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Shock Value 2 (by Timbaland, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Less explicit than most hip-hop, but still has iffy lyrics.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is one of those albums that's both good and bad. It's good because there's no violence to speak of, and nothing too sexually explicit. But it's also iffy for kids because of the sexual innuendo, a couple of harsh expletives, and a song about curbing drinking that repeats the word "alcohol" over and over again. For teens anxious to get their hands on the latest hip-hop sounds, this album is safer than other more explicit releases, but it's also not something to share with younger siblings.

Positive messages: For the most part, the messages are positive and rarely malicious. Timbaland talks about being the victim of failing relationships and offers up advice like "money can't buy you love baby, and that's a fact," but there are some songs that promote women as sex objects, like "Carry Out."
Positive role models: Timbaland includes lyrics about earning success, and any misogynistic attitudes are tempered by the presence of strong female collaborators, like Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.
Sex: "Carry Out" compares sex to fast food, objectifying women in the process and making references to foreplay and tasting: "Take my order, 'cause your body like a carry out."
Language: Many songs are clean, but "s--t," "bitch," and "ass" can be heard on a few tracks, while "Tomorrow in the Bottle" includes a solitary "motherf--ker."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Say Something" has something to say about "getting bitches tipsy," and while "Ease Off the Liquor" might promote abstaining from drinking, it still includes a mantra of "alkahol, alkahol, alkahol."
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Shock Value 2

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about their house rules when it comes to music selection. If an album has a few bad words in it, is it okay to listen to in your house? Or are a few profanities just as bad as an album that's full of them?
  • Do you think one gender is treated more unfairly in music lyrics compared to the other? Is it men or women that are treated unfairly? How do these lyrics make you feel about others and yourself?
  • What do you think about Timbaland being a producer versus a musician? Do you think he can do both? What do you think about celebrities who branch out from music into acting for instance, or modeling into singing? Which areas would you like to explore?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Timbaland is best known for being the brains behind some of today's biggest hits, from Justin Timberlake's solo work to Madonna's Hard Candy. But he's also a performer in his own right, and SHOCK VALUE 2 marks his third album. On it, he continues his tradition of packing his productions with an A-list support team, and this time around is no different, with big names like Miley Cyrus, Daughtry, The Fray, and Katy Perry lending their talents to Tim.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There's an old saying that you're judged by the company you keep, and Timbaland must be banking on that adage with a star-studded lineup that's guaranteed to make anyone look good. This is the producer/rapper's tradition. But it would be nice to see Timbaland take center stage and let his special guests follow in a supporting role, rather than be the starring attraction. There are only rare glimpses of the famed-producer on an album that seems to suffer from a manic-depressive disconnection that smashes hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B together into one album. Individually, each song shows off Timbaland's versatility. After all, few artists could hold their own with a rock band one minute and a hardcore rapper the next. For the listener, though, it's hard to keep up with this hyper and inconsistent whirlwind of musical styles.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 8, 2009
Label: Blackground Records
Genre: Hip-hop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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jsharpe
parent of 13 year old
14
 
THE SONG SAY SOMETHING REPATS THE S-WORD AGAIN AND AGAIN
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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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