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Exile on Mainstream (by Matchbox Twenty, Rock)

common sense media says

A little whiny, but pop rock songs are solid.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD is a greatest hits compilation of sorts that includes only six new songs and no explicit language ("hell" is as raunchy as it gets). Content is neatly settled in end-of-the-relationship, self-absorbed angst without dwelling too much on the depressing side of things. Many teens and tweens will find this comforting and validating -- a stroll through familiar territory in more ways than one.

Positive messages: A subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) message of self-absorbed pessimism that's comfy territory for many tweens and teens: "You left a stain/on every one of my good days/But I am stronger than you know/I have to let you go."
Violence: Only in metaphor, as in "I believe the world is burning to the ground...the world is coming to an end."
Sex: Nothing explicit -- more about the end of relationships than the fun parts.
Language: "Hell" is as strong as it gets.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Exile on Mainstream

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what happens when a relationship seems to be hitting the skids. It's so easy to think only about yourself and your own pain. Can you think of some things you might do to help yourself get over it and move on? Some kids talk to their friends, keep a journal, or create songs, poems, stories, or paintings. How about you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Diehards may wonder why it took so long -- five years -- for Matchbox Twenty to come up with their new CD, EXILE ON MAINSTREAM, since it contains only six new songs along with eleven "greatest hits." But true fans get a lot of extra bells and whistles for the buck -- video, lyrics, and a photo gallery on a bonus DVD. Lyrics like "I believe the world is burning to the ground…I believe it's all coming to an end/oh well, I guess we're gonna pretend/let's see how far we've come" may not inspire dance-party fun, but do reflect the real feelings involved at the end of a relationship, not to mention fears about frightening world events.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Rob Thomas' distinctive vocals ride over the band's powerful instrumental tracks with intensity and pathos, delivering one message after another about self-absorbed end-of-relationship/end-of-the-personal-world pain. Teens, however, may find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in what they are going through.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 2, 2007
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ink
teen, 15 years old
3
 
My mother used to play this in the car when it first came out. My sister and I were both quite young, and liked the songs.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
alpha1014
teen, 16 years old
2
 
Awesome
Great, totally appropriate.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (3)
U cAnT ToUcH tHiS
adult
 
A Must Listen to for Fans of Matchbox Twenty
I enjoyed listening to this CD. A couple of the new songs are a little mediocre, but the majority of the new songs are pretty good. And the CD also includes old favorites like Bent, If Your Gone, Bright Lights, Disease, etc... I would recommend this to all people
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
Love_my_Dogs_SMR
teen, 14 years old
9
 
good music
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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