Kids and Music

We listened in on their iPods to bring you the lowdown on what your kids are downloading

By Jacqueline Kovacs

The Jonas Brothers

Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas are the newest in the boy band genre; these guys actually write their own material.

Hits:
• Paranoid
• Lovebug

Also known for Their own TV show Jonas; preteen hit movie Camp Rock.
Parental freakout factor: These guys are squeaky clean and Disney certified — right down to their purity rings.

Lady Gaga

Born Stefani Germanotta, this provocative singer has also written songs for Fergie, Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls.

Hits:
• Just Dance
• Poker Face
• The Love Game
• Paparazzi

Also known for Her rather revealing taste in fashion; was nearly arrested for indecency in Chicago because of an outrageous outfit.
Parental freakout factor: She’s more than frank about her free-and-easy sexuality — also reflected in her too-steamy-for-kids videos; do you really want your 10-year-old singing about drinking, partying and sex?

Rihanna

This Barbados-born beauty moved to the US at age 16 to pursue music. Her first hit, “Pon de Replay,” was in 2005.

Hits:
• Disturbia
• Umbrella
• Don’t Stop the Music

Also known for Her trendy fashion sense; spokesperson for CoverGirl.
Parental freakout factor: Questionable judgment; she famously returned to abusive boyfriend Chris Brown; wore nipple pasties and a low-cut jacket to a July 4 fete.

Flo Rida

Also known as Tramar Dillard, this rapper used to tour with 2 Live Crew.

Hits:
• In the Ayer
• Right Round
• Low

Also known for Changing the words in “Right Round” from “like a record, baby” to “when you go down.”
Parental freakout factor: Lyrics that tend to be both offensive and too sexual for kids.

The Black Eyed Peas

A hip hop/pop group made up of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and Fergie.

Hits:
• Let’s Get It Started
• My Humps
• Boom Boom Pow
• I Gotta Feeling

Also known for Their song “Hey Mama” was used in one of the early iconic iPod ads.
Parental freakout factor: Some pretty sexual lyrics.

Miley Cyrus

The teenage singing sensation and daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus.

Hits:
• See You Again
• 7 Things
• The Climb
• Party in the USA

Also known for Hannah Montana in the TV show (and movie) of the same name.
Parental freakout factor: Some (overblown?) controversy over her bedsheet portrait in Vanity Fair, so-called pole dancing at Teen Choice Awards and sniping on YouTube, but could be chalked up to youth.

Taylor Swift

A country-pop singer-songwriter who released her first album at age 16.

Hits:
• Love Story

Also known for A pretty face that has appeared on magazine covers; dated Joe Jonas.
Parental freakout factor: Connected to the Disney pack, plus she showed impressive composure when in the spotlight (see Kanye West, below).

Demi Lovato

This 17-year-old singer/actress got her start at age six on Barney & Friends.

Hits:
• Don’t Forget
• La-La Land
• Here We Go Again

Also known for Starring role in Disney movie Camp Rock and the TV show Sonny with a Chance.
Parental freakout factor: This Disney darling recently starred in the Princess Protection Program with bff Selena Gomez.

Katy Perry

Formerly known as Katy Hudson, this singer’s first album was a collection of gospel music.

Hits:
• I Kissed a Girl
• Hot N Cold
• Waking Up in Vegas
• Ur So Gay

Also known for Her nostalgic sense of style and fruit-shaped accessories; tiff with Miley Cyrus.
Parental freakout factor: Criticized as “homophobic” for her hit “Ur So Gay” and for using bi-curiosity to sell records with song “I Kissed a Girl.”

Pink

Born Alecia Beth Moore, this singer started writing songs as a teenager.

Hits:
• Stupid Girls
• U+Ur Hand
• Don’t Leave Me
• Trouble

Also known for Getting back together with her ex-husband.
Parental freakout factor: Message of female empowerment can be lost in the hard edge and sexuality of her songs and videos.

Green Day

Rock trio of Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt.

Hits:
• American Idiot
• 21 Guns

Also known for Biting social commentary in their music.
Parental freakout factor: Plenty of swearing in their hard-rock/punky tunes.

Jordin Sparks

An American Idol winner who went on to (more) fame.

Hits:
• Tattoo
• No Air
• Battlefield

Also known for Being the youngest winner of American Idol; being vocal about her chastity.
Parental freakout factor: Her recent tour with the Jonas Brothers was sponsored by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which helps raise money for kids with cancer.

Kanye West

A rapper whose mascot and trademark is “Dropout Bear.”

Hits:
• Stronger
• Heartless
• Gold Digger

Also known for Dating a stripper; wanting to be a fashion designer; causing legions of youth to wear sunglasses with stripes through them.
Parental freakout factor: Sexual and offensive lyrics; women as sex objects in videos; drunkenly went onstage to crash Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at Music Video Awards.