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When the World Comes Down (by All-American Rejects, Alternative Rock)

common sense media says

Likeable, upbeat pop-rock ideal for teens (and parents).

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that many of the songs on this album are about being in a bad relationship or getting over heartbreak, but the music is mostly upbeat, not melancholy like a lot of alternative music can be. It's OK for teens and older who already know about relationships. The popular track "Real World" is featured on the best-selling video game Madden NFL 09, and the song "Gives You Hell" repeats "hell" about 30 times.

Positive messages: The majority of the songs on this album are about heartache, heartbreak, or getting over someone. One song deals with mourning someone who has died, ("Believe"), but the music is upbeat. Overall, the content is fine for teens and up.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Minor sexual innuendo. "I Wanna" says "I wanna touch you / you wanna touch me too.../ just put your hands on me." The song "Damn Girl" has overtly sexual lyrics, "I'll press your lips and I taste everyone that you've had tonight."
Language: "Damn Girl" has the word "damn" four times. "Gives you Hell" says "hell" repeatedly and "damn" a few times.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on When the World Comes Down

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the pain of getting over a relationship, especially when it's your first love. What are some good ways to deal with the heartache of losing someone? What do you think about the way this band writes about breaking up and moving on?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The All-American Rejects rushed onto the popularity scene in 2003 with the breakout single, "Swing, Swing" from their self-titled album. They return with a third studio album, WHEN THE WORLD COMES DOWN, a fresh, playable mix of radio-friendly pop and pop-rock anthems. The album includes the hit single, "Gives You Hell," with most of the songs dissecting the endings and raw emotions of a rocky relationship from a good guy's perspective -- a fresh take that's not too in-your-face.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

With a unique blend of unusual instruments (from broomsticks to violins) and easy-on-the-ears vocals, The All-American Rejects have street cred in the "emo-pop" genre, without being monotonous or brooding like many pop-alternative bands. Although the lyrics are less than poetic at times, they are simple and singable, accompanied by mini-movements of music that make each song worth replaying.

"Real World" mixes harder rock with nice vocals and strings, and "Mona Lisa" brings a folksy blend with acoustic guitar. The popular "Gives You Hell" is a crowd-pleasin' power-pop anthem, and the last track "The Wind Blows" will convert many (teens and parents alike) to fans. The entire album is an easy one to enjoy again and again, with relatable lyrics that are fine for teens.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 16, 2008
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Alternative Rock
This review was written by Jessica Dawson
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Riot_Girl743
parent of 15 year old
12
 
well i think that all u b***hass yuppies that wld spend ur time givin a frction uva f**k about this semceless bulls**t need 2 b smacked the f**k out. r u kiddin me! ur seriously b**chen nd moanin bcuz the said hel nd dam....those wrds rnt even technicly profain....wut u need 2 do in stead of filterin the f**k outa ur kids iz b real wit dem sso that they dnt evnd um deluioned inn thier later life thatthis shyt is out there....nd who gives a goddam wethr some band said hel or dam...ur just insecure p**sies that blieve ur child will turn in2 a gothic rebell ready 2 go out nd bang nd blow the first person they see...trust ur kids 2 make decent decions and the onli way thatll happen is if u give them the tools nessesry so pop da titty out thier mouth and let them listen 2 wt ever music they f**kin wanna...btw if u wanna hear explicit itz all about that 3oh!3....so take my advice nd u will have amazingly wild kids who have a mind of thier and will b able 2 survive...as always ur friendly advice giver riot_girl785
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kyle dwyer
parent of 15 year old
17
 
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Ja13
kid, 13 years old
10
 
AWESOME FOR ALMOST EVERY AGE!!!!
I like all the songs in this album. My favorite is Gives You Hell. I dont think u should get this album for kids that really shouldnt know ANY swear words yet(8-9 and under), so maybey get them some of the nicer albums first.
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FezesAreCool
kid, 12 years old
11
 
Great album, tweens and up, 11+
I just listened to this album and loved it first time. Great combination of tuneful vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, strong bass and well timed drums. There is some mild bad language including d*mn and h*ll. There are some sex references but nothing over the top. If you like rock that isn't too heavy then this album is for you.
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cheedarcheez
teen, 16 years old
11
 
Can't think of a title
i like this album. has some minor language but they use thise words multiple times. "I wanna" is slightly sexually bad. better of their albums but i like their older song better and these are Before the album all american rejects
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sfs1998
kid, 13 years old
9
 
Go AAR
The all american rejects rock. I love their current #5 iTunes song "Gives You Hell". They're my favorite band. My favorite bands include Green Day, Smash Mouth, All American Rejects, and Beatles. I hope they keep making more good songs like Dirty Little Secret, Gives You Hell, and Move Along (which by the way is a great album too). Keep rockin' AAR.
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PYEsinc
teen, 14 years old
11
 
AWESOME
I just got this CD; it's so awesome!
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thelight98
teen, 14 years old
13
 
Best AAR Album
By far their best album! Its also got their best song!
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