Music Review: "I Want You Back" (CD single)
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that Caillat's cover of the classic
Jackson 5 hit is as safe as the original. Although the single
recounts a love that got away, there's nothing sexy or overt
about the message, and mildly flirtatious is as far as things
go. The digital download is an iTunes exclusive, so don't look
for the single to be available anywhere but on the Apple music
store for the time being.
- Families can talk about the difference between music from today and 40 years ago. Does this song sound like it would be that old? Has music changed that much? Do you think music lyrics are generally more risque than they were decades ago?
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Do you think this song is being marketed to take advantage of the newfound interest in the Jackson 5 since Michael Jackson's death? Or do you think it's just a cool single? Have you become more interested in MJ since he passed away?
- This song is a light-hearted tale of regret. In our digital age is regret a lot riskier? What do you need to be aware of when it comes to relationships and the Internet age? Can some things you do now, like sending compromising photos on the Internet or spreading gossip on Facebook, not be taken back so easily?
"I WANT YOU BACK" is a familiar tune that was first made famous nearly half a century ago by the Jackson 5. Now Colbie Caillat reinterprets the song, toning down the funk a bit and giving it her trademark mellow surfer sound. Caillat first became popular through her MySpace page and has since collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift and Jason Mraz, while enjoying success with her own releases. This single is part of a special collection of covers released by Caillat as an iTunes Session.
Caillat's singing just seems to be right on target these days. Her voice is classic yet modern, and doesn't ever give into diva dramatics or technological temptations. Once again, she proves here that she can take a song and make it her own. That's no small feat with this cover, a well-loved song that seems difficult to improve upon. Caillat doesn't make the mistake of taking on the funky R&B masters that were the Jackson 5; instead, she slows things down just enough without taking any of the fun out of this timeless track.
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