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Big Bad World (by Plain White T's, Indie Rock)

common sense media says

Relationship riffs won't excite "Delilah" fans.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album is from the band behind the popular 2007 hit single "Hey There Delilah." Most of the songs are about various mistakes made in relationships, and although some of the allusions to sex are stronger here than in their previous album, Every Second Counts, overall the lyrics are age-appropriate for older tweens and up. Plus, none of the songs have hostile themes, and there's no strong language.

Positive messages: Many songs are about things like making mistakes in relationships and seeking forgiveness for them. References to the importance of being able to make the distinction between love and sex: "I wanna live with no regrets/And walk the fine line between love and sex."
Violence: Lyrics like "She moved her body like a butcher knife/Chopping up every guy in sight."
Sex: Sex is alluded to in lyrics like "Show me how to play/Cause I can see you and me/Going all the way," "I don't even care what you're after/As long as you keep going faster," "Do do do you wanna be on top/Or on the ba ba bottom don't make me stop," and "That girl/She made me come inside."
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Big Bad World

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how having a big hit single can affect a band further down the line. Do you think musicians have any obligation to their fans to produce more of the kind of work that made them popular? And how does a band's life change (for better or worse) once they're launched to almost-overnight star status? Families can also discuss the album's relationship themes. What are some of the common mistakes that people tend to make in relationships? Can they be avoided?

What's the story?

What's the story?
BIG BAD WORLD is a definite throwback to the sounds of '50s and '60s rock and roll. There are a few ballads on the 10-track album ("Rainy Day" and "Someday"), but the rest of it is upbeat and peppy -- almost too much so.

A monster hit like 2007's "Hey There Delilah" is a hard act to follow, and on Big Bad World, the Plain White T's stay away from replicating too much of their earlier acoustic sound. Only one song, "1, 2, 3, 4" uses a similar formula -- and, just like its predecessor, its sweet lyrics are bound to make teenage girls' hearts swell.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Avoiding the sound that skyrocketed the group to fame seems like a very conscious decision; it's almost as if the band is trying just a little too hard to bring listeners something completely different. As a result, the album feels unfocused, with over-mixing of genres and lyrics verging on saccharine, especially on tracks like "Meet Me in California."

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: September 22, 2008
Label: Hollywood Records
Genre: Indie Rock
This review was written by Denise Duval
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ilovekristenst ...
adult
10
 
hey there delilah!!!
i LOVE their song hey there delilah!!!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details | read my mind (1)
Athena Keene
teen, 14 years old
10
 
LUV THESE GUYS
I LOVE THIS GROUP!!!!!!!!!! THEY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i got all thier songs)
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was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (1) | read my mind

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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