This upbeat pop tune about celebrating inner beauty will have your kids dancing all around! Plus, they can sing-a-long to it with their friends!
Learning pop music can develop both cognitive and social abilities. Though parents may fear their children will gravitate toward pop over classical training, it’s essential that a balance be struck.
Imagine Dragons – “Thunder”
Imagine Dragons have quickly become one of America’s favorite pop-rocktronica bands since their breakout success with 2012’s hit single “Radioactive.” Their catchy songs and captivating band members often tackle heavy subjects in unique and thought-provoking ways; making for an infectious musical journey. Since “Radioactive”, Imagine Dragons has become part of American life as America’s excitement wallpaper; soundtracking Hunger Games and Transformers movies and heartbeats in Microsoft and Jeep commercials alike. Their music is both catchy and irresistibly catchy; while their music takes an unconventional route when dealing with difficult subjects; imagine this is no secret as Americans embrace it amidst its glory days of past glory days when “Radioactive.” Since 2012’s phenomenal success of “Radioactive”, pop-rocktronica band Imagine Dragons has become part of America’s excitement wallpaper as America’s excitement wallpaper and soundtracking films and commercials like no other band can do. It’s no secret why; their music is irresistibly catchy while their band members huge and charismatic and often tackles dark subject matters in alternative ways through song.
“Thunder,” Imagine Dragons’ second single from their 2017 album ID3, is an eye-opener, showing Dan Reynolds looking back through time with great fondness on those early years when he fought hard to pursue his own dreams and not conform to expectations from others.
The lyrics then describe his nonconformist attitude and determination to pursue his dreams despite ridicule from others; this only strengthened him further to pursue them. By verse two he’s devised a plan: “I’m just lighting before thunder/ That idea before its execution/ The forewarning of something great to come.”
Lyrically, “Thunder” serves as a response to all those who made fun of him as a kid. Musically speaking, “Thunder” gives Genius another enjoyable and respectable record to share with their audience. Take some time to listen closely – this song deserves your consideration!
Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
Pharrell Williams’ cheerful song has brought joy and positivity around the globe since its Grammy Award win and chart top placements in over 75 countries, now even further spreading joy through this children’s book adaptation that features lyrics of the tune alongside smiling, happy kids.
Given how challenging it can be for pop artists and bands to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry, it’s truly remarkable that some like Williams can manage to remain relevant by constantly reinventing themselves. He is an esteemed producer, songwriter, singer who has collaborated with Jay Z, Miley Cyrus, The Neptunes as well as being directly involved with three of 2013’s highest selling albums – Daft Punk’s Get Lucky and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines are just two examples.
His ability to be present everywhere has elevated him into something of a pop folk hero, and he’s not afraid to do things differently (such as wearing an outsize hat with his trademark yellow smile emblazoned upon it). Happy is an uptempo soul/neo soul track brimming with Motown influences that showcases a voice reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield. What sets this song apart, though, is its complete lack of ego: knowing exactly what it’s doing yet never feeling the need to boasting about it publicly.
JoJo – “I Can’t Stop the Feeling”
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has been running unabated for 34 years and is revered for its references to Western pop culture, fashion, music and battles involving Stands–psycho-spiritual manifestations with unique supernatural abilities.
Every new chapter of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo series presents us with the thrill of discovering what crazy plot is to come. From Giorno Giovanna’s mafia tale in Italy to Jolyne Cujoh’s jailbreak and horse race in an alternate universe and most recently his tale about having bifurcated pupils and two sets of balls (pygmalion), each JoJo tale offers its own brand of drama with unexpected psychic abilities that often seem unbeatable!
JoJo’s true strength lies in its characters and relationships between them, such as Joseph’s quick wit in roasting villains like a true Hamon or Dio’s unflappable cool and respect for his brother which make even the most outlandish plots feel personal and relatable.
Mamamooo’s song, “I Can’t Stop the Feeling,” will make your pulse race. With their incredible voices and blend of funk, soul, and R&B influences a cappella styles they have impressive voices with impeccable harmony, range, and don’t resort to those annoying high pitched pitches that plague acappella groups sometimes.
BTS – “Dynamite”
Take on the dynamic energy of 21st-century pop icons RM, Jin, SUGA, Jimin, V and Jung Kook with LEGO(r) Ideas BTS Dynamite (21339) music video set! Recreate colorful scenes from their multi-platinum single video such as basketball courts, record shops, doughnut shops and an ice cream van in this throwback set with easy-to-assemble bricks – then bring each location alive by placing minifigures at each location – or join all together on one grand stage for an unforgettable performance!
“Dynamite,” their debut English-language single, has proven an industry sensation. Within 24 hours it accumulated millions of views on YouTube and broke the record for biggest YouTube debut ever – marking an important step forward for their group in its bid to change K-pop history by challenging traditional models of production value and aesthetics-based idol production that utilize young idols as factory products.
“Dynamite” marks a new era for K-pop artists who must now accommodate multiple languages and work with multiple audiences – something fans should expect of artists these days. Insider spoke with experts in Korea to gain more insight.
Sara Bareilles – “Brave”
Sara Bareilles collaborated on co-writing the song, “Brave,” with Jack Antonoff – the producer behind Tegan and Sara’s hits as well as member of Fun. and Bleachers bands. According to Sara, it was inspired by an encounter she had with someone having difficulty coming out to their family.
Bareilles has long been an advocate for LGBTQ community through her music, stage shows and television shows. In 2014 she helped a gay couple get married; at that same year’s Grammys tribute to Carole King she performed alongside Carole herself! Bareilles wrote and starred in Waitress; then later created and starred in Peacock comedy Girls5eva about one-hit wonder girl groups.
On Friday’s edition of the Tonight Show, she discussed with Jimmy Fallon how her 2013 song “Brave” has become an LGBTQ anthem. Fans have reached out to her saying it has helped them through some tough times; we hope more people feel empowered by its message and stand up for themselves regardless of others opinions.