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"I Want You Back" (CD single) (by Colbie Caillat, Pop)

common sense media says

Breezy SoCal sound to a Jackson 5 kid-friendly classic.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Caillat's cover of the classic Jackson 5 hit is as safe as the original. Although the single recounts a love that got away, there's nothing sexy or overt about the message, and mildly flirtatious is as far as things go. The digital download is an iTunes exclusive, so don't look for the single to be available anywhere but on the Apple music store for the time being.

Positive messages: Sometimes you don't know what you have until you lose it: "Following the girl, I didn't even want around.
Let me tell you now, oh baby all I need is one more chance (show you that I love you)."
Positive role models: The song treats a love interest with respect; no sexual references.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "I Want You Back" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the difference between music from today and 40 years ago. Does this song sound like it would be that old? Has music changed that much? Do you think music lyrics are generally more risque than they were decades ago?

  • Do you think this song is being marketed to take advantage of the newfound interest in the Jackson 5 since Michael Jackson's death? Or do you think it's just a cool single?  Have you become more interested in MJ since he passed away?

  • This song is a light-hearted tale of regret. In our digital age is regret a lot riskier? What do you need to be aware of when it comes to relationships and the Internet age? Can some things you do now, like sending compromising photos on the Internet or spreading gossip on Facebook, not be taken back so easily?

What's the story?

What's the story?

"I WANT YOU BACK" is a familiar tune that was first made famous nearly half a century ago by the Jackson 5. Now Colbie Caillat reinterprets the song, toning down the funk a bit and giving it her trademark mellow surfer sound. Caillat first became popular through her MySpace page and has since collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift and Jason Mraz, while enjoying success with her own releases. This single is part of a special collection of covers released by Caillat as an iTunes Session.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Caillat's singing just seems to be right on target these days. Her voice is classic yet modern, and doesn't ever give into diva dramatics or technological temptations. Once again, she proves here that she can take a song and make it her own. That's no small feat with this cover, a well-loved song that seems difficult to improve upon. Caillat doesn't make the mistake of taking on the funky R&B masters that were the Jackson 5; instead, she slows things down just enough without taking any of the fun out of this timeless track.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: January 26, 2010
Label: Universal Republic
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines