
Not nearly as good as the great Kurt Cobain, but still worth a listen.
Though Courtney can't make up for Kurt's loss, she's worth a listen. It's very well produced. Given it's Courtney Love, the explicitness isn't too surprising, but it's still not appropriate for Tweens. For older teens and mature younger teens, this is one to get.
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