"According to You" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Mixed messages about a messed-up relationship.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this emotional roller coaster of a song has some good "stand up for yourself" sentiments, but it also plays around with self worth and seems to promote defining oneself by the standards of others. Words like "useless" and "stupid" are tossed around liberally, which might not be the best thing for kids who have yet to become aware of the power of words. Orianthi's strong vocals and guitar presence do make this a bit of a female anthem for leaving a bad relationship, but where she goes from there can be a bit iffy.

  • This young female singer stands up for herself in the face of ego-crushing criticism, and gets herself out of an emotionally-destructive relationship. However, the message would have been more positive had she not turned the tables and trashed her former beau in similarly hurtful ways: "According to me, you're stupid, you're useless, you can't do anything right."
  • Orianthi knows that her identity isn't defined by an overly critical boyfriend, but then she falls right back into letting someone else define her identity by embracing her new man's praise. "But according to him, I'm beautiful, incredible, he can't get me out of his head."
  • Although there's no profanity, there are some strong negative words used a lot, like "stupid" and "useless."

What's the story?

Orianthi is no stranger to the verbal abuse being doled out on her debut single, ACCORDING TO YOU. Having experienced bullying as a child, the singer was forced to change schools to escape her tormentors. That move would ultimately prove successful for the young Australian, who subsequently focused on fine-tuning her guitar skills and, as a result, wound up jamming with the likes of Carlos Santana. Michael Jackson chose her as his guitarist for the "This Is It" tour, and Orianthi has been appearing at numerous tribute performances. With this, her debut single on her freshman album, Orianthi sings about dissing a disrespectful boyfriend in favor of an admiring suitor.


Is it any good?

 

One listen to this single and it's obvious that this is a girl that can rock! With a guitar style all her own, Orianthi moves from the backing band into the spotlight. For a guitarist, her vocals are sharp and confident, and she doesn't back down to level off the emotional intensity of the song. It would've been nice for Orianthi to show girls that they don't need to find a guy to celebrate their qualities, but maybe next time, as it's a sure bet that audiences will be hearing more from this multi-talented artist. 


Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about bullying. How does it feel when someone says something mean to you? Do you understand responsible communication and the power that your words have?

  • Talk about relationships and keeping things in balance. What are some ways to keep perspective while being in a relationship? Do you think it might be better to wait until you are older and know yourself better before trying to have a romantic relationship?

  • What do you think of Orianthi's image as a respected guitar musician? How do you think this persona compares to other female singers? Do you think a woman who can play instruments gains more credibility in the music world than one that just sings and dances (and looks pretty)?

  • Why do you think the narrator stays with her unsupportive boyfriend for so long? Is it ever okay to be disrespected in a relationship? What would you do, and how would you feel, if someone said mean things to you?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Kid, 13 years old
August 13, 2010
 
good for kids
I love this song!!! she is just going through a tough relationship! its not bad??!

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
February 25, 2010
 
One of the Greatest Songs I've Ever Heard!
Orianthi is an amazing guitar player, and her skills are something every future-guitarist should look up to and admire. However, the song is about a break-up and how Orianthi gets so angry, yet she still keeps her lyrics totally clean.

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 10 year old
February 24, 2010
 
Finally new young talent that can ROCK!
I just saw the video on VH1. I loved it. At first I was a bit thrown off by seeing a young woman playing a Satriani signature guitar. But this girl can jam. I will have to say that it has been a long time since I have seen any new talent to come out and play as well as this young girl. And the music is a little poppy but still good. I think alot of the younger talent that is coming out these days can learn a lesson or two from the ability from this group. Alot of new music is wimpy crap. This group I think can perform to the younger generations and be appreciated by the older rockers. I am looking forward to buying the CD and hearing the rest of the songs. Finaly new talent that can jam! it has been what? 20 years since a young group can play with this ability. I am looking forward to watching how this group develops as the get older. I hope they don't wimp out to the masses. Keep on jamming!

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 17 years old
April 24, 2011
 
This is such an awesome song with an awesome message!!! :D
Ok so before i start when I was reading it's review According to you came on the radio and I was like lol. Either way its a great song about a girl who leaves a terrible relashinship for a good one. Whoever reviewed this you need to get your facts staright since so what if she goes back at her boyfriend once when he hurt her all the time in my book and most peoples books thats fine.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
April 21, 2010
 
love this song
love this song

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
February 26, 2010
 
Totally safe
She is great I love all of her songs and she is a great role model

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 18 years old
February 1, 2010
 
Stupid is not a bad word peoples. And she is a great role model of girl power just like Fergie.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
July 2, 2010
 
love it!!!!!!

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
May 23, 2010
 
o.k.
Not a huge fan

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
April 29, 2010
 
Great Artist
I don't find anything wrong with Orianthi. She's great on the guitar, and has a beautiful voice. Though, I did have trouble finding an appropriate age, but I gave it five *****!

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Orianthi
Release date:January 1, 2010
Label:Geffen Records
Genre:Pop
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

 

vote now

Will you add "According to You" (CD single) to your playlist?


Already listened to it? What do you think?

 

Been There? Tell us about it