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Through These Walls (by Hilary McRae, Pop)

common sense media says

Startling talent with kid-safe messages.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the content on Hilary McRae's impressive debut album is family safe and very, very well-performed. Lyrics about love, loss, and negotiating the disappointments of relationships stay safely in the G-rated zone.

Positive messages: "Better Off Alone" promotes independence over a bad relationship. Some of the other songs are a lot more codependent.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: The love stuff is a little gooey, but not at all explicit.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Through These Walls

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the difference between Hilary McRae's song lyrics and Hilary McRae herself. She's 21, enormously talented, and an accomplished piano player and songwriter, yet her song lyrics portray a young woman expressing her sense of self-worth as a reflection of her relationships. Do you think it's possible to be all of the above?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Hilary McRae is the enormously talented Berklee School of Music graduate who's made a well-deserved splash as the first debut artist acquired by Starbucks' HEAR label, usually the marketing enclave of established musicians popular with the low-fat latte set. Her sophisticated arrangements, expressive vocal, instrumental, and songwriting abilities, and lush arrangements (featuring soulful horn sections) add up to an exceptional collection of songs that make McRae sound far more mature than her 21 years.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Every single track on THROUGH THESE WALLS explores some aspect of a relationship, whether hopeful, disappointed, confused, or slamming a door in the poor guy's face. Though lyrics vary wildly from lovelorn to feisty independence, the overall impression is that of a young woman stuck on love, defining herself according to how she is perceived -- and received -- by the object(s) of her affection.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: April 15, 2008
Label: Hear Music
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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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
Our child development rating guidelines