WILDFIRE BY RACHEL PLATTEN: TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW



Description: An explosive debut pop album from tallented artist (some mild languge).

Age Rating: 12+

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Pop


Stand by You: This is an explosive popular single from the album. It is an upbeat love song about not leaving your loved one's side, and is very positive for relationships. It's mostly about not leaving someone's side even in hard times. The word "Hell" is used in the chorus but it is not used in a suggestive way, only metaphorically "Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you." 

Hey Hey Hallelujah: This pop-rap song seems top be about someone not being ready for a relationship "You're begging me for more don't know how much I can take." There are a few references to physical intimacy but not any explicit sexual content. One metaphorical referrence to drinking. "Your heart must be drunk."

Speechless: Speechless is a nice love song about how a lover can make you speechless (and quiet your demons). It is musically entertaining and mentions kissing but nothing too sexy.

Beating Me Up: Beating Me up is a musically straightforward, lyrically complex breakup song. "I'd be better off without you, I wish my heart would stop beating me up."

Fight Song: The true empowering gem on this album shines through the darkest times. It is about using your inner power and "taking back your life". Yes, Hillary Clinton used this in her political campaign, but if you can put your political thoughts aside, this is an appropriate song for any cause.

Better Place: This is a sweet, sentimental love song that replaces Platten's typical percussive sound with a lone piano and accompanying strings. The song is about being happier with your love "It's a better place since you came along."

Lone Ranger: This song is very upbeat and energetic but it sends mixed messages. The line "Don't try to get close, I'm just gonna leave 'cause baby I'm a lone ranger!" Is used over and over again. In some ways this destroys the idea that people are stronger together (no Clinton reference intended) that has been already illustrated in "Stand By You" but it is also a positive anthem of independence.

You Don't Know My Heart: This one is just about another messed -up relationship. It used relatively mainstream styling and doesn't really bring anything new to the table. The word "sucks" is used.

Angels In Chelsea: This song is about city life, so it mentions several harder issues in the city a girl is "probably drunk", and people sing the blues for food. There are metaphorical angels here, probably referring to people who help the poor. Overall a nice song for older tweens.

Astronauts: This is a sweet, upbeat love song about metaphorical astronauts. Platten says that she will name a star after her love.

Congratulations: Besides "Fight Song" This pop ballad about heartbreak is arguably the best song on the album. It's about needing to break up with someone and is packed with emotion. "Congratulations, got what you wanted, you're winning now, congratulations, you got your shot and you wore me down." The word "damn" is used once in the phrase "to be so damn aggressive," but compared to other pop stars this is pretty mild. There are also metaphorical references to violence "I need to cut you out of my life," "my ego's raw and bruised," ect.

Superman: This gentle love song brings out many of the themes from "Stand by You" but showcases more tallented vocal depth.

So this album is much milder than anything by Katy Perry, Rihanna, or Lady Gaga, and is great for teens.