The Heist by Macklemore
Macklemore. (2012). The heist [Audio CD]. Lewis, R. Seattle, WA: Macklemore LLC

Plot Summary
Ten Thousand Hours: Macklemore reflects on all the hard work and time that led him to making an album and doing what he loves.           
Can’t Hold Us: Macklemore and his friends have worked for their successes.  They have reached their goals, and even ceilings cannot contain them.
Thrift Shop: Macklemore raps about going shopping at a thrift store.           
Thin Line: Macklemore sings about neglecting his girlfriend whom he deeply loves, but has let her down to the point where their relationship is over.
Same Love: Macklemore mentions his gay uncle and hopes that some day his uncle and partner will see the same treatment others receive.  Acknowledges that many hip-hop and rap songs are derogatory and discriminatory against homosexuals.
Make the Money: Describes his goals of ensuring he stays true to his mission of making music, and money is fine, but not let it change you.
Neon Cathedral: The protagonist has turned bars into his cathedrals.  Drinking is more important than religion, and has become his religion.
BomBom: Purely instrumental track
White Walls: Macklemore loves his Cadillac and raps of his time driving around the city.
Jimmy Iovine: Macklemore is casing a building, looking at smuggling when a man offering a contract approaches him.  He turns them down wanting more money and to stay true to his music.
Wing$: Macklemore remembers being a child with expensive basketball shoes, and then when a friend was killed for his shoes realizes they’re just shoes.
A Wake: Discusses the racism apparent in the word referencing Rodney King and Trayvon Martin, as well as society’s other ills.           
Gold: The city is full of gold for everyone, even if you have to steal it.  Life is good for you and all your friends.
Starting Over: Macklemore sings of having to start over his road to sobriety.  He was clean for three years, but fell and needs to pick himself up again.
Cowboy Boots: Macklemore is looking back at his teenage and young adult years, including a trip to a cowboy bar.

Critical Evaluation
Not a pretty album, Macklemore’s voice is sometimes harsh, raspy, and unsuited for any music other than rap or hip-hop.  Despite this, The Heist is surprisingly catchy and addictive.  Macklemore incorporates a variety of instruments including piano, saxophone, and string that make for an eclectic and varied album.  He alternates between songs that take on a serious tone, and those that are simply fun.  “Same Love” tackles homophobia and Macklemore clearly promotes same-sex marriage and equal rights.  He also name-drops Malcolm Gladwell before suddenly switching to a song about thrift shopping.  Then, Bom Bom a purely instrumental addition gives listeners a rest from the powerful lyrics of the others.  Macklemore is exceedingly explicit in his lyrics, with a multitude of curse words.  However, lyrics are not sexual in nature, just strong language content.  He also refrains from racist, sexist, or other negative images of groups of people.  Overall, a surprisingly meaningful rap album, though the strong language will likely dissuade some from listening.  A clean version is available.

Reader’s Annotation
Not your average rapper, Macklemore offers something a little more meaningful.

About the Author
Ben Haggerty, known professionally as Macklemore or Professor Macklemore was born in 1983 in Seattle, Washington.  He has two siblings, including a brother who is a high school English teacher.  He began his music career in 2000 with an EP Open Your Eyes, and then five years later released The Language of My World, his debut album.  He gained a local following, but had to wait five more years until 2010 when he met with Ryan Lewis, a DJ/producer.  Lewis spread news of Macklemore on social media and video-sharing sites.  Macklemore has stayed with Lewis, and worked on The Heist together which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 in 2012. 

Macklemore attended two high schools and then went on to Evergreen State College.  His family is not musical, but his parents encouraged his musical interests.  He was fourteen when he started writing lyrics, and enjoyed “West Coast underground hip hop.”  Macklemore’s uncle is gay, and the song Same Love reflects his support for gay rights and same-sex marriage.  Macklemore also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and went to rehab in 2008.  In January Macklemore and his girlfriend of seven years Tricia Davis were engaged. 

Genre
Hip Hop/Rap

Curriculum Ties
N/A

Booktalking
N/A

Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues
Challenge issues include explicit language and support of homosexual relationships.  I probably would not include in a school library.

In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for CD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a CD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the CD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire CD was listened to, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the CD and either enjoyed or disliked the CD and why.

Why Included
Macklemore’s singles Thrift Shop and Some Love are very popular, and I also needed a different genre.  Additionally, Some Love discusses homosexual relationships in a positive light, something not common in rap or hip hop. 

Others in the Series
The Language of my World (Album #1)

References
Billboard. (2013).  Macklemore biography.  Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/artist/1490130/macklemore/biography
Macklemore. (8 May 2013).  Wikipedia.  Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macklemore

Night Visions by Imagine Dragons
Reynolds, D., et al. (2012). Night visions. [Audio CD]. Alex Da Kid, et al. Santa Monica, CA: KIDinaKORNER.

Plot Summary
Night Visions is a very dark, pessimistic album.
Radioactive: The apocalypse has come, the world is ash and dust, and a new age has started.
Tiptoe: No one sees you sometimes, but that’s okay because it gives you the opportunity to tiptoe a little closer to what you want.           
It’s Time: Times have changed, but it’s important not to change who you are, even if it is not what others want to expect.
Demons: The protagonist wants to protect those he cares about in his life, but there is a demon inside his soul that might come out and harm others.           
On Top of the World: Sometimes life is difficult, and you think you’ve hit the bottom, but you can climb out of that hole, and live life like you’re on top of the world.
Amsterdam: Life is difficult, and sometimes you wait for your successes, but you have to keep on waiting for life to be okay. 
Hear Me: The protagonist wants someone to really hear and listen to him.  He loves someone, but the other person does not quite understand love’s importance. 
Every Night: The protagonist knows he is not good enough for those he loves, and he arrives home every night expecting to be sent away. 
Bleeding Out: Someone messed up and is trying to repent and help the other person if it’s the last think he does.  Or it could be about vengeance and hurting each other.
Underdog: Protagonist feels he is just like his father who was perpetually the underdog, and he is trying to decide if he can be satisfied with that.             
Nothing Left to Say: The protagonist is questioning his life and self worth as he anticipates committing suicide.              

Critical Evaluation
Night Visions is a predominately alternative rock and indie rock album with dubstep, folk, hip-hop, and pop influences just to keep things interesting.  The album begins with a deep breath and a bang, as “Radioactive” takes over with a throbbing beat reminiscent of a rap number and dubstep.  A mellower, synth, and pop-influenced track follows, but Imagine Dragons soon returns to a rhythm clapping, catchy hit single “It’s Time.”  A maudlin song follows where music is secondary to the powerful lyrics and voice of lead singer until the refrain when hard beats return.  “On Top of the World” is practically jaunty compared to the next three tracks.  If a song could be described as ethereal, the opening to “Amsterdam” would be a lead example.  The album returns to its clap-heavy beat in “Bleeding Out.”  Dubstep influences return for the next song, then quickly shifts to one appropriate for a creepy cemetery scene in a movie, or an old episode of “Buffy.”  The entire album is brilliantly produced with a great compilation of tracks that alternate between sounds and emotions for a thrill-ride of a listening experience.

Reader’s Annotation
A dark album that deals with failing to reach your potential, suicide, and hopelessness, but with a catchy beat that will appeal to the masses.

About the Author
Imagine Dragons includes four members, Dan Reynolds-frontman, Wayne Sermon-guitarist, Ben McKee-bassist, and Daniel Platzman-drummer.  The four were playing at clubs and bars in Las Vegas, making ends meet, but just barely.  The band explains that Las Vegas is not known for its music scene, and bands can make a simple living playing in casinos and bars.  However, they also have to compete with big name shows and gambling.  Reynolds says the turning point came when they played at O’Sheas, the cheapest bar in the area, and received a standing ovation at 3 am. 

Imagine Dragons released three EPs independently and toured, finding a small, but loyal, following.  In 2012, their Continued Silence EP was released with the single It’s Time that won the group an MTV VMA for Best Rock video.  Night Visions, their full-length debut was released in 2012 under the label KIDinaKORNER.  Except for Reynolds, all band members attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music, and they credit their education for their technical skill and precision.  The album’s title comes from their experiences of writing and recording late in the night, as their visions became reality.

Genre
Alternative/Rock
Indie rock

Curriculum Ties
N/A

Booktalking
N/A

Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include dark themes of suicide and helplessness.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for CD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a CD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the CD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire CD was listened to, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the CD and either enjoyed or disliked the CD and why.

Why Included
Imagine Dragons is leading in the Rock and Alternative Top 100 music lists.  They have a recently sold out tour, and are on their way to the top.  They’re also a new personal favorite of mine.

Others in the Series
N/A

References
Interscope Records. (2012).  Bio.  Retrieved from http://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/bio/default.aspx

The Truth About Love by P!nk
P!nk. (2012). The truth about love [Audio CD]. Kurstin, et al. New York: RCA Records.

Plot Summary
The Truth About Love tells about love in all its good and bad.
Are We All We Are  (Explicit): Pink wonders if she, and the people in her life, are being all they can be. 
Blow Me (One Last Kiss) (Explicit): Pink sings about her understanding a guy was not all he seemed.  He has messed with her one too many times, and she has decided to leave and live her own life.
Try : Pink sings about a man she loved, how their desire was a flame, and the flame ended up burning her.  However, the burn does not lead to death, and it is important to get up and try again.
Just Give Me a Reason: Pink sings about growing apart in a relationship while Nate Ruess from Fun. counters her argument saying she must be dreaming.
True Love (Explicit): Pink sings about a man she cannot stand at times, who makes her so angry, but at the same time loves him more than anyone else she knows. 
How Come You’re Not Here: Pink sings about a man who has left her, and she does not know why or where he’s gone.  She’s heard rumors, but wants him to come back or she might die.
Slut Like You (Explicit):  Pink has fun singing about picking up guys.
The Truth About Love (Explicit):  Pink sings about finding the person of her dreams, only to find out he’s just as flawed as anyone else and the regret that remains.
Beam Me Up: There’s a parallel universe where everything is okay, and Pink wants to be beamed up to this better world.
Walk of Shame (Explicit): Pink sings about waking up in a stranger’s apartment as she hurries to the elevator hoping no one sees her.
Here Comes the Weekend (Explicit):  Eminem guest sings on this song about preparing for a fun night out on the town.
Where Did the Beat Go?: Pink sings about her partner forgetting her, and turning to another man instead.
The Great Escape: Pink is telling someone that she knows life can be difficult, but that passion and pain are what keep people alive, and it will be worth it in the end.

Critical Evaluation
 The Truth About Love, the latest album by P!nk is quintessential P!nk.  Full of expletives, some necessary, some gratuitous, some probably just for shock, P!nk is not one to pull punches.  Her familiar brand of pop with punk, R & B, and rap mixed in leads to a fantastic album.  P!nk has one of most powerful voices in today’s music world that she uses to strengthen her listeners (females especially) as well as stab anyone who has gotten in her way.  The album begins with two hard-hitting female empowerment songs, followed by two calmer ballads.  The second, “Just Give Me a Reason” features a duet with Nate Ruess of Fun., and is such a perfect combination of voices one wishes they would record an entire album together.  The next few tracks return to typical P!nk; loud, brash, full of hard beats, and throaty vocals.  Rapper Eminem is featured on “Here Comes the Weekend,” another stomping and clapping song sure to delight fans of both artists.  Sprinkled throughout are quieter ballad-type tracks with string instruments and serious vocals.  The final number returns to a quieter P!ink.  One gets the impression that P!nk has fun with her album, does not care what anyone else thinks about her, and she’s going to sing about whatever she wants.  Not a track will disappoint.

Reader’s Annotation
P!nk returns with her unique, sassy, and sarcastic way of singing and looking and love and life.  Guest singers include Nate Ruess and Eminem.

About the Author 
Alecia Moore, professionally known as Pink or P!nk, was born in 1979 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.  She received the nickname as a child, before she ever started dying her hair pink.  Her family was musical, and she became a dancer and backing vocalist at 13.  Pink began writing music at 14, and sang every Friday at Club Fever.  A record executive heard her one night at Club Fever and signed Pink to a girl group.  Unfortunately, the group disbanded quickly.  The studio remained impressed with Pink’s singing ability and decided to sign her as a solo artist.  Her debut was released in 2000 and went double platinum with three Top Ten singles.  She toured with N’ SYNC later that year, but felt she was being labeled for a younger audience than she intended. 

M!ssundaztood was her second album, and it also went double platinum while being more in line with Pink’s personal musical tastes.  Pink’s third album was more rock-oriented and she won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.  In 2006, Pink married Carey Hart, a motocross racer.  Her fourth album was released in 2006, her fifth in 2008, her Greatest Hits in 2010, and her sixth studio album in 2012.  In between her fifth and sixth studio albums, Pink announced her pregnancy and birth of her daughter Willow.  With the release of her latest single, Pink now holds the record for most #1 singles on the Billboard Top 40.

Genre
Pop-Rock/Pop-Punk

Curriculum Ties
N/A

Booktalking
N/A

Reading Level/Interest Level
RL:N/A
IL: 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include explicit language and mature sexual content. I probably would not include in a school library.
In In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for CD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a CD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the CD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire CD was listened to, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the CD and either enjoyed or disliked the CD and why.

Why Included
P!nk currently has the #1 song on the Billboard 100 and two other singles from this album have reached the top 10.  She has outlasted or become more popular than Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and Cristina Aguilera.   I’m usually an alternative rock listener, but P!nk is my guilty pleasure.

Others in the Series
P!nk has five previous albums, and one Greatest Hits.

References
Billboard. (2013).  P!nk.  Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/artist/277117/pnk/biography