For Your Entertainment

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Daring debut is mostly tame, with a few sexy tracks.
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

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that for the most part this album is rather tame, but there are a few tracks on here that might raise some eyebrows when it comes to sexy lyrics. Although there's nothing really explicit, Lambert does sing about some mature subject matter, like a ménage à trois and mixes talk of pleasure and pain together in a seductive way. Having caused quite the controversy at the American Music Awards for his performance, which included kissing a guy and a brief move that simulated oral sex, it should be noted that this album is far less scandalous than this one performance.

  • Most of the songs discuss relationship struggles and longing for someone. But Lambert doesn't sing about casual sex or dysfunctional relationships.
  • Several songs are about having the courage to be yourself and take a chance in life. "If I Had You" is a song that shows that money, fortune, and fame aren't as important as the relationships in life.
  • One song mentions jumping out of a window, and "For Your Entertainment" makes a subtle connection between violence and sex: "I'ma hurt 'ya real good, baby...Can you handle what I'm about to do, 'cause it's about to get rough for you."
  • "Fever" details a non-explicit homosexual fantasy and includes references to ménage à trois, sneaking a rendezvous while parents aren't at home, and possibly having an encounter in a car. Other songs talk about laying down together, kissing, and lovers.
  • Lambert was on American Idol...
  • "Fever" mentions a bar.

What's the story?

American Idol's season eight runner-up dishes up a collection of over a dozen songs about love, lust, and coming out (well, sort of) on FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT. Lambert sings (and often squeals) about wanting to break free and embrace his true identify while remaining upbeat on this fast-paced dance/pop album. Some big names help with this musical introduction, with songwriting credits given to everyone from Lady GaGa to Pink.


Is it any good?

 

AI alums aren't known for their artistic daring or musical drama, and that's what makes Adam Lambert's debut so refreshing. Here's one Idol that's willing to stir the pot and spice things up with his sassy spirit and impish playfulness. That persona is in fine form on tracks like "Whataya Want From Me?," "Strut," and "Sleepwalker." From belting out operatic notes to getting down with dance-floor beats, Lambert creates a glam rock/ retro pop album that's deliberate and cohesive. This is one Idol that definitely has something to say, and it's a pleasure to listen.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about Adam Lambert's American Music Awards performance. Do you think the act was too much for younger audiences? Should the guy-on-guy kiss be attracting so much controversy? How do you think it compares to the kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears? Is there a double standard? Is it easier to accept women being sexual with each other as opposed to men? How is homosexuality generally portrayed in the media?

  • Talk about how Lambert differs from past American Idol alumni. Do you think he is more controversial than most? Do you think this will help his career or hurt it?

  • On one song Lambert sings about how love is more important than money and fame. Do you think the media encourages this idea? Can you think of instances where the exact opposite is shown?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Teen, 15 years old
January 2, 2010
 
Title track screams sex!
The title track for this album screams sex! It's open and not appropriate for kids under 13. Here are some of the lyrics. "No escaping once we start/once I'm in I hold your heart/I'll work ya 'till your screamin' my name/I'm the master of pleasure..." Get with the program CommonSenseMedia! Do you really think that this is fine for 12 year old's?

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 18 years old
December 15, 2009
 
Fun album, might be slightly inappropriate for tweens
I personally love Adam Lambert. A few of his songs may be more on the freely sexual side, but are more catchy and upbeat than sexual. Total glam-pop.

Flag as inappropriate 
Adult
December 4, 2009
 
Not for children, should have a warning
I am appalled at Adam's behavior. My 12 year old LOVED him, but when I saw his AMA performance I will never again watch or listen to him again. When I told my daughter how he performed, she doesn't even want his CD any more and neither do her friends. I was hoping for much more from him.

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Kid, 11 years old
March 20, 2011
 
Really people!?
( I edited my review on account of it being too personal. ) Be who you are!!! Because you were born that way!! Be confident and don't give a crap about what people say or think!! You shouldn't have to change yourself because of stupid people who say your wrong!! You should be who you are!!

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Teen, 16 years old
January 16, 2010
 
I happen to LOVE Adam, and I think hes one of those love/hate people. I love his album, and honestly, the messages arent as bad as people on here make them out to be. "For Your Entertainment" is kinda iffy, but unless you have a really sick minded 6 year old, theyre not gonna know what it means. He doesnt swear or anything, and hes an amazingly nice person. Its not like hes singing about guys or anything (which shouldnt matter, except if youre extremely homophobic.) If your kids want this album, I dont see anything wrong with buying it. Hes an amazing artist, and has awesome songs! He deserves all the fame he has :)

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Teen, 15 years old
April 2, 2011
 
Serious talent- dirty lyrics.
His voice is amazing, and I love the beats of the songs, although the meanings are dirty. I would recomend your children being older to listen to some of these songs (although I'm sure they'll find a way to listen anyway) Also, people need to knock off the 'how can you like him? He's discusting' stuff, because people are going to be gay- it's time we at least attempt to accept it. It's something they can't help, and who are the public to critisize people like that? I'm a Christian, and I'm all for gays. (Sorry- didn't mean to turn this into a debate on sexuality)

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Adult
February 11, 2010
 
Adam Lamberts behavior should have no affect on ones oppinion of his music
In my personal opinion I think it is insane how this country is more open about murder then it is about sex. One other thing is that the whole behavior thing is not an issue for me. If you think his music is good but his behavior is inapropriate then don't go to his concerts. How does someones behavior effect the quality of the music. I just think it is wrong that in our country it is okay to show murder on telivision but if Janet Jacksons breast is exposed or Adam Lambert simulates oral and kisses a guy then its a big deal. I think parents who are enraged by his behavior are ignorant. By the time I was 8 I knew what sex was and I knew what homosexuality was by the time I was 10. I've heard elementary schoolers talk about that sort of thing. I do think there is an appropriate age for everything but sheilding your children from something as natural as sex till they are 16 or older is unrealistic in todays society. If you think you know what your children talk about in school then you are probably wrong. I live in a small town where all the parents think there are no drugs, underage drinking, underage sex, and homosexuality. They are wrong. Everyday at school I here teenagers talking about who or what they did over the weekend. I personaly do not partisipate. I leave with this statement, Just because a person sees something doesn't mean they'll run out and do it.

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Kid, 11 years old
March 21, 2011
 
@Beachgurl exactly I couldn't have said it better myself! @Teamjacobgirl2.0 ur a spoiled brat not everyone is going to be like u and if every time someone is not like you and u throw a fit ur going to have a long miserable life. Enough said.

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Teen, 17 years old
April 4, 2011
 
Good
Adam your a great artist and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Okay everyone who is arguing about him being gay is acting childish. I am not going to say anything else because I am not going to argue about sexuality.

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Adult
January 11, 2011
 
@teamjacobgirl2.0 On behalf of the internet, I must inform you to GTFO and take your FAIL with you. He's gay. Get over it. Are people really that close minded?

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Adam Lambert
Release date:November 28, 2009
Label:RCA
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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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.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
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