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Room on Fire (by The Strokes, Rock)

common sense media says

Smart music but definitely not for younger teens.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is one of those CDs that your kids are going to want to have, but reading the lyrics will give you a case of heartburn. The band members have serious drug histories and that informs their music. They are also honest in their treatment of subjects that some parents would rather not deal with. Mature teens beginning to negotiate their way through the challenges of sex and drugs will find much to consider here.

Positive messages: There are overtones of decadence and ennui.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some sexual references.
Language: "F---" goin' to that party" (in ":51"), "We were just two f---s in lust" (in "Meet Me in the Bathroom"), "We won't take that s--t" (in "I Can't Win").
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some kids may not understand the alcohol reference in ":51" ("We could go and get 40s"), but it's common parlance in hip-hop.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Room on Fire

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about about all the drug, alcohol, and sex references, and discuss if that kind of honesty is always a good thing for teen listeners.

What's the story?

What's the story?
ROOM ON FIRE takes the listener on a tour of late nights ("12:51") and harsh dawns ("Between Love & Hate"), with their moments of emotional emptiness and fitful happiness. Despite the dark subject matter, it's catchy enough that you'll probably find yourself singing along. Because of the wealthy background of the band members and past rumors of drug abuse, it's easy for the listener to bring this baggage to the album. Mature teens beginning to negotiate their way through the challenges of sex and drugs will find much to consider here, but it's a good idea for parents to talk about all the drug, alcohol, and sex references with their kids after reading the lyrics.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Some bands give themselves hernias trying to be notorious, using profanity and sexism in a desperate bid for attention. New York's Strokes are far more subtle and artistic in their treatment of adult subjects. Overall, Room on Fire is a terrific rock & roll album, spare in its production and passionate in performance.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 28, 2003
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock
This review was written by Peter Melton
 
 

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What parents & educators say

16

Most useful reviews by all members

Forknose
adult
 
What can I say?
The Strokes are a great band. One of the few mainstream bands that deserve their spotlight. I highly recommend this album.
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Brenny
adult
16
 
Somewhat iffy, not sure if Common Sense Media is always right
A very good album. I heard this music when I was 11. I was fine when listened to it. Still, there may be a few uses of strong language. However, they are used as a noun rather than an adjective. There is not much in terms of drug material, just the line "We could go and get 40s." This album is not like that.
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IrlJamie
adult
15
 
Fantasic!
I firmly believe that this album and The Strokes in general are better than anything your child could be listening to in the Rap/Hip Hop genre. There are a few f bombs, but nothing too obscene. Side note- The Strokes are my favorite band by far; just perfection.
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thewittyman27
adult
 
LOVE THE STROKES
this is the best band ever, and i have no idea why common sense said this is 16+ and only said graduation by Kanye West is 14+. They also gave Graduation yellow for languae and that says the f word like over 10 times whereas this album only says it once. this is the best strokes album
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takenforafool15
teen, 15 years old
13
 
THE STROKES ARE AMAZING!!!
Well there are no sexual references unless you are dumb or something, & they do swear like 5 times but there is pretty much swearing in a lot of songs nowadays. Also the song is called 12:51 not :51. Plus the alcohol reference really that isn't that big of a deal compared to what people listen to now.
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GreenRhino
teen, 13 years old
8
 
Great album, not just for those 16+
There is some minor swearing, but nothing that you wouldn't hear walking through any American city. The Strokes present a strong, honest album here, and it is a definite follow-up to their last album, "Is This It". "Room on Fire" represents what may be the best period for this band. Also: CSM is quite crazy for rating this 16+. It's an absolutely appropriate album.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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