 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Cee-Lo Green Is the Soul Machine
- By Cee-Lo Green
- Genre: Rap
Common Sense Media says
Positive messages; suitable for older teens only.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this album contains a good deal of explicit lyrics ("f--k" and the "N" word), but also some very positive and poetic messages. There are a few aggressive, angry songs, but mostly feel-good music. The edited version offers a good alternative because the profanity on this album is more objectionable than the content.
What's the story?
CEE-LO GREEN IS THE SOUL MACHINE, the singer's second album, explores soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop with pop sensibilities. His lyrics are intelligent and honest, escaping the posturing and machismo that accompany much of modern rap music. Cee-Lo splits his time between rapping and singing in his distinctly high-pitched tone, and brings a number of guests on to help him -- most notably, Timbaland, Ludacris, and The Neptunes including Pharrell. What may surprise some is that Cee-Lo praises love and family above all else. In "The Art of Noise" he asserts, "I really think true wealth is home and happiness and health, a little cash and you'll need nothing else." Songs like "All Day Love Affair" and "Lets Stay Together" are fun and soulful.
Is it any good?
Overall, this album is excellent for older teens. The music and the lyrics are great and the messages are mostly positive. (A few songs have a darker message: "Scrap Metal" and "Glockapella" have references to anger, hatred, and violence, and "Glockapella" incorporates the sound of gunshots in its backbeat.) Cee-Lo has a larger vocabulary than most rappers, and he weaves creative rhyme schemes. In the last song, he declares, "I aint gonna have to lie to ya, to make it sound fly to ya, I keep my feet on the ground and bring the sky to ya." This CD establishes Cee-Lo as an innovative talent.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the relationships described on the CD -- the love and loyalty to family and past broken relationships.
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AGE
Excellent, but no classic "St. Elsewhere"
I think it could be possible that just for his collaboration with Danger Mouse,(Gnarls Barkley) he weirded things up, because I expected a wonderfully bizarre experience like "St. Elsewhere." On Soul Machine, Cee-Lo brings his incredible vocals full-force but swears too much. As usual I got the edited version, but I could tell he swore alot, especially on "Scrap Metal" and "G****apella."
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| Artist: | Cee-Lo Green |
| Release date: | March 2, 2004 |
| Label: | Arista |
| Genre: | Rap |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |
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