"According to You" (CD single) (by Orianthi, Pop)

common sense media says

Mixed messages about a messed-up relationship.

parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: 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."

Positive role models: 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."

Language: Although there's no profanity, there are some strong negative words used a lot, like "stupid" and "useless."

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: January 1, 2010
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Review It

Most useful reviews by all members

Lissya98
kid, 13 years old

good for kids

I love this song!!! she is just going through a tough relationship! its not bad??!

What other families should know

Music Details

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"According to You" (CD single) (by Orianthi, Pop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "According to You" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review "According to You" (CD single)

Most useful reviews by all members

good for kids

One of the Greatest Songs I've Ever Heard!

Finally new young talent that can ROCK!

This is such an awesome song with an awesome message!!! :D

love this song

o.k.

Great Artist

Confidence In Song Form!!

Totally safe

Really good song

good for tweens nd older

Really good!

Anyone can listen to it, great "girl power" song!

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