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Jessie James (by Jessie James, Country)

common sense media says

Pop-country newcomer is too sexy for tweens.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album is filled with mature content. James sings about infidelity (as a good thing!), making love, and looking hot. In one song she advocates arson as a way of getting back at an ex. The flirty singer keeps things somewhat PG-13 by being sultry and steamy without going into specifics. Most of the songs are about romance and relationships, and although there are a few tracks that veer into self-examination, it's usually followed by more bumpin' and grindin'.

Positive messages: James uses her sex appeal to get what she wants. She also makes sex a priority for relationships. Songs about cheating make it seem justifiable. There are some positive messages here, like bouncing back from a break-up and standing up for your convictions, but these are overshadowed by the lust and flirtatious tone.
Positive role models: Beauty, sex appeal, and sexual performance -- those are the things that seem to matter here. James lets listeners know that she gets just what she wants from being attractive and doesn't seem to worry about personalities when it comes to relationships. She also justifies cheating and arson when she's been hurt.
Violence: "Bullet" features lots of gun imagery and the lines "Let me give you a little piece of advice, my papa packs heat and he won't think twice, yeah...I'm a bullet and I'm headed straight for your heart, yeah." "Burn It Up" details deliberately setting a fire to get back at an ex-boyfriend.
Sex: There are lots of sexy moments, like when James sings about squeezing into her tight blue jeans, "saddles up" with her cowboy, and flirts with lots of guys. Innuendos are tossed about, like "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" Several songs are more obvious: "Baby when we're making love, I make you think I could be the one, 'cuz you never had it this good before." A few songs cover cheating, with James portraying both the cheater and other woman respectively. "I bit my lip not to scream your name, would it bother you that he says he loves me...run my nails down his back, he fills me, but it kills me."
Language: "Guilty" includes the word "whore."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: There is a reference to champagne and sipping drinks.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Jessie James

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about female artists using sex to sell records. Do you think there is pressure in the music industry on women to be knock-outs who sing seductive songs? Is there room for women who don't want to fit this stereotype? Can you think of any artists who buck the trend? 

  • Do you think it's fun to listen to someone sing about how beautiful she is? How does it make you feel about yourself? Does it build your confidence or make you feel insecure?

  • How do you categorize music? Do you listen to only one style, or are you open to different ones? This CD is both country and pop. Do you think more albums should blend genres to appeal to a larger audience, or is it better to be more specific?

What's the story?

What's the story?

True to her outlaw nickname, Jessie James is a bit of a rebel on the music scene. JESSIE JAMES, her self-titled debut album, has some big names associated with it, though. Signed by L.A. Reid, James has collaborated with a slew of hit-makers for the LP, including Kara DioGuardi of Idol fame. You might have also heard about this singer as the opening act for none other than the Jonas Brothers in the summer of 2009. Full of country twang and pop beats, the album is loaded with tales of desire, deceit, and dangerous curves.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Get ready for a guilty pleasure. Try to ignore some of the sexist sensibilities and focus on James's sassy attitude and confidence to enjoy this album. As she says in her song "Big Mouth," James isn't afraid to speak her mind, and as a result, there's an irreverent quality that's often sanitized out of mainstream pop. Pop fans should be satisfied with the deliberate beats and Southern banjo plucking that adds to the fun and drama on tracks like "Bullet" and "Blue Jeans." Describing herself as "The Girl Next Door" on one track, James offers up a much-needed breath of blue-collar air to an industry that's usually all about bling, not blue jeans.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: August 11, 2009
Label: Mercury
Genre: Country
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

roxy210
teen, 16 years old
14
 
catchy tunes =D but some sexual messages
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
textingqueen
teen, 15 years old
11
 
not for all
Blue Jeans is a catchy song.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)

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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
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