Pop Tarts
Source: Billings Gazette, Billings Montana
By Rashod D. Ollison-Knight Rider News
The teen-pop phenomenon that has swept the globe is nothing new. Similar sap-drenched lyrics have been sung before. We've already seen those one-two-three-spin dance moves. Some pop-sensation merchandise has attained collectible status.
But the difference betwen today's teen-pop market and that of yesterday is quite clear. There is a void of soul.
These hot boy groups and teen queens--the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, 98 Degrees, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera--should be thankful for the more substantive teen-targeted acts who came before them and defined a formula that has made their successors millions. We're talking about the Jackson 5, DeBarge and New Edition.
They sang from the gut, dazzled with their choreography, and set the standard for the current stars as well as the even newer breed, including O-Town and Dream.
Ah, the Jackson 5. The brothers from Gary, Ind., were marketed brilliantly by Motown in the late '60's and early '70's. But the Jacksons also recorded some of the most heartfelt ballads and funkiest ditties ever.
It's hard to imagine the images and sounds of the hot boy groups thriving without the Jacksons; blueprint--though the heavily choreographed moves of 'N Sync and especially Backstreet Boys are a sharp contrast with the Five's baby-oil-slick slides and Michael's robotic moves during the break in "Dancing Machine."
And the boys of 98 Degrees, who lip-synched their first hit, "Invisible Man," on "Soul Train" two year ago, wish they could croon "Never Can Say Goodbye" with the same urgency and innocent passion that Michael and his brothers put on wax 30 years ago.
But in the words of Spears, today's teen music is "not that innocent." Spears and those other navel-bearing, sports-bra-wearing starlets are mostly flash, mascara and hair extensions. Aguilera picked up a Grammy last year for best new artist, and she typically sings with more conviction that her contemporaries.
In any case, it will be interesting to see how long it takes until we get "best of" compilations on today's tepid teen acts. But will these boy groups and pop starlets leave anything behind worth revisiting?
What do you think?
While writer Rashod D. Ollison thinks teen groups aren't quite living up to their heritage, others may disagree.
Let us know what you think about the latest groups or singers who target their performances to young audiences. Do you have a favorite or one that you just can't stand? Why?
What is the appeal? What would you like to see improve? Send your opinion to:
Teen Sound
Tempo
Billings Gazette
P.O. Box 36300
Billings, MT 59107
Or fax it to Tempo at (406) 657-1301. You may also e-mail your comments to: [email protected]
Be sure to include your name, hometown, and phone number
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