Cradlesong

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Matchbox Twenty frontman keeps solo CD safe and mellow.
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

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that even though this album covers failing relationships, war, and frustration, all the topics are presented in a generally sensitive way. Thomas doesn't simplify issues, but he doesn't overwhelm the listener either. Many songs present the idea of taking personal responsibility for actions and in relationships.

  • Patience in a tough relationship, living life to the fullest, and not accepting prejudice are some of the topics covered on this album. "Tell me how we gonna get that far? I don't think we can make it without some faith, when everything is falling through our hands we must believe."
  • Throughout the album Thomas plays the dutiful partner, always offering a shoulder to cry on in songs like "Meltdown," "Snowblind" and "Her Diamonds." ""Her tears, like diamonds on the floor, and her diamonds bring me down, 'cause I can't help her now." "You're the best thing that I've ever knew, you do everything that I can't do, please forgive me If i'm hard on you." On "Sleep til the War is Over" Thomas sings about achieving world peace: "You say you judge them by their color, but what you can't say, is why is it too hard to love one another. Where do we take this life?"

What's the story?

Macthbox Twenty may not have released an album in several years, but their frontman, Rob Thomas isn't resting. His sophomore solo album, CRADLESONG is a mellow mix of soothing songs about relationships and all their struggles. Thomas wrote all the songs on this album and mixes a blend of '80s sounds with more traditional styles such as blues, reggae, and even gospel.


Is it any good?

 

The title of Thomas' latest album conjures up images of nurturing lullabies and comforting moments. And those emotions are definitely present on this collection of songs, but that doesn't mean there isn't an edge and a masculine touch to the sensitive streak. Thomas balances out his tender side with intoxicating rhythms and cool deliveries. "Her Diamonds" has the classic Matchbox Twenty rock/pop blend and songs like "Give Me the Meltdown" and "Hard on You" are surprisingly likable. The album is grounded in Thomas' well-rounded writing chops that offer up honesty and at times unexpected depth: "We can't see where we go, spending our whole lives, walking the same lines, and it doesn't seem to stop. This is our lives, this is all we get, our days are numbered, our nights are all spent."


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about relationships and what behavior is healthy and what is not. Read What Messages Are Your Kids Getting From Chris Brown and Rihanna?

  • Familes can talk about how music can influence social change. Thomas sings about ending war on one song. Do you think music can help people understand world events better?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Teen, 14 years old
December 30, 2009
 
Always pleased
I'm gonna reveiw the only song I've heard, her diamonds. Me and my bff heard this song on 102.3 fm and now it's our song loal. It says wth but it's no big deal. I think it's sort of like drifter by decemberadio because " the night can make you blind" I can't review right now but I will put in a better review later! ? if u cant c that its a smilee face! :) but I don't think anyone over ten would understand it or like it

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Adult
August 6, 2009
 
Amazing
Rob Thomas is one of my favorite artists. He brings emotions to life, but in a way of making the listener feel better instead of feel depressed. I love this album very much. My favorite songs off here are, "Her Diamonds" and "Real World '09". Great music, great musician.

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Parent of 15 and 23 year old
July 19, 2009
 

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Teen, 16 years old
July 23, 2009
 
Rob Thomas: Cradlesong
I love this album.

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Kid, 11 years old
December 8, 2010
 
NOTE! One "h--l"
On "Her Diamonds", "h--l" is mentioned once.

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This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Rob Thomas
Release date:June 30, 2009
Label:Atlantic
Genre:Light Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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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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