Music Details
Artist
Label
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

Under the Iron Sea (by Keane, Rock)

common sense media says

Lovely, honest sentiment and darned good music.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are no offensive lyrics here -- just bittersweet, poetic longing perfect for teens.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
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 Under the Iron Sea

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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").

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
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.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: July 20, 2006
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Rock
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

Review It

 

Review Under the Iron Sea

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

Most useful reviews by all members

rykrap
teen, 14 years old
2
 
WOOT!
OKAY hands down great album.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)
rster10
teen, 15 years old
 
A good Christmas present.
This CD is pure clean, like Coldplay.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
Baseballfan67
adult
2
 
Awesome
It is so not for teens it is for anyone! I love Is it any wonder.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
SilverDCTU
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
v-ball_luver
teen, 17 years old
 
Brilliant CD
This is probably one of the best bands out right now. Keane's second CD, is clean, but would probably appeal to all ages. The songs never get boring, and they send out positive messages.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (2) | read my mind
chillded banana
kid, 13 years old
2
 
brillant
a universal and great album. Awesome
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

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

vote now

Will you add Under the Iron Sea 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

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