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"Love Lockdown" (CD single) (by Kanye West, R&B/Pop)

common sense media says

Kanye trades rhymes for singing in tame love song.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the content of this single is age-appropriate for just about everyone. That said, it is all about love and heartbreak -- but younger listeners will probably pick up on the funky vocals and dance beats instead of the emotionally charged lyrics.

Positive messages: Heartbreak, relationship turmoil, and emotional distance are all covered in the song, although not in explicit or unsettling ways. Insightful lyrics portray someone who's hurting but remains positive: "I'm not lovin' you, the way I wanted to, I can't keep my cool, so I keep it true, I got somethin' to lose, so I gotta move, I can't keep myself, and still keep you too."
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: This single is all about love and the angst of love (the word "love" is used 40 times). But it doesn't go into any real detail -- love is simply love, nothing more, nothing less.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Love Lockdown" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how and why a music artist changes genres. West is famous for being a rapper -- so why do you think he chose to sing on this single rather than rap? Do you think artists should stick to what they already do well, or do you like hearing your favorite entertainers try new things? Is there something you've never done that you'd like to try?

What's the story?

What's the story?
If you're waiting for Kanye West to drop his trademark rhymes on this single, don't hold your breath: LOVE LOCKDOWN marks West's foray into singing. But even though he's put the rap game on lockdown for now, he still maintained creative control of this release -- he wrote and produced it himself. The result is a soulful song about love that, thanks to the abundant use of Auto-Tune vocal affects, also reflects West's techno sensibility.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
"Love Lockdown" is one of those songs that you either love or hate. Although West should get credit for trying out a new genre, fans might not be so quick to give him a stellar grade. The inventive lyrics -- like this line: "No more wastin' time, you can't wait for life, which is wastin' time, where's the finish line" -- flow in a deliberate, orderly fashion and provide a unique jazz groove, which creates a nice contrast to the emphatic, passionate chorus.

It's obvious that West is getting a lot of vocal help here from his techno voice tuning engineering effects. And that's OK. He never claimed to be a singer, and as long as the results end up sounding good, who is it hurting? At its best, this single is a raw, daring venture for the rapper ... but for some fans, it may also be evidence of why West should stick to rapping.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: September 18, 2008
Label: Roc-A-Fella
Genre: R&B/Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

yoyobaby
kid, 13 years old
10
 
SUCKISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i hate songs just like this one all it does is repeat itself over and over its good with not cursing and all it just sucks
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (8)
Spudzilla
kid, 12 years old
10
 
great song
I LUV this song.....But not some of the other onez!
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (6)
crissreviews
teen, 14 years old
12
 
I like this song a lot
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
irene_lol
teen, 18 years old
2
 
Good
Nice but I prefer Stronger.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
animeluvera
kid, 12 years old
10
 
GOOD FOR ALL AGES BABY XD BUT NO LITTLE KIDS INVOLED
i hate kanye west personally, but i like some of his songs. i like the rainman remix of this song. its good :))
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
Kold Duff
kid, 10 years old
10
 
Really good
I Think it's Ages 7 and younger off 8+ Iffy than 10+ On im not going to throw a fit at you but now you want to act normal CSM.
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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
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