 | 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. |
I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
- By Bright Eyes
- Genre: Indie Rock
Common Sense Media says
Indie/country-folk/rock from a precocious talent.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Conor Oberst's well-written lyrics can be darkly brooding at times. Occasional sex and drug references are innuendo'd enough so that younger kids probably won't understand them, but this CD is still best appreciated by older teens and up.
What's the story?
Frequent comparisons to the young Bob Dylan make Conor Oberst, the lead singer of Bright Eyes, an enticing draw. Indeed, this intense and talented young man is one of the most intriguing singer-songwriters around. His back-to-basics-with-a-twist take on Roots/Americana music is finding an audience among teenagers who have lost patience with standard overproduced pop music. At age 24, Conor Oberst has already been at it for over 10 years -- having begun his career at age 13 in Nebraska with the tiny indie label he still calls home. I'M WIDE AWAKE, IT'S MORNING feels like his coming-of-age project. Some amazing guest stars participated, including Clay Leverett and Andy LeMaster of Now It's Overhead, Marie Taylor of Azure Ray, Nick Zinner, Jim James, and Jimmy Tamborello.
Is it any good?
Emmylou Harris appears on three tracks on this CD, but even she can't steal the spotlight from Oberst. His intense and poetic presence is always the star of the show. Meticulous attention to musical detail, understated production, and the eloquent vulnerability of the lyrics make this album feel like a future classic. There is a four-letter word or two and some dark and troubling imagery -- innuendo that will go over the heads of kids not ready to hear it. Yet the whiny disenchantment will feel very comfortable to teenagers. Plus, beyond that, there's a lovely sense of watching a phenomenal talent find his voice and provide inevitable inspiration for other young talents.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether they prefer the meaningful lyrics and musical skills of this album to standard pop fare. Do you think that this artist might connect better with the audience?
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AGE
A Fine Album
Yes, another Bright Eyes album. Very good album with brilliant lyrics. Nice to see good mainstream bands like this one. If you like this band, check out Desparecidos... Oberst's political band.
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AGE
Great CD
This CD is appropriate for ages 12+, just because of some light language. It fits into any genre... indie, country, rock, and pop. Probably one of the best songwriters I've ever seen. Also reccomended... X&Y by Coldplay, Digital Ash in a Digital Urn by Bright Eyes, Phantoms by Acceptance, God Bless Your Black Heart by The Paper Chase, Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand, The Bravery by the Bravery, A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay, and In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 by Coheed and Cambria.
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AGE
Great for teens, but only good for tweens if they're mature.
It contains thoughts that are fun to ponder. The music video for "First Day of My Life" is good for showing tolerance, too.
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AGE
Powerful music and lyrics
Great song writing.
Conor Oberst's voice is not good but he puts enough emotion into the songs that he becomes a great bad singer.
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| Artist: | Bright Eyes |
| Release date: | January 25, 2005 |
| Label: | Saddle Creek |
| Genre: | Indie Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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