Strange and Beautiful

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Easy listening for the next generation.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this exceptionally well-played album is a bit one-dimensional and sleepy, but family-safe.

  • One song talks about how "it's easier to lie" -- all others are gooey love stuff.
  • There is one fleeting, metaphorical death reference.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Aqualung, aka Matt Hales, delivers a dozen one-dimensional love songs with lush, sleepy arrangements on STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL. This British pop veteran sometimes evokes Radiohead, Brian Wilson, Coldplay, even the Beatles. But he's softer and sweeter, with an almost new-agey feel to many of the instrumental tracks, adding emphasis to honey-smooth vocals. You won't find any dance tunes or much variation on the lovesick-lyric theme. But Hales' graceful persona and musicianship save the day. The music is more sophisticated than the lyrics. While there's nothing to worry about in terms of content, it's doubtful that younger children will relate much to this artist.


Is it any good?

 

Somehow, in spite of all the low-key and sometimes gooey sentiment, the album ends up sounding more interesting than it probably should. Not for hard-core rockers, Strange and Beautiful is perfect for those who like their heartbreak songs on the ethereal side.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the difference between albums that present one person's artistic vision as opposed to the team spirit of being in a band.


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Aqualung
Release date:March 22, 2005
Labels:Red Ink, Red Int
Genre:Indie Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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