"Safe" pop music - does it exist anymore?

[ltravis]

My daughter is now a tween and has started to enjoy listening to pop music, but I am discouraged that there seem to be almost no wholesome yet secular artists for her to listen to. Outside of Kidz Bop she likes some pop artists (as long as the songs have clean lyrics), but its frustrating finding anything secular but safe even among them. For instance Katy Perry is ubiquitus on the radio and although some of her songs are “lyrically safe” she is an outspoken LGBT activist. I thought Demi Lovato might be a somewhat worthwhile role model at least insofar as she rehabbed herself, but I checked her latest video and saw it was set in a gay pride parade and was explicit. Those are just two examples. All these artists, it seems, are on the wrong side of moral issues and are now publicly outspoken about it.

Are there any secular artists out there who at least don’t talk about that stuff one way or another? Taylor Swift, who she listens to, is okay as far as I’ve heard, but who else? I do not want my daughter to not be “of” the world but to at least be “in” it, and have a discerning mind to pick what’s good in our culture and celebrate it, even if it isn’t necessarily religious. We Catholics need to form culture we live in, not just respond to it or avoid it. Any advice on how to do that in this case?

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Any advice on how to do that in this case?

Stop caring about the personal lives and opinions of artists. Just listen to the music.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Stop caring about the personal lives and opinions of artists. Just listen to the music.

I agree. If we concerned ourselves with the life of the artist rather than the art itself, then centuries of great literature would never be read, great symphonies would never be heard, and beautiful paintings would never be displayed in museums.

And when it comes to sin, Katy Perry has nothing on Mozart.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t put things into context for your child, but it is to say that investigating the personal lives and beliefs of singers, authors, actors, etc will be exhausting and frustrating. Edgar Allen Poe had an incestuous relationship with a young girl and a serious, lifelong problem with alcohol (among other things). Would you worry about your daughter reading a Poe anthology?

 

[redbetta]

Here is a link for another thread discussing pop music and I think it might be helpful:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=884348

Are you primarily worried about the messages she might be getting in the music or that she might see pop artists as role models. I doubt that she would come to admire them since a lot of them would do anything for money or popularity. Does she listen to any other genre? Pop music has always appeared to me as something gaudy and attention-seeking. I am not saying all pop music is like that, but it is just the vibes I get from the culture and artists. Maybe try looking into rock, country, or some other genre and maybe you will find it easier to find artists with more integrity. I pay close attention to lyrics and I can say that there is good stuff out there. But I usually have one or two songs from any given artist, so I do not have a devotion or know much about any one artist.

I have a feeling that your daughter may grow out of pop music. I am 17 now and I remember in middle school, pop music was all the rage and I would frequently hear songs like Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” playing all the time. Well, as time goes pay, tastes mature and I have some pop, but also plenty of rock and alternative plus some country on my Ipod. Pop songs seem aimed at making someone feel good and bring out a kind of rush in its music, however good or bad the lyrics might be. But, as I grew older, I found that I like my lyrics to be more meaningful along with good music.

As you would also read on that other thread, I would suggest look at the songs over the artist. And if there is a benign movie that she likes, maybe she will like the soundtrack. Sorry, that was long, but I hope I was helpful. Also, if you want some song suggestions, I guess you can ask on here and other posters would be happy to help.

 

[Thomas_Jennings]

My daughter is now a tween and has started to enjoy listening to pop music, but I am discouraged that there seem to be almost no wholesome yet secular artists for her to listen to. Outside of Kidz Bop she likes some pop artists (as long as the songs have clean lyrics), but its frustrating finding anything secular but safe even among them. For instance Katy Perry is ubiquitus on the radio and although some of her songs are “lyrically safe” she is an outspoken LGBT activist. I thought Demi Lovato might be a somewhat worthwhile role model at least insofar as she rehabbed herself, but I checked her latest video and saw it was set in a gay pride parade and was explicit. Those are just two examples. All these artists, it seems, are on the wrong side of moral issues and are now publicly outspoken about it.

Are there any secular artists out there who at least don’t talk about that stuff one way or another? Taylor Swift, who she listens to, is okay as far as I’ve heard, but who else? I do not want my daughter to not be “of” the world but to at least be “in” it, and have a discerning mind to pick what’s good in our culture and celebrate it, even if it isn’t necessarily religious. We Catholics need to form culture we live in, not just respond to it or avoid it. Any advice on how to do that in this case?

This is going to sound strange to you but hear me out…
I like listening to ACDC singing about how fun it is going to Hell. Does it make me want to support the Devil or go there myself? No. It’s tongue in cheek: a sort of pantomine evil. Punch and Judy stuff. The Devil would not approve.
One of my favourite fictional characters is Gollum, the evil bad guy. Do I support evil or follow his example? No. He’s fun to read and, whilst lovable as a fiction, also a stern warning against greed in real life.
I disagree with your political views (I’m pro gay rights) but that’s by the by…These singers sing corny love songs. Their moral views (or religious ones) have nothing to do with their songs.

Christianity gets a bad press because it gets viewed as a restrictive, intollerant faith. I’m certain your daughter will not simply accept the morals of singers she listens to. She’d have to be a complete push over! If Christianity is (as surely you believe it is!) the truth, then let her learn how to individually make moral decisions…and the truth will out. Seek and thou shalt find…

All the best.

 

[MarcoPG]

Before looking at the content, I would first educate my child to discern between right and wrong. After that, she can safely listen to Black Metal.

I mean I listen to Black sabbath and a lot of things which are contrary to my faith, and though i don’t agree, i enjoy the intensity of it, and i deepen my faith by correcting their thoughts

So be sure she is ready to face anything with her faith, and that she knows where to go where she has doubts.

 

[ltravis]

Thanks all,

You are suggesting primarily what I am feeling. We will separate the art from the personal lives or activities of the artist. The challenge though, is that it seems the line blurs at a point. The latest Lovato video (which my kid has not seen) is shot on location at a pride parade, and specifically mischaracterizes/criticizes the opinions of the opposition as if we are evil and shows explicit outfits and actions. I would guess that video is NOT ok to watch. I suppose she can listen to the song but should steer clear of the video. Hopefully, since popular music is 99% songs about romance, in the future the secular pop icons will be able to continue singing about it in a way that doesn’t incorporate “new” ideas on what’s good.

LT

 

[JWH123]

My daughter is now a tween and has started to enjoy listening to pop music, but I am discouraged that there seem to be almost no wholesome yet secular artists for her to listen to. Outside of Kidz Bop she likes some pop artists (as long as the songs have clean lyrics), but its frustrating finding anything secular but safe even among them. For instance Katy Perry is ubiquitus on the radio and although some of her songs are “lyrically safe” she is an outspoken LGBT activist. I thought Demi Lovato might be a somewhat worthwhile role model at least insofar as she rehabbed herself, but I checked her latest video and saw it was set in a gay pride parade and was explicit. Those are just two examples. All these artists, it seems, are on the wrong side of moral issues and are now publicly outspoken about it.

Are there any secular artists out there who at least don’t talk about that stuff one way or another? Taylor Swift, who she listens to, is okay as far as I’ve heard, but who else? I do not want my daughter to not be “of” the world but to at least be “in” it, and have a discerning mind to pick what’s good in our culture and celebrate it, even if it isn’t necessarily religious. We Catholics need to form culture we live in, not just respond to it or avoid it. Any advice on how to do that in this case?

Try the country side, which musically has fused itself with pop quite a bit in recent years (so your daughter won’t find the sound a turnoff). A lot of the singers in country were brought up differently and have a tendency to be more morally grounded. You won’t find Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner or the guys from Rascal Flatts on the wrong side of moral issues. And as a “tween” I cannot think of a better choice for a role model than last year’s The Voice winner, Danielle Bradbery, though she is constantly in her fans’ prayers that she doesn’t become corrupted by sudden fame–when you’re 17 and suddenly world famous, it is hard! I also know several country singers on a personally, and while they are anywhere from somewhat known to virtually unheard of on the fame scale, I admire them greatly for the people they are.

 

[ltravis]

Try the country side, which musically has fused itself with pop quite a bit in recent years (so your daughter won’t find the sound a turnoff). A lot of the singers in country were brought up differently and have a tendency to be more morally grounded. You won’t find Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner or the guys from Rascal Flatts on the wrong side of moral issues. And as a “tween” I cannot think of a better choice for a role model than last year’s The Voice winner, Danielle Bradbery, though she is constantly in her fans’ prayers that she doesn’t become corrupted by sudden fame–when you’re 17 and suddenly world famous, it is hard! I also know several country singers on a personally, and while they are anywhere from somewhat known to virtually unheard of on the fame scale, I admire them greatly for the people they are.

Thanks, JWH. Yes that is a good suggestion. My daughter isn’t turned off by country since her favorite singer is Taylor Swift, who is on the country side of things. Personally, my own favorite artist, country or otherwise, is Collin Raye so I can relate as well. And even though country songs (at least the older ones) may sometimes include stories of cheatin’ and drinkin’ they usually show it to be UNhealthy living.

Again thanks. My main point for the thread was for names of morally upstanding artists. I can and will help my kid navigate how to listen to those who don’t, but would like her to know at least some artists who don’t make her have to deal with all those issues.

LT

 

[randomuser]

Try the country side, which musically has fused itself with pop quite a bit in recent years (so your daughter won’t find the sound a turnoff). A lot of the singers in country were brought up differently and have a tendency to be more morally grounded.

“More morally grounded”? Really? Have you heard Miranda Lambert’s new album “Platinum”? One word - earmuffs. Does she kiss her mother with that same mouth? So much swearing - it’s even right there in one of the song titles.

You may want to start with Carlene Carter’s “Carter Girl” from a couple months ago, and dig in to some Carter Family box sets from there. The Carter Family’s music (which includes Johnny Cash) is hip and suitable for Catholic families.

 

[edwest2]

There is some country music but I can’t think of anything specific. Pop music? Most singers have a very trashy persona on and off the stage. I will not listen to profanity or sexed-up lyrics. The radio has nothing that interests me.

And what they promote matters. They can do what they want but I will not associate myself with any singer or group that promotes bad or evil behavior through their music and/or in public.

However, pick up some pop music from 1965 and earlier. It’s cool, fun, uplifting and worthy of anyone’s time.

Peace,
Ed

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

The challenge though, is that it seems the line blurs at a point. The latest Lovato video (which my kid has not seen) is shot on location at a pride parade, and specifically mischaracterizes/criticizes the opinions of the opposition as if we are evil and shows explicit outfits and actions.

Then don’t watch the music video. No line blurring there. I know this song from Linkin Park where their music vid has them playing in a desert.

But the only thing that comes into my mind when I hear the song are transforming alien robots.

Sure some songs can be explicit in their meaning but that’s the best thing about choosing your music. You actually get to choose regardless of artist or their lifestyle choices.

 

[Joe_5859]

Again thanks. My main point for the thread was for names of morally upstanding artists. I can and will help my kid navigate how to listen to those who don’t, but would like her to know at least some artists who don’t make her have to deal with all those issues.

I think it’s sadly telling that not many of us can think of many suggestions for you.

It’s easier to teach our kids not to view them as role models to begin with than it is to find many who could actually serve as a good role model.

 

[Bobby_Jim]

How about One Direction?

 

[Protector]

ltravis;12145162] My daughter is now a tween and has started to enjoy listening to pop music, but I am discouraged that there seem to be almost no wholesome yet secular artists for her to listen to. Outside of Kidz Bop she likes some pop artists (as long as the songs have clean lyrics), but its frustrating finding anything secular but safe even among them. For instance Katy Perry is ubiquitus on the radio and although some of her songs are “lyrically safe” she is an outspoken LGBT activist. I thought Demi Lovato might be a somewhat worthwhile role model at least insofar as she rehabbed herself, but I checked her latest video and saw it was set in a gay pride parade and was explicit. Those are just two examples. All these artists, it seems, are on the wrong side of moral issues and are now publicly outspoken about it.

Are there any secular artists out there who at least don’t talk about that stuff one way or another? Taylor Swift, who she listens to, is okay as far as I’ve heard, but who else? I do not want my daughter to not be “of” the world but to at least be “in” it, and have a discerning mind to pick what’s good in our culture and celebrate it, even if it isn’t necessarily religious. We Catholics need to form culture we live in, not just respond to it or avoid it. Any advice on how to do that in this case?

Did it EVER exist?? I am reminded of that old saying, “What is popular, is not always right; and what is right is not always popular*!*”

Protector.

 

[ltravis]

How about One Direction?

Thanks for bringing them up! My daughter does like them and recently got their CD. From what I have heard from them they seemed “safe” so I am glad to hear someone else agrees.

LT

 

[ltravis]

Did it EVER exist?? I am reminded of that old saying, “What is popular, is not always right; and what is right is not always popular*!*”

Protector.

Yeah, I hear you there and agree. My hope is just that what is popular could at least be “every once in a great while” right,

LT

 

[oldgraymare2]

I like the music of “One Republic.”

They are now pretty popular in the secular world, but their members are also Christian. If you pay careful attention to some of their lyrics, I think that you’ll see a Christian message in some of their songs. At least, that is how I have interpreted some of their songs.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

How about Lorde/

She has not sexualized her persona—is a very outspoken feminist (although I do not know HOW feminist she is and you may not want your daughter to listen to her because of that)–she has spoken out about songs she finds degrading to women and her songs are unusually mature and profound for age. She has definitely NOT gone the Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus route, I can tell you that.

She is more of a more eccentric Taylor Swift, if anything. Her song “Royals,” is about not listening to current pop culture and following your own path and rejecting the materialism of current culture----her whole album, in fact, has memorable, uplifting, and complex songs. She has a very magnetic stage concert persona----look up her concerts on YouTube. She is considered the future “It” of Pop. She is only 17-years old and already a Grammy winner.

Warning, though: One or two of her songs contain a stray profanity----and the song “400 Lux” is said by some to be a coded reference to her doing heroin with her boyfriend. .
Ultimately, you choose what you can for your child after vetting the album. And yes, the album IS called “Pure Heroine.”
(BTW, there is not evidence so far that she is a drug user----if she was, she apparently is no longer).

Look her up.

Just a suggestion.

Just a suggestion.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

How about Lorde/

She has not sexualized her persona—is a very outspoken feminist (although I do not know HOW feminist she is and you may not want your daughter to listen to her because of that)–she has spoken out about songs she finds degrading to women and her songs are unusually mature and profound for age. She has definitely NOT gone the Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus route, I can tell you that.

She is more of a more eccentric Taylor Swift, if anything. Her song “Royals,” is about not listening to current pop culture and following your own path and rejecting the materialism of current culture----her whole album, in fact, has memorable, uplifting, and complex songs. She has a very magnetic stage concert persona----look up her concerts on YouTube. She is considered the future “It” of Pop. She is only 17-years old and already a Grammy winner. And is also a role model for gilrs of your daughter’s age.

Warning, though: One or two of her songs contain a stray profanity----and the song “400 Lux” is said by some to be a coded reference to her doing heroin with her boyfriend. .
Ultimately, you choose what you can for your child after vetting the album. And yes, the album IS called “Pure Heroine.”
(BTW, there is not evidence so far that she is a drug user----if she was, she apparently is no longer).

Look her up.

Just a suggestion.

Just a suggestion.