We love listening to music...especially in the car...with it turned up nice and loud so that we can sing at the top of our lungs. Just one problem. I am constantly having to change songs because I know the content of the song is just not age appropriate. I like "Thrift Shop" as much as the next person, but I don't need my nearly 8 year old daughter singing "walk into the club, like what up, I've got a big c*&k...this is f-ing awesome!". Awkward! Songs with large amounts of swearing, or overt adult themes (hello, Blurred Lines), are best listened to when the kids aren't in the car. So, we now have a playlist of tween-friendly tunes that we can all sing along to. I recently asked Eme which albums are her favourites, and she offered up these seven titles that I know you'll enjoy as well...
Not all Disney stars have turned out like Miley Cyrus! Check out
Bridgit Mendler, of
Good Luck Charlie and
Lemonade Mouth. She's not just a Disney darling...Bridgit Mendler can sing! Her first album is more mature sounding than what you'd expect, with themes of love and friendship...minus the swearing. Her current single,
Hurricane, is a winner in Eme's books. Definitely worth a listen...
Carly Rae Jepsen of
Call Me Maybe fame. Like Bridgit Mendler, CRJ has released an album of pop tunes that are upbeat and tween-friendly. It's a fun album that will definitely lift your mood. Eme's favourite song is a duet with Justin Bieber called
Beautiful. Once again, this album is sans-swearing. Happy days!
Lemonade Mouth is one of Eme's favourite Disney movies, and the soundtrack is fantastic! After one viewing of the movie, Eme was begging me to download the songs too. This one was a surprise favourite. Unlike
High School Musical, Lemonade Mouth's songs sound like they could come from any current pop band. The songs speak of friendship, and support, and I will admit, this is a favourite of mine too.
This one is a little controversial on the tween-friendly list. Yes, I have allowed Emeline to watch Pitch Perfect. Yes, I know they sing songs about sex, and even say the word sex in said songs, but to be honest...I'd rather she'd say sex than f*&k. The
Pitch Perfect soundtrack is really catchy, and we love the way the Pitch Perfect cast sing some of our favourite songs acapella style. If you'd rather avoid the s-word...skip the Riff Off (track 5).
So, who are
R5 you ask? Your tween will recognise super cute blondie Ross Lynch (second from the left) from such Disney favourites as
Austin and Ally and
Teen Beach Movie...but did you know he's also in a band? Making up R5 are siblings Ross, Rydel, Riker and Rocky...with mate Ratliff (far left) rounding off the line up. Their debut EP,
Loud, is a fab collection of pop songs. We've listened to this one more times than I can remember. R5 will be releasing a full album later in the year, and it's definitely on the "must purchase" list.
Reece Mastin, 2011 Australian X-Factor winner, is seriously dreamy (according to Eme), and his album is loaded with pop/rock offerings that tweens and teens love! The most raunchy this album gets, is talking about making out on the bedroom floor...pretty tame really. It's another catchy album that will have you singing along over and over again.
Last, but certainly not least, is
Taylor Swift, country music darling / pop star! Sure, Taylor Swift uses her music to express how she's feeling about her past loves, but her albums are still tween-friendly in terms of themes and language. The songs on Red range from catchy pop (
Stay Stay Stay) to thoughtful ballads (
All Too Well). Parents and kids alike can enjoy this one...don't write of Taylor without having a listen.
If you're worried about what your tween is listening to...listen to it with them, or by yourself before you purchase it for them. The same goes for music videos. Choose tween-friendly tunes that are age appropriate...and remember, your tween doesn't need to grow up too quickly! There's plenty of time for songs with swearing, sexual references, violence and drug themes when they're much older. I can guarantee you, these seven offerings are worth a listen.
Enjoy helping your tween discover a love of music! What other artists/albums does your tween listen to?
ps. I may or may not secretly love these albums too, and may or may not listen to them in the car when I'm by myself as well...maybe...
