Music Review: Charice
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this is a safe album that doesn't
cross into any iffy territory. Charice is a super-sweet teen
idol-in-the-making, and she presents the characteristic
squeaky-clean messages. Although many of the songs are about
love and romance, things never get sexual, and even the tracks
about heartbreak keep from becoming too needy or desperate.
- Families can talk about how Charice's image compares to that of some racier stars, like Lady GaGa. Do you think they have anything in common? Who is more relatable? Who do you admire more?
- Charice has been compared to Justin Bieber. Do you think that's a fair comparison? What do the two rising stars have in common? What makes a young singer into a "teen idol"? How are these tween stars being marketed to adolescents?
- Talk about friends and peer pressure. "In This Song" is about finding your own way in life without the need for others. Do you think relying on friends can sometimes steer you in the wrong direction? Conversely, do you think it's wise to try to stand all alone without friends you know you can count on?
After Charice was through racking up clicks on YouTube as a viral sensation and wowing Oprah as one of the most talented kids in the world, she earned the distinction of being the first Asian artist to crack the Top 10 charts with her self-titled album. The lead single, "Pyramid," features reggae/hip-hop artist Iyaz, but Charice's music is firmly planted in mainstream pop, with David Foster producing and penning a track.
There's no doubt that Charice has the pipes to compete in the big leagues of diva-dom. Her swirling vocals belie her young age, while her restraint keeps her from becoming a Mariah Carey-wannabe. Indeed, one of the best parts about Charice's music is her sincerity; whether she's singing about feeling alone or empowered about the future, this girl is definitely not phoning in the emotions. Tracks like "Pyramid," "Reset," and "Nobody's Singin' to Me" show off her youthful groove, and it's only when the purely-pop love songs string together that the energy begins to fade.
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