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Headstrong (by Ashley Tisdale, Pop)

common sense media says

High School Musical star sings fun fluff.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Ashley Tisdale's tween-friendly pop is appealing and bright. The lyrics are family-safe, but unsubstantial, flirting around the edges of sexual innuendo on a couple of tracks ("Baby I can see us movin' like that/Baby I can see us touchin' like that/Baby I can see us kissin' like that").

Positive messages: Mild message of self-esteem and "girl power."
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: The mildest suggestions on one or two songs ("Baby I can see us touchin' like that").
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: One jewelry store chain is mentioned; CD packaging not available for review.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Headstrong

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the trend among young stars to make references to their own new-found fame in song lyrics, in this case on the song "Suddenly." What would it be like to be a young star? What are the perks? What, if anything, would be the downside?

What's the story?

What's the story?
High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale comes across as cute, fun, and buoyant -- anything but headstrong -- on HEADSTRONG. She's gets a lot of help from some heavy-hitters in the songwriting and production department. To name just a few: the Matrix (credits include Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne), Scott Storch (Usher, Chris Brown), and Kara DioGuardi (Gwen Stefani). With such contributors, parents and older siblings may not be able to get these songs out of their heads.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Rhythmic and catchy, frothy and fabulous, the beats will catch hold even though the lyrics are instantly forgettable. It's not that Ashley doesn't try to get a point across on a couple of songs. For example, "Suddenly" is about the joys and worries of new-found fame ("Suddenly, people know my name/suddenly, everything has changed"). "He Said, She Said" is an adorable tune about flirtation, the sexiest on the album ("Baby I can see us movin' like that/Baby I can see us touchin' like that"). Unfortunately, pedestrian rhymes and constant repetition of musical and lyrical hooks keep the poetry from taking flight.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: February 6, 2007
Label: Warner Brothers
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Nene100796
teen, 14 years old
 
I loved the CD!!
I love Ashley's CD.The songs were great.Ashley was Greater.I so love the CD!!!!!!!!!yEA!!!!!!

nazz4ever
teen, 16 years old
 
i love "over it" !

Salimullah
teen, 15 years old
 
Crank That!!
Awesome!! If your kids are obsessed with music this is the correct choice!!

Musicgirl101
kid, 11 years old
 
He Said She Said is totally fine. It's just love. Someday you'll find it. BIG WHOOP! Ashley is a great role model for girls. I don't care what others think Ashley is always on my list.

NotEmo2
teen, 15 years old
 
Ok...
Some people might think that He Said, She Said is using sexual content but guess waht??? Ashley is 22 yrs. old!!!! She can sing about whatever she wants!!! She of age...

 
Fine, except for one song....
This album is great! Although Ashley may not have the best voice, these infectious pop songs are fun and good to dance to. However, parents may want to skip the suggestive "He Said She Said," with its sexual references. Tip: buy the album from iTunes, Rhapsody, or another digital service. That way, you can make your own cd and leave out "He Said She Said."

nzrulz
adult
 
Maybe like 12+
not sure if it would be suitible for kids under 12, by listining to the songs. Just so parents know she is 22

arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
 
be good to me is one of my fave songs by her,ashley is awesome

Very Cherry
kid, 13 years old
 
Catchy lyrics, cool beats, and fun to sing along!
This was my first album I ever brought. I liked the songs and the beats of the song, especially the songs, "He Said She Said," "Be Good to Me," "Not Like That," and many more! This album is awesome! :)

mandygirl123
teen, 14 years old
 
Great CD
I would do age 8. I can't believe the reviews people have left on here. I would say age 8+. You wouldn't people how kids that age understand. None of the songs have to with sexual content except for Don't Touch (the zoom song). It was already made by Tata Young and its just plain wrong. Ages 7- don't need here about it. He said she said is ok. When it says touching like that it just means huggig. Ashley is probably one the best role models for young girls ever known. She is super nice. Don't touch is a terrible song that I think when you buy this album you should not listen to. All the other songs are great. This is my favorite album!

cactus514
teen, 15 years old
 
the song "He Said She Said" is dirty.

sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
 
i say 11+
b-cuz of the song "He said She said" i say 11+

chay
kid, 11 years old
 

intotherush
teen, 16 years old
 
Good Tunes!!
Headstrong has some good moments but falls behind in the long run. I think she trys too hard to be sexy on this cd with songs like He Said She Said. And makes it seem like she's so fabulous and hot in songs like Not Like That. Don't get me wrong every song on this cd has the coolest beats and catchy lyrics.

 
I couldn't beleive it!
I thought Ashley Tisdale's debut CD would be kiddy pop fluff. It's much more dance tracks then feelgood kids music, and the whole CD is sprinkled with sex innuendo that doesn't get awful, but sometimes does get bad. My nine year old sister asked me what all these songs were about, and I was shocked when she had me listen to them. This CD simply isn't for kids, but teens that like pop (or highschool musical) will like it.

 
Great CD...For 11+
Any kid could probablt listen to this. 10 and under wouldn't even get the sex-related stuff, while 12+ should be mature enough to handle it. She says in "He Said, She Said", "baby i can see us movin like dat, maybe i can see us touchin...kissin..." And she talks about "one night with u, boy just one night with u..." However, this CD also has influencing stuff. Like, "Love Me For Me", "Suddenly", "Positivity", and more! Great CD, overall!!!!

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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
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age