Posts Tagged ‘usher’

Another week and the Billboard Hot 100 hasn’t changed too much. Eminem and Rihanna are still holding the top spot and the song, “Love the Way You Lie” is still a track I wouldn’t play for my five year old. Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” slipped a little to #3, but the girl of summer, Katy Perry, has been holding strong; we’re being revisited by the Usher of old, not the one who released Here I Stand, and a name you probably haven’t heard in about six years has resurfaced with a hit. So let’s take a look at three of the top ten songs this week and find out if they’re kid appropriate.

Katy Perry – Teenage Dream

The hits just keep coming for Katy Perry, proving that her last album One of the Boys, was no fluke. “Teenage Dream” is the title track off her second album, and is also her second hit off the album clocking in at #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Although mostly going for a retro feel, the song is too synthesized to be considered a throwback. Lyrically, it’s about being with her lover and how he makes her feel young again, including lines such as “Let’s go all the way tonight.” The video is way too suggestive for kids, especially the motel scene, but if you can get by the verses, the hook of the song is harmless.

Enrique Iglesias – I Like It

Remember Enrique Iglesias? He’s back with “I Like It” featuring Pitbull off his bilingual album Euphoria. The song was included on the soundtrack to MTV’s Jersey Shore which might be why you’re hearing it everywhere. The song is a true dance number and has peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The video and song are a pure party thanks to the beat and auto tune, and the meaningless lyrics just add atmosphere. It’s pretty harmless stuff, and yes, that is Enrique borrowing from Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long.”

Usher – DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love

If you need more dancing music with a strong beat, check out Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” featuring Pitbull again. It’s another pure party track where Usher is singing about dancing, partying and meeting girls. The track has peaked at number #5 on the Hot 100 and the lyrics are so inconsequential that even though Pitbull is rapping about getting naked, you can barely hear them over the music.

Regardless of their gender, all kids like to dance. Some are really good at it and some (like my two year old) just stamp their feet in place. Either way, here are the top three dance videos for your kids. Each one has got great moves that you can copy with your children. I’m leaving out any by Michael Jackson because honestly that guy deserves his own list and the count would be much more than three.

#3) Beyonce – Single Ladies

The video was so good that Kanye West had to interrupt Taylor Swift at last year’s Video Music Awards to tell everyone. The reason the dancing is so good is because the video is so simple. Black and white, with three women dancing. The moves are easy to copy even if you won’t look like Beyonce when you put on your leotard to do them. Bonus points if you get your daughter to sing along with the female empowerment anthem.

#2) Yeah!– Usher

This song was everywhere in 2004 and it launched Usher in to the stratosphere. The green lasers in the video are good for catching the attention of youngsters, but it’s Usher’s precise and graceful moves which you’ll want to replicate. He’s able to change up his tempo ever so slightly in the way he moves his body. Good luck trying to copy that.

#1) U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer

You knew this one was coming. Take it back to 1990 when this infectious beat was on every radio. You’ll never be able to move as fast as Hammer but have fun trying. If you really want to get your 90s groove on, get a pair of parachute pants and big glasses for both you and your kid while you try to learn these moves.