 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bittersweet World
- By Ashlee Simpson
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Angry-sounding, but benign punk-pop.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Ashlee Simpson seems a bit angry -- in that pop-punk sort of way -- on this album, and there are some slight sexual references that might not be appropriate for tweens. Simpson described these tracks as party music that's silly and a little absurd. But on many of the tracks, Simpson gets into character to play everything from a tease ("Boys") to a bully ("Rule Breaker") and young listeners might not understand her role playing. Several songs have Simpson playing hard to get and letting everyone know how desirable she is.
What's the story?
BITTERSWEET WORLD is a collection of retro party tracks and melancholy love songs. Simpson brings rock guitars, punk vocals, and a twinge of hip-hop beats together for a funky album that -- if nothing else -- is fun to listen to.
Is it any good?
If you're not expecting too much from Bittersweet World, you won't be disappointed. Although there are a few tracks on the album that just don't work, like "Rule Breaker" and "Hot Stuff," a lot of it does get it right. Simple, straightforward tracks like "Outta My Head" and "Little Miss Obsessive" are easy to dance to and tough to stop singing. Other tracks like "Murder" and "Boy" effectively use Simpson's baby-girl, yet distinctively clear sound to their advantage. Although the album doesn't tackle any deep moral or social issues or make any musical innovations, it does give a nice array of fairly entertaining tracks that teens will probably love to play loudly.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Simpson's struggle with defining her identity. How does Simpson counter the anti-diva or pop princess clichés? By using sexy lyrics, how does she fall into some of these stereotypes?
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AGE
Great cd...for older crowd
This cd is so great! As an adult, this is a great cd to play in the car on my way to work...without the kids. This is a cd for older teens. The biggest issue would probably be sexual content. Also, "F***" is cut out of "Outta My Head" and "Rulebreaker," but there are barely any other profanities. Alcohol is also talked about in "Hot Stuff" and "Rulebreaker." Brief violence in "Rulebreaker" also. However, several songs like "Little Miss Obsessive," "What I've Become," "No Time For Tears," & "Never Dream Alone" are squeaky clean.
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AGE
Ashlee's most musically diverse attempt yet
Sexual Content: Nothing excplicit. "I'll be you sunshine concubine" in "Murder", "Here she comes, sunday school girl wanting some" and "Showoff, she just wanna take her clothes off little c*nt" in "Hot Stuff". Violence: Ashlee appears angry. Rulebreaker declares her love for fighting. Murder relates to how a girl is so popular that she could get away with murder. In Outta My Head she threatens to bite your head off and in Follow You Wherever You Go she says "He don't know that I got her tied up in the back of my raintruck- SHUT UP! Know you want me, she's just in the way. I'll just tie her to the back and hit the highway". Language: All language is blanked out. F*cking, muthaf*ckas, and c*nt are all bleeped out. Shut up and stupid are used a couple of times. (Not blanked out) Social Behaviour: Rulebreaker celebrates being a "bada**" in Ashlee's words and "Here she come, sunday school girl wantin' some" is not the best example for children. Commercialism: Not an issue. Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: "Drinkin' till my tummy full" in "Rulebreaker" and "I think I've had too much to drink" in "Hot Stuff".
Bittersweet World Pause for 14+
This is a terrific album with some great party tunes, however there is quite a bit of violent lyrics and spread out four letter words (bleeped out but still reconisable), along with a bit of added sexual innuedo. Overall, I rate it a pause for 14+. Enjoy!
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| Artist: | Ashlee Simpson |
| Release date: | April 22, 2008 |
| Label: | Geffen Records |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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