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For Your Entertainment (by Adam Lambert, Pop)

common sense media says

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


parents & educators say
  • 64% say sexual content is an issue
  • 45% say there are positive messages

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.

Positive messages: Most of the songs discuss relationship struggles and longing for someone. But Lambert doesn't sing about casual sex or dysfunctional relationships.
Positive role models: 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.
Violence: 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."
Sex: "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.
Consumerism: Lambert was on American Idol...
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Fever" mentions a bar.

More on For Your Entertainment

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: November 28, 2009
Label: RCA
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:
  • 64% say sexual content is an issue
  • 45% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

neezrn
adult
 
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.

JusticeSeeker
teen, 15 years old
 
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)

Beachgurl
kid, 11 years old
 
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!!

 
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.

BellaBelle
kid, 11 years old
 
@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.

 
@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?

surflivelove
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

GeorgiaS
teen, 17 years old
 
Great.
I knew I would see comments about Lambert's sexuality. If a straight man sang about sex, many do they wouldn't be criticised, but because Adam is gay, many people won't give him a chance. I like Adam, personally I thought he would come out with a better album, but this is still great. I was educated by my mother on what gay means, I have gay people in my family, they are no different to anybody else. So I believe any age is appropriate for this album.

Hilly
teen, 15 years old
 
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 :)

 
I'd say more than a few songs are too sexual, including the title track sung at the AMAs. He insists his performance was nothing more than an acting out of the lyrics. I wouldn't downplay the most explicit display of oral sex ever on network TV. The issue is not the same-sex kiss, it was the oral sex and the pervasive S&M imagery including men on leashes and women being groped. What does that say about this song if these acts were the natural playing out of the lyrics? Yes, there are some decent tracks, but overall, there is pervasive sexual imagery here. I would recommend instead downloading the few better tracks and skipping the album. Whattaya Want from Me is pretty good, as is Soaked. BTW, he's gotten a lot of publicity and sales because 3 performances on ABC were cancelled over this and because of his cries of discrimination against gays that followed. It's better not to bring more attention to this than necessary so he doesn't end up benefitting more in the end from it.

Mags_the_Destroyer
parent of 11 year old
 
This album brings much needed perspective!
Adam Lambert's music sends a positive message about respect and understanding of those who are different. After reading some of these reviews, it's obvious a little sensitivity might be needed toward sexual identity and gender issues. Certain songs on this album seem aimed at teens struggling with these exact issues ("Aftermath")

mathgirlie
teen, 14 years old
 
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?

bradley4846
teen, 17 years old
 
Not the best song in the world but its good and catchy. There is some sexual refrences, not extreme tho. PG- Sexual Refrences

kkkarkarsis
kid, 12 years old
 
nothings rong with his website
12 and up is perfect im 10!! and i go on that website some 7 year olds probably love him!!! so i dont care about that i think hes just fine also for fever dont blame him for that because (another one of my fave singers) lady gaga wrote it!! also his website has nothing bad on their they have fan art and chatting also u can buy his album and listen to music so nothings wrong with his website.

adamfan
adult
 
Love that Adam Lambert
Our family Loved Adam on AI. While his AMA performance was not the best for my children to watch, every appearance he has made since has been humble, intelligent and perfect. His singing is amazing....the album is great, am loving most of the tracks on it and my girls listen to it over and over again....

SloppyBunny
parent of 9 year old
 
Horrible Performer and Music

missmurder19
teen, 18 years old
 
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.

righto
adult
 
This is a really fun CD with plenty of great dance tracks that will get people of any age moving out of their seats. The only questionable song is "For Your Entertainment" which is about sex though it only speaks about acts in innuendos that will go over kids heads. There are also some great 'message' songs like "Aftermath" that talk about the importance of being true to yourself. Overall this is a great album by a fantastic and original artist.

 
i love adam but some of these songs (fever) are really grossssssssssss i mean i know he is gay and i stilll love him and no disrespect there but that one song is just wierd but as for the singing as always he has done amazing and the rest of his songs are awesome and realyl cathy my fav is "If I Had You" it vis sooooo good and I LOVE ADAM LAMBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cant wait for another one and ps. KRIS ALLEN SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

dudeyo
kid, 13 years old
 
good
Wait a minute.......Time for miracals is not on there. Rip offfffff.

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