Music Review: Rent Soundtrack
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there are a few four-letter words
involved in the lyrics, but the songs are pretty tame given
that the subject matter of the movie involves the gritty side
of urban life, including young people dealing with poverty,
alternative lifestyles, love, and the AIDS virus.
Families can talk about older teens' hopes and fears about
living independently as young adults. They can also talk about
classics inspiring modern productions, as
Rent is based on Puccini's "La Boheme."
Although diehard RENT fans probably already own the two-disc Original Broadway Cast Recording, this 17-track CD sampler of songs from the 2005 movie version will be more than enough to satisfy most newer, more casual fans. More than a taste, less than overkill, it provides a sampler of incredibly performed musical highlights from director Chris Columbus' big-screen adaptation of the popular stage musical, itself based on Puccini's "La Boheme."
Given that the subject matter of the movie involves the gritty side of urban life, the songs are pretty tame. Lines like "I didn't recognize you without the handcuffs" (in "Light My Candle") or the joyfully howled lyrics in "Out Tonight" are as thematically risqué as it gets, and parental mileage will vary on appropriateness for younger kids and tweens. Impressive vocal performances and excellent musicianship, along with careful song selections and sequencing, cause the album to bubble along, perfectly paced and seamlessly mixed.
Music from The O.C.Robots
Sweeney Tood
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Join Us