Pop Song Question.

[sally1112]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 5:45pm

Hello All-

I am teaching theme to 9th graders in an English class, and I want to introduce it by having them compare two similar theme songs. I was thinking about Kelly Clarkson's Because of You (b/c I like it) but I need a similar themed song to pair with it. I truly listen to show tunes 95% of the time, so I need some help.
I am open to two other songs (instead of Kelly Clarkson) if anyone has two suggestions. I really appreciate the help, I just don't know popular music well!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 5:47pm

What do you mean by theme songs? Musical themes or lyrical themes or a "theme song" like a credo?

[artscallion]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 5:53pm

any song by Pink compared to any song by Katy Perry. All they ever sing about is being self empowered.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 5:55pm

Pink has more songs about loving her man even though he hits her or makes her so angry she has to hit him.

[sally1112]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 6:06pm

I thought of Firework,, which I know b/c of Glee, I like the message.

@ Joe- I just want them to see a connection, then I will introduce theme, and them we are going to analyze how characters, plot, setting, etc support theme. SO yes, the songs can have any theme- love, girl power, positive self-esteem, etc. '

[Wynbish]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 7:01pm

Kelly's song deals with family drama (I think), and Pink did so many songs about that on Mizunderstood.

Family Portait and My Vietnam go really well with Kelly's songs. Even though Pink released Family Portrait so the videos could be compared, I think My Vietnam is a strong match

I think the main difference is that Kelly's is more about problems with a father figure, and Pink's songs go after her mother.
Updated On: 9/16/13 at 07:01 PM

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 7:35pm

I don't get much "female empowerment" from the Clarkson song.

You might want to compare it to Sonny & Cher's (or Cher's) "You Better Sit Down Kids", which tells the same story from the p.o.v. of the parent.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 9:27pm

Cats in the Cradle, Harry Chapin

[Wynbish]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 10:30pm

You could discuss whether the story/message in Because of You changed when Kelly sang it as a duet with Reba, especially since Reba took the lead essentially

Carrie Underwood's song Blown Away handles family issues, but I think it's more of an observation of the parents' issues instead of how Kelly's song was between her persona and her family member (presumably)

Updated On: 9/16/13 at 10:30 PM