"Criminal" (CD Single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Track lacks sex but celebrates an unhealthy relationship.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although "Criminal" doesn't include any profanity or references to sex or substances, it has a troubling message about a girl who revels in her relationship with a guy she calls a "bum, hustler, villain, and criminal," among other unsavory adjectives. It's a less-than-positive message for impressionable young tweens and teens who are trying to build self-confidence and learn how to navigate romantic relationships.

  • This song about giving in to romantic feelings for the wrong person doesn't send the best message to tweens and teens, who are just figuring out how to have relationships.
  • The song is about embracing an unhealthy relationship instead of walking away.
  • One reference to a gun.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

"CRIMINAL" is the final song on Femme Fatale, Britney Spears' seventh full-length album. Although "Criminal" isn't as graphic or sexual as past releases, its overall message is still a troubling one about a girl who refuses to get over a guy who "lies, bluffs," and is "unreliable."


Is it any good?

 

This downtempo single has a somewhat different sound than the typical Spears track, with a flute-based hook and less of the synth-noise that permeates most of her songs. While it's nice to hear Brit take a varied approach, the new angle calls attention to her lackluster vocal talent.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why some people are drawn to others who treat them badly. How can you help a friend who's in an unhealthy relationship?

  • In light of Spears' own troubled romantic past, why would she release a song that glorifies a troubled relationship?


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Kid, 11 years old
November 9, 2011
 
Catchy,a bit sad
I love the beginning of the song were suddenly a flute will play.Catchy,kind of sad because of,"I'm in love with the criminal."

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
November 4, 2011
 
"It's a little violent,"
It's a little violent, but other than that it is okay. I love the song and it has a catchy beat. Off for 9 and under Iffy for 10-12 and on for 13 and up.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
November 13, 2011
 
Nice Song
Catchy song! I love it! The flute melody is AWESOME!

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
November 3, 2011
 
It is a good tune
Just listen to the music is fine. I love the flute. DON'T see the music video

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
November 13, 2011
 
"Good song for big Kids"
I think it's a good song for kids nine and up. If kids younger hear it, they don't listen to the words.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
January 3, 2012
 
sigh
i do not like this song it is apropriate but it is just not my type

Flag as inappropriate 
Adult
February 2, 2012
 
14! for music video
The single obviously Isn't bad as her video to this. Just when I think Britney Spears video's couldn't be more inapropriate , I was wrong. She has like what about 25 - 30 music videos. This one is the worst one by far. I like her videos Ive seen them all. But being 23 is a different story. I say 14 for the music video. Its so sexual and so violent you be asking the whole time if this was a rated r movie?

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
April 13, 2012
 
Mama, I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!
While the song isn't graphic, it talks about guns and being a killer just for fun. Also name calling isn't a good message nor is giving in to bad romance. However, a messed up pop-star who's trying to get her life back on track is a good role-modle to me!

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Artist:Britney Spears
Type:Single
Release date:September 29, 2011
Label:Jive Records
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No
Edited version available:No

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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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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