The correct choices are (C) subliminal and (E) unsuspecting.

The Logic Breakdown
Blank (i): The sentence mentions that rock music is credited/decried for containing messages that "influence the minds" of listeners. For a message to be a source of controversy or "decried" as an influence, it is usually hidden rather than obvious.
- Overt (B) means plain to see; there would be no mystery or "purported" influence if the messages were obvious.
- Criminal (A) is too specific; while some might find lyrics "criminal," the sentence focuses on how they influence minds.
- Subliminal (C) refers to something that is below the threshold of conscious perception. This fits the classic trope of "backmasking" or hidden messages in rock music.

Blank (ii): If the messages are subliminal (hidden), who would they be designed to influence?
- Preordained (D) means determined in advance by fate; this doesn't fit the context of a listener.
- Covert (F) means hidden. A "covert listener" would be a spy or someone listening in secret, which doesn't make sense here.
- Unsuspecting (E) means unaware that something is happening. This is the perfect partner for "subliminal." The idea is that the music influences people who don't even know they are being influenced.

Contextual Clue: "Purportedly"
The word "purportedly" is a major hint. It suggests that these claims are alleged or rumored rather than proven facts. This aligns with the "moral panic" history of rock music involving claims of hidden, hypnotic, or subconscious messaging.

Why the others fail:
The combination of Overt (B) and Covert (F) would be a contradiction. If the message were overt (obvious), the listener wouldn't need to be covert (hidden). The GRE is looking for the most cohesive narrative, which is: "Hidden messages influencing people who don't know it's happening."