Stronger

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Positive messages about self-esteem from former Idol champ.
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

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Stronger is a very clean album filled with many positive messages about having strong self-esteem and not putting up with disrespectful treatment. Aside from a few lyrics about kissing and adult sleepovers, the songs don't have any adult content or profanity. Though some of the tunes can be a bit melancholy, the overall album is still a great choice for younger kids looking for positive messages about self-worth.

  • Lots of positive messages about being a strong, independent, honest person who doesn't lose herself in a romantic relationship.
  • Songs advocate a balanced approach to life and not putting up with disrespectful treatment.
  • One reference to knives.
  • A few mentions of kissing and spending the night together.

What's the story?

The very first American Idol winner -- pop powerhouse Kelly Clarkson -- is back with STRONGER, her fifth full-length album since winning the competition in 2002. In this collection of 13 songs, the overriding theme is high self-esteem, with Clarkson singing lots of lyrics about being true to who you are and refusing to accept shoddy treatment from a romantic partner. For example: "Thanks to you I got a new thing started ... Thanks to you I'm finally thinking about me ... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone."


Is it any good?

 

There's a reason Clarkson won American Idol: She's an awesome singer. Clarkson uses her vocal chops to good effect on this record, knocking most of these songs out of the park. While the pop arrangements are a bit formulaic, Clarkson's excellent skills still manage to make ordinary songs sound special.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why some artists sing songs about being unable to let go of a bad romance with the wrong partner, while others, like Clarkson, describe the opposite. Do musicians have an obligation to write songs with positive messages? Why or why not?

  • Besides positive music, what are some other sources of inspiration that you can turn to when you're feeling down and need a pick-me-up?

  • Are you surprised that Clarkson continues to be a major player on the music scene? Why haven't other Idol winners fared as well?


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Teen, 17 years old
December 4, 2011
 
Amazing, Awesome Album
As a hard-core critic like me, I was surprised I loved this album. It boosts teen and tweens' self esteem as well catchy, fabulous music. 100 out of 100!

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
January 3, 2012
 
It is a strong album that makes you... STRONGER! :)
I loved EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ALBUM. Honestly there is not that much profanity and the only sex talk is about dead relationships and moving on. Also it contains alot of positive messages. Most songs have a similar beat to Kellys younger songs. It really shows a sense of style but she also adds some variety going from pop to rock. Great Job Kelly C! Love it!

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Adult
February 2, 2012
 
Kelly Clarkson all ages.
Whats wrong with Kelly Clarkson? Shes from American Idol. I think any age for Kelly. If she has some little things here and there the kid will mostly likely not understand it. She is actually one of the few people that will have a audience all ages because yes she is Adult Contemporary but she Isn't someone you need to moderate your kid listening to as a posed to Britney Spears Or Kesha. I just came back from a Kelly Clarkson Concert recently , my third time. And even at a 8pm showing shes still apropriate.

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Kid, 11 years old
January 26, 2012
 
No things are hard to find from my ears!
While the whole CD is clean. Certain things which nobody quite spotted I'm gonna point out. In "You Can't Win", I think she talked about being gay and "pi**ing 'em off". Overall I think it's clean enough for 11 year olds who can handle mild language and more complex sexual talk without it becomeing eplict. Still, one of the best Kelly Clarkson LP.

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This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Topics:great girl role models
Artist:Kelly Clarkson
Type:Album
Release date:October 24, 2011
Label:RCA
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No
Edited version available:No

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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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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