Calling the World

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Appealing, cute-boy pop rock.
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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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that these appealing, tween-friendly rockers play it safe with their lyrics. Two references to "bed" are the sexiest innuendo here, and one reference to "making you my punching bag" (metaphorically) is the most violent. "Help Me Find A Way" is an ode to the band's singer/guitarist's late father and talks about death. Though there's an "I'm really not boyfriend material -- when will you get it through your head?" subtext on several of the songs, the overall impression is one of a nice guy trying to figure out how to handle complex relationships.

  • Self-centered, but good-hearted attempts to figure out relationships. One song is a sentimental tribute to the singer's late father.
  • One girlfriend-as-punching-bag metaphor, but it's not violent sounding in context.
  • "I meant every word I said/I never was lying when we talked in bed" is as steamy as it gets.

What's the story?

With irrepressible charm and loads of wholesome energy, Rooney's CALLING THE WORLD offers a dozen effervescent musical confections, all written by lead singer Robert Schwartzman. Lyrics are restrained and tween-friendly: "I meant every word I said/I never was lying when we talked in bed" ("When Did Your Heart Go Missing?") is as steamy as it gets. One of the most charming tracks is "I Should've Been After You," in which the singer realizes that the girl pal who's been fixing him up with her friends is the one he really wants -- but she's just met someone new.


Is it any good?

 

The songs on this CD present straight-up expressions of desire, love, loss, and regret. And as four young men who've apparently listened to a lot of Beatles and Beach Boys records, the members of Rooney deliver performances that are polished and passionate, but not really groundbreaking. Who cares? They've studied the best, and learned their lessons well.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the influence TV and movies have on music. Rooney's sales increased after appearing on the TV show, The O.C.. Do you think TV and movies are good vehicles for introducing a band? Are you more likely to buy music once you've heard it being played on the screen?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Rooney
Release date:July 17, 2007
Label:Geffen Records
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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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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