 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Kris Allen
- By Kris Allen
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Wholesome Idol winner cuts clean yet creative CD.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this first record from the American Idol winner is a very good choice for kids of just about any age, describing common young adult concerns like reaching for goals and establishing relationships in a manner that's clean but not sugar-coated.
What's the story?
Like many of his American Idol peers that came before (Chris Daughtry, David Cook, David Archuleta), Season 8 winner Kris Allen chose to self-title his debut album. The 13 songs are as clean as Allen's real-life persona, covering typical young adult topics like striving to achieve your dreams, falling head-over-heels in love, and enduring the difficult end of a romantic relationship. However, Allen's take on these common themes isn't mundane; rather, he gives unusually thoughtful consideration to familiar problems that will get kids thinking about things from a different perspective. For example, on "The Truth," he talks about realizing that a relationship is over but having a terrible time ending it in light of how deeply he cares for the person: "Trying to be perfect, trying not to let you down / Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now / I still stand here holding up the roof / 'Cause it's easier than telling the truth."
Is it any good?
In sheer belt-it-out power, Kris Allen's vocals can't compare to other Idol male singer-songwriters like Chris Daughtry and David Cook. That said, Allen's debut album is far more imaginative than albums from either of the other two artists, making it a much more interesting listen. In uptempo songs like "Written All Over My Face" and "Red Guitar," he gets creative with different yet equally cool hooks, and ballads such as "Let It Rain" showcase his dual talent for singing and piano-playing. Allen also deserves enormous props for going way outside his comfort zone with a (great) cover of Kanye West's "Heartless."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Kris Allen. What qualities helped him to win American Idol? Was he the best singer? Does that matter?
Check out our feature on Celebrity Role Models to learn more about what kids look for in the stars they love.
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AGE
So good!!
I love this cd; it is very heartfelt and just awesome. I have many nephews and nieces and we love it so, so much. Worth every penny. There is a line that says 'lying next to you, wishing I could disappear.' but it didn't seem to bug my 'kids' at all, so...up to you on that one.
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AGE
KRIS ALLEN CANNOT SING
Kris CANNOT SING!!! Danny, Adam, and Allison should've been in the Top 3 and his butt should've been gone in the Top 4 instead of Allison! And (especially!) in the Top 3 instead of Danny!! And Adam should've won over him! I hate him SO SO SO much! He sounds like a dying animal when he tries to sing. Don't buy it, not worth your money. Go listen to Lady Gaga or someone else decent.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 16, 2010
AGE
Tweens Only
some sex concepts
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AGE
kris allen rocks
i love kris allen especially live like you are dieing its soooooooooo coooolllll
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| Artist: | Kris Allen |
| Release date: | November 20, 2009 |
| Label: | Jive Records |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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