 | 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. |
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
- By B2K, Bruce Springsteen
- Genre: Folk
Common Sense Media says
A rousing rendition of America's folk tradition.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the content of some of the songs is political in nature with anti-war, civil rights, and pro-labor messages. The songs reflect many facets of American history, iconography, culture, and the past and ongoing struggles of the American people. One song has vivid lyrics describing a soldier wounded in battle.
What's the story?
On WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS, Bruce Springsteen takes the torch from Pete Seeger, the iconic American folk singer, and introduces a new generation to Seeger's songs -- those he wrote and those he unearthed from the dustbin of history. Springsteen's 14-piece orchestra is impressive (tubas in folk music?) and makes a joyous, celebratory big sound that's nothing like your typical Springsteen. Song selections reflect world affairs and protest anthems; "Eyes on the Prize" and "We Shall Overcome" are well suited for a discussion about civil strife and global unrest. The traditional Irish ballad "Mrs. McGrath," describes a mother's anguish that her son has lost both legs in war, and provides an opportunity to discuss war, morality, and even the tradition of protest songs.
Is it any good?
This ideal family music album can foster active listening as Springsteen offers up America's history in story songs, anthems, and protest songs. Many of Seeger's songs tell righteous stories of hardscrabble living, the fight for freedom, and the struggle for survival. Parents and kids can discuss the history and the context, the meaning and the morals in songs about Jesse James, John Henry, labor disputes, and the Oklahoma dustbowl. These spirited songs from the core of the American folk tradition make for thoroughly enjoyable, historically interesting, and mostly uplifting listening.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the historic significance of these story songs, as well as the purpose and meaning of folk music and protest songs.
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AGE
Great way to introduce older kids to folk music
There isn't really anything offensive in this CD. In one song, it sounds like he's saying the s word, but the lyrics are actually "ship", so don't mistake that. The rest of the language is at minimal, and the violence is involved in portraying war negatively.
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| Artists: | B2K, Bruce Springsteen |
| Release date: | April 25, 2006 |
| Label: | Sony Music |
| Genre: | Folk |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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