Music Review: "Round and Round" (CD single)
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this pop single doesn't contain
any explicit content, like swearing or references to sex and
substances. However, its premise -- a girl who can't break free
of an emotionally-abusive romantic relationship -- is a red
flag for parents who want to encourage healthy relationship
behaviors in their tweens.
- Families can talk about why some people stay in relationships that make them unhappy. Can you name five reasons why people might continue dating someone who doesn't treat them well?
- What are five things you can do to free yourself from unhealthy relationships?
"ROUND AND ROUND" is the first single from the forthcoming album A Year Without Rain by Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez. Like a lot of songs by another young Disney star and Gomez pal, Demi Lovato, this tune revolves around a difficult romantic relationship that leaves Gomez feeling heartbroken much of the time. Instead of breaking up, however, Gomez seems almost addicted to the pain -- sending a negative signal to all the impressionable young fans out there who will take away the message that it's OK to stay in a bad relationship.
Unfortunately, the music doesn't redeem the unhealthy lyrical message in this song. The synth-pop hook is formulaic to the point of being boring, especially compared to so many other similar-sounding songs on the charts today. And Gomez's so-so vocals aren't strong enough to make the track a standout.
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