Music Details
Artist
Label
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

"Solo" (CD single) (by Iyaz, Dancehall/Reggae)

common sense media says

Wistful island jam about lost love is OK for tweens.

parents & educators say
  • 75% say there are positive messages
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a good choice for tweens who want to enjoy reggae because it doesn't have the sexuality found on most of today's dancehall hits. Even though the theme of the song is grief and loss, there's nothing too heavy here, aside from a little over-dramatizing of how heartbroken Iyaz feels ( "I don't want to walk this earth If I gotta do it solo (solo).")

Positive messages: Missing someone is the main message here, but there are a few lines that add other messages into the song: "See girl we used to be a team, runnin' the streets (yeah), we was living out our dream (ohh),
you used to be my rider, I was your provider." "Runnin' the streets" might imply misbehaving, and the term "provider" seems a little demeaning.
Positive role models: For the most part, Iyaz portrays sincere emotions about missing a love. These feelings don't get sexual or angry. However, he takes it a little far with lines of desolation like, "I don't want to walk this earth If I gotta do it solo (solo)."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The line "I was so high, now I'm so low" makes a possible reference to drugs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Solo" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about making old music new again. Janet Jackson's "Again" is sampled on this single and plays a big role in the harmonies. Were you familiar with the original song before hearing this track? Which do you prefer? Why do you think an artist would use a song from nearly 20 years ago for a new dance track? Do you like when a song samples another, or do you find it lacks creativity?
  • Talk about finding appropriate music. Some reggae songs might be too edgy or sexy for younger listeners. How can you make sure an individual single is okay? How can you learn about lyrics without having to study an entire CD?
  • Discuss how to deal with a break-up. Can you give any examples of celebrities who've suffered bad break-ups? What can you learn from them, and how can you behave better? What can you do when you're feeling angry or sad about a relationship that has fallen apart? Who can you talk to about your feelings?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Recognize the hook? That's probably because much of "SOLO" relies on samples of Janet Jackson's 1993 hit "Again." Iyaz follows up his breakout hit "Replay" from 2009 with this dancehall single. Covering Iyaz's sorrow for losing the woman he loves, "Solo" features upbeat club rhythms amidst Iyaz's Caribbean vocals.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This is a great-sounding song...just like it was in 1993 when "Again" came out. In fact, this isn't so much of a sampling of Jackson's hit ballad as it is a cover. Iyaz relies too heavily on the harmonies of this previous hit to carry the single. It would've been nice, in fact, to hear more of Iyaz's original sound as there are some clunky transitions on here. But the few instances of clever lyrics, like "Cuz I was so high, And now I'm so low and I don't wanna walk around alone, solo" and light reggae style make this a feel-good jam that's fine for kids.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: February 15, 2010
Label: Warner Brothers
Genre: Dancehall/Reggae
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

Review It

 

Review "Solo" (CD single)

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

What parents & educators say

9
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 75% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

vampiressmile7
parent of 17 year old
17
 
I love it.I love the beat and i love the singer and his other song "REPLAY"
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (7)
MillyMolly
teen, 15 years old
10
 
I love this song!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
barenne6
teen, 14 years old
10
 
love it
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
carter0617
parent of 9 year old
8
 
what i say
this is a good ablum with no langue and content
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
mrs. sexy
kid, 12 years old
6
 
love it...............
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
TheCarterFamily
parent of 10 year old
7
 
Nine Year Old Loves It
It's on the mix CD made especially for Lana, along with Iyaz's other hit, Replay.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
iluviyazmusic01
parent of 7 year old
3
 
Solo is my most favorite song right now.
I love it!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

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

vote now

Will you add "Solo" (CD single) 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

Cool, funky beats for kids
For kids who love dance music
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