 | 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. |
Jessie James
- By Jessie James
- Genre: Country
Common Sense Media says
Pop-country newcomer is too sexy for tweens.
Parents say
Kids say
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'.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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| Artist: | Jessie James |
| Release date: | August 11, 2009 |
| Label: | Mercury |
| Genre: | Country |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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