The Fray - How to Save A Life
If you’ve listened to pop radio in recent years you have no
doubt heard pop/rock band The Fray play their particular brand of piano driven
rock songs. The band’s lyrics are often inspiring and always clean, speaking to
emotions that we all feel at any age.
NOTE: Please check out the content on the albums before playing them for your children!
Switchfoot - Vice Verses
Switchfoot has never made any bones about producing positive
spiritual music in the secular marketplace. As a result, any one of their many
albums is perfect for a younger person who is getting into rocking out. The
latest, Vice Verses, is one of their more accessible albums and one of the
better releases of 2011.
They Might Be Giants - No
Here’s one for your younger kids! Rock act They Might Be
Giants is known for its punk sensibility and dynamite hooks, but in 2002 they
released their first children’s album simply titled No. It was one of the first
of its kind, and also one of the best! It is perfect for your little ones who
enjoy children’s music, but who also want to rock! Adults will enjoy the poppy
hooks and snappy lyrics as well.
Animals As Leaders
If you have a child who is getting into heavy metal, you may
have cause for concern about what lyrics they may hear. Animals As Leaders
removes that concern by removing vocals entirely, instead dazzling the listener
with intense instrumental parts and hard rocking guitar riffs. Both of their
albums are fantastic, but the debut self-titled album stands above the newest
release. Their name even sounds like it could be an awesome children’s band
(though they aren’t).
U2 - The Joshua Tree
U2 is always serious and always surprising, and for a young
teen is starting to get into serious music The Joshua Tree is an amazing place
to start. It’s timeless sound and positive themes make it both easy to listen
to and good to think about as well.
Thrice - Major/Minor
If you’ve got a child who is getting into the heavier side
of rock music, look no further than Thrice. Lead singer Dustin Kensrue is a
worship leader by day and hard rock vocalist by night. Their songs are full of
depth both lyrically and musically, and all of their albums are quality. They
have always been true to who they are, which is a great thing for young people
to see.
The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
The Gaslight Anthem play punk/rock that is heavily inspired
by classic rock artists like Bruce Springsteen, so right away many parents will
be interested. Lead singer Brian Fallon, while a very serious guy, refuses to
use any profanity in his lyrics. For fun rock music look no further than American
Slang.
Collective Soul - Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid
This ‘90s pop/rock act got their big break early on with the
release of “Shine” from this very album. While their lyrics trend towards the
fun and clean, this album in particular has a playful and crystal clean quality
that makes it a great album to try with the whole family.
