February/March 2016
Top 25 Review by Anna Scally and Sherry Del Monte
Selection Process for this Chart: Hundreds of songs appear on the top music charts each month. A percentage of these songs contain high impact value. Impact value is created by message clarity (positive or negative), strong teen and/or adult audience reaction (excitement, anger, questions) and popularity (high rating on the top music charts and a high volume of airplay and sales). The songs that appear on these charts have been judged to possess such value. Since major music charts cover all forms of music, the songs on these charts are not limited to any one form of music. The songs include pop, rock, R&B, rap, alternative, country, adult contemporary, and others.
© 2016 Cornerstone Media Inc. The illegal copying or distribution of this resource without the permission of Cornerstone Media, Inc., is prohibited. P.O. Box 1185, Healdsburg, CA 95448 ● (707) 324-9120 ● [email protected] ● www.cornerstonemedia.org
Song Suggestions: For each song listed on our review, you will find some helpful suggestions so that you can get the most out of each song in your work with young people. Here is a key to help you interpret the listed suggestions:
G – Ideal for Group Discussion M – Recommended for Mature Groups P – Ideal for Prayer AS – Anna Scally’s “Song Choice of the Month” D – Ideal for a Dance Playlist SD – Sherry Del Monte’s “Song Choice of the Month” H – Hot Topic
The top song in this month’s Top 25 Review is…
One Call Away / Charlie Puth Values: Positive Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, P, SD Issues: This song proves that technology really has made our lives better. He tells someone he cares about that if he is needed, they can connect anytime over the phone. "I'm only one call away, I'll be there to save the day." There's nothing profound that he wants from the relationship, only to see his friend happy. "For now, we can stay here for a while 'cause you know, I just wanna see you smile." It's a simple but powerful message, that he loves this person unconditionally, and he doesn't want to see his friend ever feel sad or alone. "No matter where you go, 1 you know you're not alone." Questions: In your own words, what is unconditional love? Who are the people in your life you know you can call NEW! anytime and they'll be there for you? Actions : Pick up the phone and call a friend who you feel the need to reconnect with.
Hello / Adele Values: Positive Pace: Slow Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, P, SD Issues: She is reaching out to someone from her past. "Hello, it's me. I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet to go over everything." Although the song doesn't give details, it's clear that she hurt this person and now feels terrible about it. " At least I can say that I've tried to tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart." It may seem scary to reach out, but she doesn't want to go through the rest of her life with these feelings of shame. "It's no secret that the both of us are running out of time." 2 Questions: What makes it difficult to apologize to someone? Is it better to apologize months or years after an incident or to let things fade over time? Why? Actions: Reach out to someone you miss who you haven't communicated with in a long time.
Love Myself / Hailee Steinfeld Values: Positive Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, D, H, AS Issues: There can be several interpretations of this song. But, the strongest message could be that to be in positive relationships you need to be solid in who you are in a healthy way. Learning to appreciate who you are and realize your potential will be a major contribution to building strong relationships. "Gonna love myself, no I don't need anybody else." The negative part, though, is satisfying yourself for personal pleasure with disregard for others. 3 Questions: What three words best describe you? Who do you know who really seems comfortable with themselves? Actions: Search the Scriptures for passages that reveal God's love for us.
Stand By You / Rachel Platten Values: Positive Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, P, AS Issues: Going through tough times? With a friend like this, you probably won't be feeling down for long. "And hey, if your wings are broken, please take mine so yours can open, too, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you." She realizes that her friend just needs time to heal, and she'll be there every step of the way. "I'll be your eyes 'til yours can shine, and I'll be your arms, I'll be your steady satellite." She is clear that she'll go through whatever it takes, as painful as it may be, just to see her friend confident and happy again. "Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk 4 through Hell with you. Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you." Questions: Describe a time that you stood by someone who really needed it? Who are the people in your life NEW! who consistently stand by you? Actions: Pray with this song during challenging times, to remind you that God is always with you.
Adventure of a Lifetime / Coldplay Values: Positive Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, D Issues: He's met someone who has taught him to look at life in a new, exciting way. "Everything you want's a dream away, and we are legends every day. That's what she told me." This relationship has put purpose in his life, and now he looks at everything with newfound enthusiasm. "I feel my heart underneath my skin. Oh I can feel my heart beating, 'cause you make me feel ike I'm alive again." He's learning that life is more meaningful when you have someone to share it with. "And if we've only got this life in this adventure, oh then I want to share it with 5 you." Questions: Describe a turning point in your life, when you started looking at life in a more positive way. Who is NEW! someone you admire because of their attitude toward life? Actions : Take a few hours or an entire day out of your normal routine to do things you really enjoy.
Break on Me / Keith Urban Values: Positive Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, P, AS Issues: He knows that we all have tough days, when we feel like we need a little help just to get by. "There'll be days your heart don't wanna beat. You pray more than you breathe." He assures this person that when life is tough, he'll be there for her. "Put your head on my chest. Let me help you forget." His message to her reminds us that real friends are at their best when they are needed. "When your heart needs to break, just break on me." 6 Questions: Who are the people you can count on during the most difficult times? Describe a time that someone reached out to you in a meaningful way when you really needed it. NEW! Actions : Reach out to someone in your life who seems sad, lonely, or worried.
Locked Away / R. City featuring Adam Levine Values: Positive Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, P, SD Issues: This guy is asking the questions we all think about when deciding whether or not to commit to a relationship. "If I showed you my flaws, if I couldn't be strong, tell me honestly, would you still love me the same?" He is looking for unconditional love, and it is clear that true commitment is his highest priority. "Cause I need a gal who's always by my side." It's clear that he's willing to commit his life to her. Is she willing to do the same? "Baby, tell me would you die for me? Would you spend your whole life with me?" Questions: Who are the people in your life you feel the greatest commitment from? What are some strategies for 7 making a relationship last over time? Actions: Interview a married couple who you admire. Learn about their secrets to building a maintaining a great relationship.
Bang My Head / David Guetta featuring Sia and Fetty Wap Values: Positive Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, D Issues: Whatever she was dealing with, she was frustrated, exhausted, and about to give up. "I was bound, was tired. Hadn't seen a light so long. Thought I lost my fight." But through her struggles, she found the strength to overcome her challenge. "I should have failed, and nailed the floor. Instead I rose above it all." Now she is using her experience to inspire others. "When you think of giving up, just know, you might think you're dying but you won't." 8 Questions: Describe a time that you overcame a challenge when you thought you would fail. What or who keeps you strong during the most difficult times? NEW! Actions: Write down a list of obtacles that are preventing you from being happy. Choose one that you would like to overcome now. Create a plan and follow it to reach your goal.
Sorry / Justin Bieber Values: Positive Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H, D Issues: He knows he has hurt her, and he's not hesitating to apologize. "Yeah I know that I let you down. Is it too late to say I'm sorry now?" He's not just trying to look good. This is a sincere apology. "I know you know that I made those mistakes maybe once or twice, and by once or twice I mean maybe a couple a hundred times." He understands that they are in this situation because of choices they both made. He wants to forgive, forget and move on. "Can we both say the words and forget this?" 9 Questions: What makes an apology sincere? When is it most difficult to "forgive and forget"? Actions: Think of someone important in your life who you may be neglecting or treating poorly. Make an effort to spend some quality time with that person.
Stressed Out / Twenty One Pilots Values: Positive Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H Issues: Isn't it strange how life seemed to be so much easier growing up. Hanging out with friends and not having any major things to deal with stirs up good memories. "Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days when our momma sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out." These carefree days can easily fall away as we grow up. "I was told when I got older all my fears would shrink. But now I'm insecure and I care what people think." Dreaming of going back to the past may bring temporary relief, but it won't take away the current situation. Questions: What are some of your favorite memories of childhood? What is it you seem to be stressed about the 10 most these days? Actions: Write a list of the items in your life that are stressing you out. Try to come up with one plan that may help. Share these with a friend who can support you.
Love Yourself / Justin Bieber Values: Neutral Pace: Slow Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H Issues: The relationship has ended, and he clearly knows that he's better off alone. "Didn't see what's going on, but now I know, I'm better sleeping on my own." He says that she didn't treat him well, and she displayed more selfishness than love. "And when you told me that you hated my friends, the only problem was with you and not them." Now that it's over, he realizes that she cared more about herself than she did about him. "'Cause if you like 11 the way you look that much, oh, baby, you should go and love yourself." Questions: How would you describe the relationship in this song? What things do you have to sacrifice to build a NEW! great relationship with someone? Actions : Name two qualities you like about yourself, and two qualities that you would like to improve.
Stitches / Shawn Mendes Values: Neutral Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, D Issues: It seems as though he has had relationships in the past that have hurt him, but nothing like this one. "No one's ever left me quite this sore, your words cut deeper than a knife. I need someone to bring me back to life." What really seems to make it worse is that his partner doesn't even seem to care what he is going through. "You watch me bleed until I can't breathe, I'm shaking, falling onto my knees, Now that I'm without your kisses, I'll be needing stitches." 12 Questions : How have you mended from a broken relationship? Could you have handled this situation better? Actions: Write your own response to this song in a prayer response.
Let It Go / James Bay Values: Neutral Pace: Slow Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: This once happy relationship is changing, and their lives are filled with anger, confusion and conflict. "From throwing clothes across the floor, to teeth and claws and slamming doors at you." There is no doubt that he loves her, but ending this relationship is a real option. "When we're becoming something else, I think it's time to walk away." For now, he just wants to have a conversation and do what's best, even if it means moving on. "So 13 come on, let it go, just let it be. Why don't you be you, and I'll be me?" Questions: What makes breaking up with someone so difficult? What are some clues that it may be better to end NEW! the relationship instead of trying to fix it? Ac tions: Go out of your way to do something nice for a friend or family member who is dealing with a breakup.
Confident / Demi Lovato Values: Neutral Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H Issues: She's made a conscious decision to become the person she's always wanted to be. "I used to hold my freak back. Now I'm letting go. I make my own choice. Yeah I run this show." She seems happier, but others don't feel the same way. "So you say I'm complicated, that I must be outta my mind, but you've had me underrated." She believes in herself now, and she can't understand why others can't be supportive instead of critical. "What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being, what's wrong with being confident?" Questions: What's the difference between being confident and being arrogant? Name a time in your life when 14 you mad e a big change for the better. Actions: Think of one way you would like to change in a positive way. Make a plan and make an effort this week to see it through.
My House / Flo Rida Values: Negative Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, D Issues: A group of friends are getting together at someone's home. "Hear a knock on the door and the night begins, 'cause we done this before so you come on in.". It's obvious from the lyrics that they often get together and there is a lot of history at these house parties. "Sometimes you gotta stay in, and you know where I live." This would just be a simple song about fun and friends, but several alcohol references make it clear that drinking is a 15 focal point at these parties. "Another shot of vodka, you know what's in my glass. It's my house, just relax." Questions: Describe one of your most memorable celebrations with friends or family. What are the ingredients of NEW! a great party? Actions : With friends, make a list of creative things to do together. Go out together and complete them.
Me Myself and I / G-Eazy & Bebe Rexa Values: Negative Pace: Medium Clarity: Semi-Clear Suggestions: G, M Issues: Professional success has led him to an extravagant lifestyle. "A Ferrari I'm buyin' three, a closet of Saint Laurent, get what I want when I want 'cause this hunger is driving me, yeah." His personal success has caused him to feel powerful and independent. He doesn't think he needs anyone but himself to find happines. "Oh, it's just me, myself and I, solo ride until I die 'cause I got me for life." Unfortunately, excess money and alcohol has also become a regular part of this lifestyle. "I found how to cope with my anger. I'm swimming in money, swimming in 16 liquor, my liver is muddy. But it's all good I'm still sippin' this bubbly. Questions: Can money buy you true happiness? What are the pros/cons of becoming rich and famous? NEW! Actions: Write down positive, meaningful goals you would like to reach in the next one year, five year, and ten years. Strive to make these goals a reality.
Roses / The Chainsmokers featuring Rozes Values: Negative Pace: Medium Clarity: Semi-Clear Suggestions: G Issues: There is definitely a strong connection between these two. "Deep in my bones, I can feel you. Take me back to a time only we knew." She wants to spend some special time together where they can focus on one another. "Oh, I'll be your daydream, I'll wear your favorite things. We could be beautiful." Unfortunately, her idea of a good time also involves using drugs. "We could waste the night with an old film. Smoke a little weed on the couch in the back room." 17 Questions : Describe a recent experience where you spent quality time with a friend or family member. What are some of your favorite positive activities to do with friends? NEW! Actions: Plan a dance or party for your group. Focus on creating a positive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and have a great time.
Same Old Love / Selena Gomez Values: Neutral Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: How many chances do you give someone before you decide to walk away? It seems apparent that she has given this guy way too many chances; it may be time to call it quits. "Take away all your things and go, you can't take back what you said I know. I've heard it all before, at least a million times. I'm not one to forget you know." It seems like she has finally made up her mind and is ready to move on. "I'm not spending any time, wasting tonight on you. I know, I've heard it all so don't you try and change your mind 'cause I won't be changing too, you know." 18 Questions: What are some real reasons you would leave a friendship? When did you wish you had made a better decision? Actions: Interview ten people on ways they keep their friendships strong; collect and publish.
The Hills / The Weeknd Values: Negative Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: M Issues: There are several levels of negative behavior in this song. This relationship seems to focus on satisfying their own sexual desires. "I only call you when it's half past five, the only time that I'll be by your side." Drugs are part of their encounters. "Drugs start to feeling like it's decaf. I'm just tryna live life for the moment." To make matters worse, they are both aware that she is cheating on her partner to be with this guy. "Your man on the road, he doing promo. You said keep our business on the low-low." 19 Questions: What do you think is the worst thing about the relationship in this song? When do you think a relationship is so negative that it is wiser to walk away from it than repair it? Actions: Make a list of ten important rules to maintain a successful relationship.
Here / Alessia Cara Values: Neutral/Negative Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: She's at the party, but she isn't joining in with the crowd. "I don't dance, don't ask. I don't need a boyfriend, so you can go back, please enjoy your party." She's proud to be herself and not conform with those around her. "Excuse me if I seem a little unimpressed with this, an anti-social pessimist but usually I don't mess with this." The main message of the song could be interpreted as positive, but unfortunately, drugs are part of this picture. "I'll be here, somewhere in the corner under clouds of marijuana." Questions: How have you responded to peer pressure? Give an example of one time when it is best to go with 20 the crowd and one time when it is best to go against the crowd. Actions: Research a famous historical figure who went against the common culture or values of the time to make the world a better place.
When We Were Young / Adele Values: Neutral Pace: Slow Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: She is reunited with someone she use to have strong feelings for. She wants to have a moment together. "But if by chance you're here alone, can I have a moment before I go?" She is cherishing this moment together while she reflects on their past. She wonders if their love still remains. "Let me photograph you in this light, in case it is the last time that we might be exactly like we were." She recognizes that she still has feelings for him. Does he feel the same? "And a part of me keeps holding on, just in case it hasn't gone. I guess I still care. Do you 21 still care?" Questions: Share how you met one of your closest friends. Why do you think some friendships stand the test of NEW! time, while others do not? Actions : Reach out to an old friend. Make a phone call, write an email or send a text.
Break Up in a Small Town / Sam Hunt Values: Neutral Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: He broke up with her, and like many breakups, moving on hasn't been smooth. "She could get on with her life and I'd get on with mine. Thought I would be fine, heh, but maybe not." She's already moved on to a new relationship, and he doesn't enjoy seeing them together. "Her mailbox is seven minutes from mine, and I drive into town. Sometimes I see her sittin' there with him." Living in a small town has made recovering from the breakup difficult, since they have such little space from each other. "I should've known all along, you gotta move or move 22 on when you break up in a small town." Questions: Why is it sometimes difficult to break up with someone and remain friends? What are the benefits and NEW! drawbacks of living in a small town or going to a small school? Actions : As a group, come up with a list of "ground rules" for a breakup. Print and copy this resource.
Hide Away / Daya Values: Neutral Pace: Medium Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H Issues: She is bewildered as she tries to figure out what attracts men and women to each other. "Boys seem to like the girls who laugh at anything." She interested in finding someone to date, and has an idea of what she is looking for. "But I'd rather find a boy who is down for the chase, putting in the time that it takes." She knows what she wants. Now she just needs to find him! She wonders where she should look. "Where do the good boys go to hide away, hide away? I'm a good, good girl who needs a little company." 23 Questions : What attracts men and women to each other that you sometimes find a bit strange? Describe three important qualities you are looking for in someone to date. NEW! Actions: Divide a group into all boys and all girls. Have each group come up with a top 10 list of qualities they are looking for in a date. Gather together and share lists.
In The Night / The Weeknd Values: Negative Pace: Fast Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G, H Issues: The exact meaning of this song is open to interpretation. Something tragic happened to her in her past, and now she is trying to make a life for herself. "And all the wrongs she committed, she was numb and she was so co-dependent. She was young and all she had was the city." The artist sees a woman full of potential, but she is throwing it away to live her lifestyle. "And I know that she's capable of anything, it's riveting. But when you wake up she's always gone, gone, gone." It's not clear if this girl is a prostitute or an exotic dancer, but she is trying to 24 use her body to make a life for herself and forget about whatever haunts her from her past. "In the night she hears him calling. In the night she's dancing to relieve the pain." NEW! Questions: What advice would you give to a friend who was trying to move on from something in their past? What is more important: The things that happen to you or how you respond to them? Actions: Interview an adult you admire who has overcome great obstacles in their life.
7 Years / Lukas Graham Values: Neutral Pace: Slow Clarity: Clear Suggestions: G Issues: He reflects on his past, including advice he got from his loved ones when he was younger. "Once I was seven years old, my mama told me, go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely." He remembers that he had different priorities when he was younger. He looks back with the wisdom he has gained with age and experience. "It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger, pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker. Now he wonders about his future, and what his priorities may be years from now. "Soon I'll be 60 25 years old, will I think the world is cold, or will I have a lot of children who can warm me?" Questions: Describe some of your best childhood memories. How have you changed the most since you were a NEW! child, and how have you remained the same? Actions : Design a timeline of your life to this point. Include the most significant events.
Anna Scally, President of Cornerstone Media, Inc., is an inspiring workshop and youth rally speaker, youth ministry training consultant and a disc jockey. She was Master of Ceremonies of the catechetical sessions for 77,000 young people at Mile High Stadium for World Youth Day in Denver, and MC for several catechetical sessions at the World Youth Days in Toronto, Canada, and Cologne, Germany.
Sherry Del Monte has 10 years of experience in the field of youth ministry and serves Cornerstone Media in the areas of music research and product development.