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.