Parents' Guide to

Songland

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Positive music competition features fresh writing talent.

TV NBC Game Shows 2019
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

AFishFam
AFishFam Parent of 11 and 15-year-old
July 15, 2019
age 10+

Artistic, educational, fun and hip

This is a reality tv show competition for song-writers. Several song-writers pitch a song to a current music star. They have some big names on from different genres such as Will I Am, Kelsea Ballerini and Meghan Trainor. After the artist has narrowed it down to a few choices, then three experienced music producers work with each of the songwriters to further develop their songs into a final product. This process is so fascinating and honestly amazing to watch as they spin new lyrics and discuss musical rewrites. For aspiring musicians or just music lovers, this adds a new layer to the magic that is music. What's fantastic is that unlike a lot of musical competitions where you fall in love with an artist and then never hear from them again after the competition or you don't get to hear their music for another year or two, this show offers immediate gratification. At the the end of the episode when the artist has selected the song that they will record, the song is immediately available to download in its final form and you can watch the videos on YouTube (which my daughters did with much zeal). I rated this for 10 and up only because I am not sure it would hold the attention of younger kids. In my opinion, there's nothing inappropriate for younger viewers. If your younger child is mature enough to be interested, then I would say go for it.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Archy123
Archy123 Adult
July 4, 2019
age 12+

Its a start

Music needs the public to celebrate the massively difficult process of songwriting and this only starts that process. The 2 step approach is good. First the song than a critique and these coaches have good suggestions. BUT the songs are all too poppy with the same tired grooves and cliche's. Where's the brilliant slow song? Where's anything in 3/4 or 6/8 or celebrating the long history of country or blues or jazz . The producers are playing it way too safe. It's in the same rut as the "Disco" period. None of this simple minded pablum will make it to greatness and the show will die out in it's sameness. Experiment take some chances and you may have a long hit.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
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What's the Story?

Executive produced by Adam Levine, SONGLAND is a reality competition featuring up-and-coming songwriters pitching their work in hopes that a major music performer will record it and make it a mega hit. Each episode features a successful celebrity singer like John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Macklemore, or a popular band like the Jonas Brothers and OneRepublic, meeting three songwriters and listening to them individually perform an original song. Also assessing their work are renown music producers Ryan Tedder, Ester Dean, and Shane McAnally. After receiving some constructive criticism, and under the guidance of the music producers, they continue to develop and reshape their work. Once the newest version of each contestant's song is performed, the artist chooses the best one to record for global release. An excerpt of the famous singer or band performing the song is shown at the end.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (3):

This positive and gentle reality contest highlights the creative work involved when developing music compositions and writing lyrics that can be successfully performed and marketed while staying true to its original concept. Despite the fact that it’s a competition, each up-and-coming songwriter celebrates the opportunity to perform to, and work with, people in the higher ranks of the industry (and no doubt getting some exposure, too). The celebrity artists and the music producers are respectful, but honestly offer clear and constructive feedback designed to help each one continue developing his/her work for future success. As a result, while the contestants are hoping for that big break, the overall show gives the sense that everyone wins in some way. Ultimately, Songland underscores the unique way that songwriters serve as storytellers, and how they must adapt their work to the business while still expressing the emotions and feelings that will resonate with listeners.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it takes to break into the music industry as a songwriter. Do you have to know how to compose music in order to write lyrics? What determines a winning song?

  • What kinds of suggestions do the experts on Songland have for writing a popular or commercially successful song? Does any of the advice include incorporating curses, sexist language, violent or explicit lyrics, or other mature content?

TV Details

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