Chuck

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Socially conscious punk 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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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is exciting and energetic Nuevo-punk plus music with a message.

  • Social consciousness with a slightly hopeless twist.
  • Some disturbing and vivid images with an anti-war stance.
  • Nothing explicit.

What's the story?

According to the liner notes, Sum 41 had a life-altering encounter while shooting a documentary about civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Canadian rockers were caught in crossfire as fighting erupted. A man named Chuck Pelletier led them (along with several other people) to safety, saving their lives. The group swore they'd dedicate their next album to him -- and here it is. Given this background, it makes sense that CHUCK is more serious, less tongue-in-chic. In "No Reason," the band proclaims that "the future's not so bright." But listeners are urged to "think before you make up your mind" in "Some Say" and teenagers who feel a lack of control over their own lives might find a source of inspiration here.


Is it any good?

 

This Sum 41 CD is filled with socio-political commentary in between acrobatic guitar riffs and an edgy, energetic rhythm section. The musicianship is tight and the songwriting far above average; the band members seem to be taking themselves more seriously. Rugged intensity makes up for the diminished playfulness. Lyrics are clean but somber. You don't like your life, politics, or the world we live in? You might not be able to do much about it, but perhaps -- following the example of Sum 41 -- you can write some interesting, lyrical songs about the stuff that drives you crazy.


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What families can talk about

Famlies can talk about the issues facing today's world and how to cope. See if you can identify the socio-political commentary in the songs. Does songwriting or other creative writing help deal with scary or depressing situations?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Not bad and catchy
Sum 41 are a talented band. This cd varies in style from pop punk to a little on the metal side. Lyrics are pretty clean. It's probably a little political for the younger set but the older teens should like it. It safe for you to listen to with your kids in the car or in the house with you. I can always appreciate a cd that I can listen to and enjoy and won't be bad for my kids to hear

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Mediocre
Mediocre punk album. Different from their other albums but it's nothing special. Catchy melodies are certainly there, so if you're a fan, it won't dissappoint.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great
This is the best cd.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Umm... pretty good
This CD has some rock hits, like "Pieces" and "We're All to Blame". It has some anti-war lyrics, but other than that it's pretty clean. (Unlike their old CDs) Plus it contains some family-friendly lessons. In "Pieces", it says "I tried to be perfect, it just wasn't worth it." This can teach kids not to be selfish, and that other kids will be better than you. Being cool isn't everything. Some songs have other lyrics like this, too. But this gets partly hardcore, so if you hate hard rock, don't buy this.

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
awesome
this cd is awesome! my favorite songs were Pieces, No Reason and Theres No Solution. csm said there was no language but there is, in the song Im Not The One there is a very hard to hear s-word and its in the lyrics.Sum 41 is still an awesome band!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
great
sum 41 one of my all time fav bands my first album ever was all killer no filler and they have made a work of art chuck has a story behind it to chuck was the name of a man who save sum 41 from a gun battle in iraq when they were visiting chuck saved them so this album rocks

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April 9, 2008
 
AWESOME MUSIC!!!!!!
I love the CD, but like other reviewers said it does have a few bad words. This is probably 1 of my fav CD's. my fav song is Pieces and Angels With Dirty Faces, but I think That songs says F*** twice. (but they r screamin it so it is sort of hard to hear)

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Very Appropriate CD
It is one of the most age appropriate CD i have listened to. There are no swear words unlike many modern rock cds out today.

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Sum 41
Release date:October 12, 2004
Label:Island
Genre:Punk 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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