Love Is Dead

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Uplifting collection from Bjork-esque pop star.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although the title of this album sounds negative, the message of the music is decidedly upbeat and positive. Kerli somehow puts an optimistic spin on her difficult life experiences of growing up under Communist rule and in an abusive household, and encourages listeners to be optimistic and enjoy life. There are a few intense lyrics in one song about being hurt -- both mentally and physically -- but they're followed up with lines like "You just dry your eyes/because the world is wonderful."

  • Although there are some songs that discuss heartbreak and sorrow, the tone of the album is upbeat and positive. Drawing from her tough experiences growing up in Communist rule and in an abusive household, Kerli encourages listeners to enjoy life and take a chance on their dreams. One example: "Life is my creation/is my best friend/Imagination is my defense/and I'll keep walking when skies are gray."
  • Only a few intense lyrics, such as "Did I hurt you?/Did I ever make you bleed inside?/Did I kill you?" from "Butterfly Cry," but they are usually followed up with something positive.
  • Only one song, "Love is Dead" contains a line that's sexual: "When you're beside her, inside her."

What's the story?

Although Kerli gained some popularity through MySpace, unlike many of her pop contemporaries, she has struggled to get a break. Her first taste of fame came when she won a European TV singing competition, but the Estonian native spent several years trying to get her music heard. Famed producer L.A. Reid gave her a chance, and the result is this sincere debut album which features 13 tracks that are an uplifting and unique blend of pop, rock, and Goth music.


Is it any good?

 

Maybe one of the most interesting artists to come out of any televised singing competition so far, Kerli's music is both sweet and haunting. The infectious beats and thoughtful vocals keep the album entertaining, even if the songs sometimes blend together both melodically and thematically. What a breath of fresh air it is to see a young female artist, who doesn't solely rely on trying to seduce her audience with flirty songs and costumes. Although a few songs sound like a series of platitudes, Kerli's vocals display a vulnerability and confidence that comes from experience. At her best, Kerli's songs are funky and inspiring, such as on "The Creationist" with sincere lines like, "Life is my creation/is my best friend/Imagination is my defense/and I'll keep walking when skies are gray."


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how an online outlet like MySpace can promote a singer. Do you think an American record label would've signed Kerli if MySpace didn't exist? Can you think of any artists that became popular from MySpace? Families can also discuss talk about how Kerli's music differs from American female pop stars. Do you think her music is different because of her European upbringing?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Teen, 17 years old
February 18, 2010
 
PERFECT FOR MOST PEOPLE.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE KERLI. I KNOW ALL OF HER SONGS. I LOOVE THAT SHE IS FROM A VERY SMALL COUNTRY N BROUGHT THE TALENT OF ESTONIA TO THE WORLD. DEF RECCOMEND.

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Adult
August 26, 2009
 
Its like happy goth
Honestly is a grate alternative if you are not into most pop artists. her music is uplifting and positive i listen to her when im feeling down and it can turn a bad day around. if your more into Goth/pop/wave kind of stuff its fantastic.

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Teen, 15 years old
January 24, 2009
 
Love It!
I love Kerli's songs and voice! Very unique. My favourite song is ''Not A Barbie Doll''

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Teen, 17 years old
April 9, 2008
 
i LOVE Kerli!!!!!
She is the best!!!!! My favorite song is the uplifting "Walking on Air".

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Teen, 16 years old
May 15, 2011
 
Very good.
I thought it was really good. She is one of my inspirations. I can relate to her music. I wish to go to Estonia to check where she lives out and also to meet her. If I ever become famous with my band then I would love to work with her

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Teen, 15 years old
December 9, 2008
 
Best Cd ever
This Cd might look dark and negative, but it's really the opposite of that! All of the songs have a great beat to them. Evanescence is more dark then this.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 4, 2011
 
Love this album and all of Kerlis songs! She has a beautiful voice, powerful lyrics and a great beat that really stick with you. My two favorite songs aren't found on this album (Army Of Angels and Army of Love) but I encourage everyone to youtube these songs. Kerli is also an amazing role model, she has always been true to herself and her style, never changing her clothes, music or personality for others. People of all ages will love this album, if they are too young to understand the lyrics, they will love the beat and music.

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Teen, 15 years old
August 4, 2011
 
Uplifting Goth
This is such a great CD, one of my favorites! It contains songs that really help you get through the bad times. It's not inappropriate in any way, its just something older kids can relate to and would enjoy more. The music is very gothic, but isn't depressing in it's lyrics. Kerli really sings about what life is about and how special it is. My favorite song by her is "Fragile". Kerli speaks the truth. :-)

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This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Kerli
Release date:July 8, 2008
Label:Island
Genre:Alternative Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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