 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Guero
Common Sense Media says
Beck keeps it interesting -- and pretty clean
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that a few conceptually violent words are used, either with gentle instrumental tracks or as poetic non sequiturs.
What's the story?
On GUERO, his sixth major-label album, Beck lets himself loose in a playground of musical influences. There are Bossa Nova and Bo Diddley beats, Spanish-language lyrics, synthesized string sections, hip-hop moments, sensitive balladry, and a space-cowboy-folksy sensibility in stories told with a degree of self-reflection that might seem excessive to non-teenagers. With lyrics that are visceral yet obscure, the songs could be deep, or they might be vapid -- it's just hard to tell, and perhaps beside the point. Occasional violent imagery is defused by its obscure poetic context, and phrases like "loaded rifle" or "confection of venom" don't seem to be the point either.
Is it any good?
This CD delivers an imaginative and interesting collection of diverse styles and oddly powerful, if sometimes inaccessible, poetry. All of this is wrapped inside richly textured arrangements and perfectionist instrumental performances, sung with Beck's familiar expressive, adenoidal vocal stylings. Overall, it's a strong offering from an interesting artist who can't help but be his own weird and wonderful self.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the power of musical context, and whether the words "trigger" and "noose" (for example) seem more or less threatening over soft, sweet instrumentals than visceral hip-hop beats.
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AGE
One of Beck's less imaginative albums, but still top-notch
Guero, which is Spanish slang for "white boy", feels more like a compilation of all Beck Hansen's different albums, a "Greatest Hits" per se. It's still a good album, and there is a lot of innovation. The headline to this review might be a little misleading, because see, all of Beck's albums are VERY imaginative with loads of musical styles thrown in there. The only reason this album isn't as imaginative, is because of the "Greatest Hits" feeling. As for the content, I wouldn't say that the violence is really a problem. There are a lot of things that are pretty subtle, such as in the song "Girl" he wants to take the girl, "where her soul belongs". And one major thing that is not mentioned in the review is the song "Rental Car" which is presumably talking about a prostitute. From "Rental Car": "She's taking me far, as far as a rental car can go" and "Hey now girl, at the end of the road, down where the reaper is walking alone, singing a death knell, clapping along, at the end of the night, that's the road we'll be on". Though these lyrics are substantial in what they underlying message is, these won't usually be picked up by a younger audience, and even if it is, the way the song is sung it's not in a way that glorifies the subject. What I say: get the album.
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AGE
For when you want weirdo lyrics to awesome music
This is a fun CD! I still can't say Beck is my favorite artist but you can rarely say that when you only listen to one of an artist's albums. My favorite track is "E-Pro" (whoever you are, I guarantee you will love it) and "Girl" comes in a close second. I just gotta say though that CSM made a mistake when they said the the language is "all clear". There is a song called "Hell Yes" that repeats that line a lot and uses the d word once. It didn't bother me (that song is kinda catchy after you listen to it a few times) but it could bother some other people, so I'm just pointing that out. Oh well, that doesn't relate to the CD. Try out Guero and you'll probably like it too! NA NA NA NA NA NA NAAA....
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Kid, 11 years old
November 14, 2010
AGE
Very nice poetry.
However, I like "E-Pro", which describes frank violence and drinking: "Shoot your mouth if you know where you're aiming" and "Heaven's drunk from the poison you see" are as bad as it gets. The worst track is "H**l Yes", in which "h**l" and "d**n" are repeated. Also, it depends on how you think of "Guero", which is slang for "white boy". After all, it's some catchy poetry.
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AGE
Third Best Of Beck's Albums
This is a very awesome album. Catchy single, creative lyrics and well produced. This is the thrid best Beck album to Odelay (first) and Mellow Gold (second). Please, do your self a favor and buy this album.
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AGE
A wonderful, creative album!
I bought this album the day it came out, and everybody in my family loves it! I have no concerns about it, and Beck is a good role model by being himself.
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| Artist: | Beck |
| Release date: | March 29, 2005 |
| Label: | Geffen Records |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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