Music Review: Teenage Dream
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this album includes several songs
with strong adult content. Casual sex and hardcore partying are
discussed in several tunes, and the f-word is used in a few
tracks. The only difference between the explicit and edited
versions of the record is that the latter bleeps out the
f-bombs. While there are a handful of redeeming songs that
emphasize self-esteem and not settling for less, this album is
generally not meant for younger teens.
- Families can talk about the range of messages in Katy Perry's songs. For instance, why does she talk about sleeping around in some songs and committed relationships in others?
- Is Katy Perry a good role model? Why or why not?
Following up on her smash debut album, One of the Boys, sultry pop singer Katy Perry has released her sophomore album, TEENAGE DREAM. Content-wise, the new record is a lot like the old -- with Perry once again including several shockers that rival her infamous tune "I Kissed a Girl". Several songs feature eye-popping references to casual sex and intense drinking and partying ("There's a stranger in my bed, there's a pounding my head ... I smell like a minibar, DJ's passed out in the yard"). These songs overshadow others that actually have a positive message, like the self-esteem anthem "Firework," putting the record ultimately out of reach of impressionable tweens and young teens.
To write and produce most of this album, Katy Perry brought in big guns like Max Martin and Dr. Luke, both of whom have worked with other huge pop stars like Kelly Clarkson and Pink. The approach paid off for Perry in a super infectious collection of songs that you want to hear over and over again. Highlights include the excellent summer anthems "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream," along with the booty-shaking "Peacock."
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