Detours

Review

Common Sense Media says

Self-indulgent message songs about war, the Earth.
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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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Sheryl Crow isn't shy about expressing her anti-war political views. "God Bless this Mess" references the events of 9/11 and the Iraq War, and "Gasoline" raises environmental concerns. In the explicit-language department, the words "bitch" and "bastard" are both used once or twice.

  • Positive messages3
    Subtle message of stepping up in spite of difficulty and standing up for your beliefs: "I won't back down/I won't turn around...doesn't matter what comes crashing down/I'm still gonna stand my solid ground."
  • Violence3
    An anti-violence message, if anything. References to 9/11 and the war in Iraq ("Heard about the day/that two skyscrapers came down/firemen, policemen/and people came from all around/The smoke covered the city/and the body count arise/The president spoke words of comfort/with tears in his eyes/then he led us as a nation/into a war all based on lies").
  • Sex0
    Nothing explicit -- more about the complexities of relationships.
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What's the story?

Though some of the songs are wonderful -- evocative, subtle, and irresistibly rhythmic -- others veer dangerously close to self-indulgent preaching. "Make It Go Away (Radiation Song)," about the artist's experience with breast cancer, is an admirable thematic attempt, but a musical low point. "Peace Be Upon Us" works better due to complex, hypnotic percussion tracks, not the repetitive, simplistic lyrics.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about rock stars making political commentary. What do you think Sheryl Crow is trying to say with her lyrics? Do you agree with her take on the Iraq War ("a war all based on lies")? Also, "Make It Go Away (Radiation Song)" seems to have been inspired by Crow's experience with breast cancer. Do you think this song will resonate with others who have had health challenges?

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
Play, listen, enjoy.
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Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (2)
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Teen, 15 years old
June 19, 2010
AGE
11
 
Catchy political songs
Some house hold may not agree with lyrics. A obscure mentions of sex, drugs, and drinking. One swear word (f**k) that I can think of.
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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Sheryl Crow
Release date:February 5, 2008
Label:A&M Records
Genre:Pop
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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