| 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. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that there are no offensive lyrics here -- just bittersweet, poetic longing perfect for teens.
In Keane's second album, UNDER THE IRON SEA, the British trio has succeeded in producing 11 lovely, moody tracks perfectly appropriate for most soul-searching teen rockers. Tom Chapin's lead vocals are expressive and confident, exploring a broad range of both pitch and emotion. Backed up by Tim Rice-Oxley (piano, bass, backup vocals) and Richard Hughes (drums), he pulls off one haunting, memorable performance after another. Gentle understatement gets the point across in songs like "Crystal Ball" ("Who is the man I see/where I'm supposed to be/I lost my heart/I buried it too deep/under the iron sea").
The album is beautifully constructed, intense, and poetic, without ever becoming overly sentimental or relying on questionable content of any kind. The trio manages to sound full and fully present without resorting to bloated overkill at any point. The lyrics explore a wide landscape, dealing mostly with love and desire, delusion and identity, but ultimately leaving the listener with a feeling of hope. Instrumentally strong (and notable for its lack of guitars), Under the Iron Sea delivers strong, satisfying sentiment while exploring the rough terrain of the teenage heart and soul.
Families can talk about how it can feel better to write honestly about your deepest feelings, whether for others or just for yourself. Also -- there are no guitars used on this album. Do you miss them? How does the lack of guitar tracks change the sound on a rock CD?
| Artist: | Keane |
| Release date: | July 20, 2006 |
| Label: | Interscope Records |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |