Music Review: "A Year Without Rain" (CD single)
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this single is a classic Selena
Gomez song in every way: it includes no profanity or
questionable adult content, just some wistful expressions of
helplessness in the absence of the person she cares for. While
the message could stand to be a bit more self-confident, the
song contains nothing too worrisome overall, making it an
acceptable choice for tweens.
- Families can talk about how two people in a relationship can be "attached" yet independent at the same time. What are some good ways to maintain a balance between being in a relationship yet reserving time for yourself?
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What are the potential downsides to becoming too dependent on another person?
"A YEAR WITHOUT RAIN" is the title track off the album of the same name by Wizards of Waverley Place star Selena Gomez. True to form, Gomez steers clear of bad language or mature references in this tune. That said, she does revisit a common theme from past releases as well as those of her peers: the near inability to function when not in the presence of the guy she likes -- "A day without you is like a year without rain / I need you by my side, don't know how I'll survive." There may not be swearing in these lyrics, but their overarching message about interdependence is one that parents will want to watch when considering whether to buy this song for their impressionable young kids.
Compared to past Gomez songs, " A Year Without Rain" is a step up, with a smoother, more mature beat that sounds less like bubblegum synth pop than her earlier records. Yet Gomez fans shouldn't fear, as the overarching sound still carries the singer's vocal stamp and enough pop sensibility to make it a regular radio rotation.
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