All That I Am

Album Review

Pro-Social Content

“El Fuego” thanks a source of strength and inspiration. Will.I.Am questions our culture of violence and plays cheerleader for a generation needing affirmation (“I Am Somebody”). Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler wants to turn a positive corner and asks for help (“Just Feel Better”). Songs preach brotherhood (“Da Tu Amor”) and offer special love to fans in South America (“Con Santana”). “I’m Feelin’ You” (with The Wreckers and Michelle Branch) alludes to a stormy but committed relationship. On “My Man” Mary J. Blige and Big Boi give voice to lovers expressing devotion toward one another. However …

Objectionable Content

… There’s no evidence of marriage, but sex is part of the equation, as is an indelicate reference to male anatomy. Falsely accused of infidelity, a stung husband responds by leaving his wife (“Twisted”). A groveling two-timer gets no slack from a woman eager to see him “Cry Baby Cry” (Sean Paul and Joss Stone). Tyler’s desperation to “Just Feel Better” makes emotional calm the supreme goal. On “Brown Skin Girl” American Idol‘s Bo Bice is obsessed with a lover he calls “a devil and a savior all in one.”

Summary Advisory

Carlos Santana’s trademark guitar licks back tunes focused on romance and the fallout from unfaithfulness. Families inclined to pick up All That I Am will want to discuss thematic issues and skip “My Man.”