 | 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. |
Lights and Sounds
- By Yellowcard
- Genre: Rock
Common Sense Media says
Smart punk-tinged rock & roll for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the lyrics are pretty darn clean, especially for punk-tinged rock & roll. There are a couple of references to acts of violence and getting high, and the slightest bit of sexual innuendo.
What's the story?
Yellowcard's best moments are the most surprising ones. It's refreshing to hear a rock group willing to take some musical risks. On their previous album, Ocean Avenue, the surprises were provided mostly by Sean Macklin's violin and the band's wonderful vocal harmonies. On LIGHTS AND SOUNDS, sweeping orchestral strings ride over strong rhythm tracks in rich, imaginative arrangements. The vocal harmonies are as tight as ever, and the violin is still there -– along with some tasteful acoustic guitar, Celtic drums, and a cameo vocal by the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines. All combine to produce a lush tapestry of moody sound.
Is it any good?
For punk-influenced rockers, the lyrics are pretty tame, actually maybe even a little vapid. There are a couple of references to acts of violence and getting high, and the slightest bit of sexual innuendo, but the intent seems to be more cautionary tale than titillation. Lyrics like "We lost another one that we sent with a gun / They're gonna miss him he was two weeks from twenty" ("Two Weeks from Twenty") or "The whole world is different now men have died" ("Words, Hands, Hearts") are powerful and honest. The members of Yellowcard seem like intelligent, talented young people trying to make sense of a complex world in difficult times.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the group's willingness to experiment with unusual instrumentation -- in this case, using orchestral instruments and arrangements on rock songs. Were you surprised by anything you heard here? Did the risks work for you?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Interesting and nothing held back
At first listening, some of the songs made me a bit apprehensive, especially after seeing Yellowcard in concert (which seemed to be an hour+ rant about politics), but after spending some quality driving time with Lights & Sounds in the stereo, I came to really appreciate the musicality and talents of the group. They are certainly not afraid to voice their opinions about current events, as seen in songs such as "Two Weeks From Twenty". I would recommend the CD to teens who understand the events and issues the band is commenting on--otherwise, the lyrics don't really make a lot of sense. I've spent quite a while trying to explain the messages behind the lyrics to my 15-year-old sister. Overall, very musically entertaining and gets their message across. Their best yet.
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AGE
........
not as good as ocean avenue but decent, only has a couple really good songs
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| Artist: | Yellowcard |
| Release date: | January 24, 2006 |
| Label: | Capitol |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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