| 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. |
Parents need to know that there are some very strong and positive messages for young girls here, making this wading through the bubblegum.
Yet another American Idol star hits the deck with Kimberley Locke's ONE LOVE, and as with most American Idol finalists' debut albums, potential outweighs production by a long shot.
Locke's voice bears a close resemblance to the young Michael Jackson's. She could be incredible under the guidance of a Motown-style producer, or supported by the kind of phenomenal rhythm section the Jackson Five had. But despite the warmed-over pop arrangements, there's a lot to like here. A strong duet with Clay Aiken and a hot single are likely to get most of the attention and radio airplay, but the real substance is in the filler.
Classic-sounding love ballads are interspersed with a couple of "message songs" that actually have wonderful messages for young girls. "You tell me to twist/you tell me to bend/but I won't break/just to fit in," she exclaims on "Wrong." "It's Alright" is a catchy, upbeat tune about befriending others who seem different or are having a tough time. And on "I Could" she delivers the lyrics "I could pretend to love you/Be someone else for a while/Make you believe you're the one that I want/Give you my heart in disguise" with a strong musical hook and vocals that are delicate yet strong.
Families can talk about some of the messages presented here, such as staying true to yourself despite pressure to change and being open to people who seem different.
| Artist: | Kimberley Locke |
| Release date: | May 4, 2004 |
| Label: | Curb Records |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |