 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
"My Life Would Suck Without You" (CD single)
- By Kelly Clarkson
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
A weakness for bad hook-ups mars Idol's signature sound.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this single describes exactly the type of romantic relationship that teens (and adults) should avoid, the CD it's on (All I Ever Wanted) actually sends a positive overall message. This tune's premise revolves around a girl who admits she and her guy are bad for each other ("I know that I've got issues / But you're pretty messed up, too"). But when he shows up on her doorstep yet again, she second-guesses herself ("Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye") and decides to take him back ("Being with you is so dysfunctional / I really shouldn't miss you / But I can't let you go").
What's the story?
After her last album, My December, earned less than rave reviews, Clarkson called on the same team (Dr. Luke and Max Martin) that produced her Grammy-winning hit, "Since U Been Gone," to produce "MY LIFE WOULD SUCK WITHOUT YOU." While the track's pop-rock flavor sounds a lot like vintage Clarkson, this is not the same well-balanced girl we heard tell her lame boyfriend to get lost in the early days. Instead, Clarkson gives her young fans a disappointing message about staying in unhealthy romantic relationships.
Is it any good?
In "My Life Would Suck Without You," Clarkson tries to capitalize on the old sound that made her ubiquitous -- catchy guitar chords, crescendos, and a rockin' refrain that shows off her powerhouse vocals. Trouble is, it's a little too similar-sounding to her old hits. Plus, this song doesn't offer the no-nonsense lyrics that encourage the singer's primary audience -- teen/tween girls -- to value themselves more than a bad relationship. Parents should make a point of telling kids who like this song that in the real world, the best relationships are the ones that build you up, not tear you down.
Better yet, consider listening to some of the other songs on All I Ever Wanted, because there are healthier messages to be heard.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the important role that self-esteem plays in romantic relationships. Why would you want to stay in a relationship that makes you feel bad about yourself? How should good partners treat each other? What steps can you take to end an unhealthy relationship?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Terrible message from Kelly Clarkson
I can't believe that Kelly Clarkson is telling young women that it's OK to stay in a "dysfunctional" relationship! She's telling them that their life would "suck" without a man...even one who calls you names and walks out on you. WHAT?!? Where was her brain when she made this song??
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Kid, 12 years old
June 25, 2009
AGE
This is so CATCHY!
This song is great and extremely appropriate. All she says in the song is 'suck' and that's not even bad. I say it all the time!
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AGE
It' ok.
I'm 13 and I know that "suck" could be considered an adult-oriented word. But even so I don't think that it's Kelly's point of view or message in this song.
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AGE
Good song, iffy message.
Eh not bad except the message but most kids won't take it seriously so it's probably OK.
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AGE
she means everyons got issues. opposites attract! sry my review isnt long, but...here is a catchy song
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| Artist: | Kelly Clarkson |
| Release date: | January 20, 2009 |
| Label: | RCA |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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