Music Details
Artist
Label
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

Love Is Hell, Part 2 (by Ryan Adams, Alternative Rock)

common sense media says

Exquisite, darkly poetic songs.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some of the images in these song lyrics, though more poetic than explicit, might be disturbing to sensitive teenagers.

Positive messages: Tortured social consciousness abounds.
Violence: There is some violent imagery, with an anti-violence message.
Sex: No explicit sexuality.
Language: The "f" word appears in one song, "City Rain, City Streets," and on a bonus track on the UK release.
Consumerism: Resolutely non-commercial.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Nothing obvious.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Love Is Hell, Part 2

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the mood of these songs. What kind of mood are you in when you listen to them? What do you enjoy about these songs?

What's the story?

What's the story?

This CD, intended to be the follow-up to Ryan Adams' 2001 Gold album, was initially rejected by his record label for being "too depressing." This is not the CD to play if you want bouncy, cheerful, feel-good tunes. It is an example of a talented young songwriter revealing his heart, soul, and fears to the world.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

It's true that the lyrics are filled with dark imagery and tortured introspection, but the songwriting and performances are extraordinary. Stark and exquisite, they tell vivid, visual stories of a bleak urban landscape and its tortured inhabitants.

A comparatively whimsical favorite is "English Girls Approximately," in which Adams sticks to more familiar alternative country territory. Another high point is the last track, "Hotel Chelsea Nights," best served warm with a side of self-pity.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 1, 2003
Label: Lost Highway
Genre: Alternative Rock
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

Review It

 

Review Love Is Hell, Part 2

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

mdog
adult
 
Great, Weird choice?!
Great songs but the weird choice is on commonsense's behalf by chosing this album out of all of Ryan Adams thousands of records. Go for either Heartbreaker or Easy Tiger. Also Wonderwall on Love is Hell Part I.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
Forknose
adult
 
Lyrics got me
Ryan Adams is an amazing song writer. He is very different from the pack in that way. I prefer his album Rock 'N' Roll, but this album is also thoroughly enjoyable.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you add Love Is Hell, Part 2 to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more music
About our rating system
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
Our child development rating guidelines