When the World Comes Down

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Likeable, upbeat pop-rock ideal for teens (and parents).
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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.

  • 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.
  • Not applicable.
  • 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."

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?

 

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.


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What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Jessica Dawson
Parent of 15 year old
March 14, 2010
 

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 15 year old
July 21, 2010
 
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

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 13 years old
December 23, 2009
 
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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Teen, 14 years old
August 7, 2009
 
AWESOME
I just got this CD; it's so awesome!

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Kid, 12 years old
February 23, 2011
 
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. RECOMMENDATION: Another Heart Calls is one of the best songs ever made in my opinion. PARENT WARNING: I Wanna has some rather suggestive lyrics.

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Teen, 17 years old
December 3, 2009
 
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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Kid, 13 years old
April 1, 2009
 
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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Teen, 14 years old
December 2, 2011
 
Best AAR Album
By far their best album! Its also got their best song!

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This review was written by Jessica Dawson
Artist:All-American Rejects
Release date:December 16, 2008
Label:Interscope Records
Genre:Alternative Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jessica Dawson
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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