March 2006
My reviews are not meant to replace your good judgment!! Please
be an active parent, not a robot!! If you disagree with me, I'd love to hear
your opinion. Send comments, questions and suggestions for material to be
reviewed to: Mwuggazer@redeemerbirmingham.org.
Ratings System:
My Review System:
++ Patently Christian
+ Conforms to Christian morals and value
M Mature content
X Mild objectionable content
XX Objectionable content
XXX Offensive content
Wuggie's Music Media and More
My Review System:
++ Patently Christian
+ Conforms to Christian morals and value
M Mature content
X Mild objectionable content
XX Objectionable content
XXX Offensive content
Zac Efron & Vanessa Anne Hudgens / Breaking Free / High School Musical / M
On the surface there is nothing wrong with this song from the soundtrack to the new Disney Movie, "High School Musical". It is certainly nothing to be afraid of. The lyrics are about as banal as an 8th grader who wants to go to the mall. There are no bad words, not even a hint of any thing immoral or violent. The only concern I have is that the song is loaded with misdirected spirituality. Words like 'faith', 'believe', 'heaven', 'soaring', 'flying' and the like, dominate the song. Yet, the only thing that the listener is given to have faith in is ourselves, and our abilities. "There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach If we're trying". it is this type of thinking that saturates our culture. Scripture, however, is very clear. Left to our own 'trying', our own abilities, we will never reach heaven. It is only through the efforts of Jesus Christ that gives us hope of heaven. It is only faith in Christ and Christ alone that has any value for us either in heaven or on earth.
I haven't seen the movie, (and I probably won't waste my time!) so take this for was it's worth, (which isn't much) - My fear is that the movie will be a big love fest of misdirected spirituality, where there is some minor conflict between lead characters which ends with everyone being happy because everyone decided to have faith is their own abilities and in each other. I think it's great that Hollywood gives us these little diversions from real life, as long as we understand that it isn't real life - and that the only power to heal relationships and conflict comes from God. Things like sacrificial love, compassion, humility, and faith in God are the ingredients of successful relationships and conflict healing. I doubt that this message will be delivered by Disney's latest offering.
James Blunt / Back to Bedlam / M? or XXX?
James Taylor meets the 21st century. Imagine yourself listening to your old Sweet Baby James Record enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fireplace with your sweetheart. All of a sudden James clearly sings the F word, right in the middle of "Fire and Rain." You jump up, move the needle back, not believing that you actually heard it, and then, yep, there it is!
I guess every generation needs a soulful passionate folk singer. Every generation needs that guy who really digs down deep and articulates the emotions of life. It's just that this generation's (James Blunt) has to use crude language to do it. Normally, crude language is a sign of the inability to find a better word, lack of creativity, etc. Not so with Blunt. He is an amazing wordsmith and lyricist. So why the naughty words? To fit in, I suppose. Sad.
Ok, here's what really to be worried about. There is a clean version and an explicit version of each of Blunt's songs. They only play the clean version on the radio (so far) and if you heard it, you'd quickly put it on the 'fine for my kids' list. The problem is that iTunes offers both the clean version and the explicit version for download. Same price. No parental controls. So, I give the clean version an 'M', meaning that Blunt sings about some emotions that may be challenging to younger kids, but fine for older teens and I give the explicit version a double X!
Natasha Bedingfield / Unwritten / +
I love this disc! Natasha is the next wave of the British Invasion, and she's as clean as Pastor Cary's robe on Sunday morning! It's good music, she's climbing the charts, and her single, "Unwritten" is a top iTunes download. My favorite song on the disc is "single" in which Natasha sings confidently: "I'm not waitin' around for a man to save me … Don't depend on a guy to validate me … I don't need another half to make me whole" Since this is a real problem with the majority of teenage girls, I welcome Natasha's influence! I hesitatingly gave her one +. I don't really know that she is a Christian. I'm saying that her lyrics are compatible with Christian values and morals. If she pulls a Christina Aguilara on her next CD, don't blame me . . . .but this one is picture perfect!
T-Pain / Rappa Ternt Sangta / XXX
The single, "I'm in love with a stripper" is the #1 download this week on iTunes. Do I really have to say anything?
Michael Stipe / In The Sun / M
REM frontman, Michael Stipe, has recorded this EP, which is 6 versions of the same song, "In The Sun". Each version is done either with a special guest (Coldplay!) or a special remix. It is very creative. It is an iTunes exlcusive, meaning you can't buy the CD or download the tracks anywhere else. It is something he put together to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. Says Stipe: "The news cycle has moved on and I don't want the public to forget about the people who were affected or think that everything is fine now." Bravo to Stipe for his compassion, his creativity, and his clean lyrics.
Confirmation Gift Suggestions!
Here are some great gift ideas for the Confirmation class of 06!
Both of the following Bibles are usually available in Redeemer's Book Nook, and also online at www.cph.org.
The Concordia Study Bible: It's the one most of our teens use for personal daily Bible reading. It has lots of good notes and maps! It's a little on the intellectual side. Most Confirmands will grow into it.
The NIV Student Bible: It's the one we actually use in the Youth Room. It has really good helps and charts and maps and other good stuff. While it's less mature and intellectual than the CSB, Confirmands will embrace it right away.
CD suggestions! (All my CD suggestions are Christian music. Secular artists are mentioned for music type comparison only)
Hawk Nelson CD - Great new Christian punk band. Old Relient K meets All American Rejects.
FM Static - Hawk Nelson with a little Green Day thrown in.
Newsboys - "Shine" is their greatest hits collection. It's a classic. Mature Backstreet Boys meets Fall Out Boy.
Grits - R&B flavored rap, similar to Kanye West.
KJ-52 - Pop flavored rap, similar to Eminem.