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Viva La Cobra (by Cobra Starship, Pop)

common sense media says

MTV artist of the week likes to swear a bit.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this MTV band's sound is perky and clean, except for their apparent delight in using the word "s--t" in both expletive and scatological references. Otherwise, these self-described "punk pop" practitioners come across as much more pop than punk, and far less cynical than they imagine.

Positive messages: Mostly innocuous, though "you're the kind of girl to take home to mom, if my momma was dead" seems like an odd take on flirtation.
Violence: "The City is At War" features "bang bang, shoot 'em up" as the lyrical hook.
Sex: Some playful, party-life innuendo ("you're never gonna get it with nothing/'cause nothing's what you got in your head," "you know I try to get close to you," "don't hesitate if you like what you see," "you know I see you working the street").
Language: "S--t" is used frequently; "f--k" once or twice.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One or two references to drinking ("damn you look good and I'm drunk").
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Viva La Cobra

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the Cobra Starship's first big break in the soundtrack to the movie Snakes on a Plane. Can you think of any other groups who got attention when their songs were included in movies? The group's insistence on frequent use of "s--t" seems inconsistent with their bubble-gum sound. Do you think they imagine themselves to be tougher than they appear to others?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Despite the occasional use of the "s--t" and "f--k," Cobra Starship's lyrics are as perky as their overall sound, and bubble-gum production standards make them sound cleaner than probably intended. Though the songs fall short of living up to the potential of their provocative and clever titles ("One Day, Robots Will Cry," Kiss My Sass," Pleasure Ryland"), they're dance-party friendly and fun.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Competent if slightly squeaky, Cobra Starship's vocals are strongest on harmony and gang singing -- and luckily, there's a lot of both on VIVA LA COBRA. Synthesized instrumental tracks leave plenty of room in the mix for the band's vocals to be heard loud and clear, even if they don't have all that much to say. The album's dismal low point is a ridiculous disco-tinged cover of "Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady" -- a good one to skip on your downloads.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 23, 2007
Label: Fueled by Ramen
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

15
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
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Most useful reviews by all members

G3
adult
 
Good Music (I've only heard about 4 songs so far)
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katiegeeks
adult
 
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pinklady80lately
teen, 17 years old
 
it made me happy
it actually makes ur day happier w/ the perky lyrics and the band members even said that they just want to tell kids to have fun and to stop being all depressed! yes, it has some mature stuff in it, so i suggest 14 and older for it. but really, these guys just make my day :)
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xlyricallies7x
teen, 17 years old
 
iffy
first, i love cobra starship. however, their lyrics are very iffy, and often explicit. in the song "d*** you look good and i'm drunk" guest singers VIP mention "d**k" in a reference to a transvestite. also, there is a song called "prostitution is the world's oldest profession." so, the music is great. lyrics, not so much.
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werewolfgirl
teen, 15 years old
14
 
i love ths cd!
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heymonday101
teen, 15 years old
13
 
LOVE MY COBRA STARSHIP!!!!!!
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hockeyman47
teen, 13 years old
12
 
The only thing about this album is the swearing. The f word is said about twice.
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KeatonxRondelli
adult
15
 
Fangs Up!
hah, Gabe is the dude! this cd was pretty good, so was "while the city sleeps...." but this one had some very catchy lyrics, good synths! Victoria Asher is an amazing keyboardist. Cobra pretty much is awesome. except their new cd "Hot Mess" is a little on my dont really care for list. i like listening to bands progress, in their lyrics and in their music and as people. but they have yet to prove that they can, their stuff is all the same pretty much.
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bradley4846
teen, 17 years old
14
 
Great Album, not for 12+
Lots of swearing (it somehow escaped a Parental Advisory). Some sexual language, but overall its a fun and great album
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Kryssy
teen, 16 years old
12
 
Love it!!
They're music is just so catchy and the lyrics are amazing. The band themself seem so cool and friendly.
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