We Are A Part of A Rhythm Nation

As much as I’ve tried to force my indie music mentality on Lulu, the girl just loves pop music. She begs for me to play the pop music radio station in the car, and wants to sing (loudly) along with Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. My big problem (besides the fact that I honestly just don’t dig that type of music*), is that most of the songs on pop radio are super sexualized. Especially if they are sung by a woman or girl, but even most of the songs by men are pretty raunchy. They don’t sound that bad until you hear a six year old belting it out of the backseat, and then you feel like a total creep.

So I’m officially on the lookout for some girl power pop music. Here is my current Top 3:

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814: This was the very first CD I ever owned, given to me as a Christmas gift by my much older (and much cooler) sister. It still makes me want to dance.

Spice Girls – Spice Up Your Life: I’ve already talked about my undying love for the Spice Girls, but this is my favorite tune of theirs. Plus, remember when they used to do “Making the Video” on MTV? This was a total breakthrough…they’re flying!!!

No Doubt – Excuse Me Mr.: I was obsessed with Gwen Stefani in my teens, and I think No Doubt’s stuff holds up. Plus, she’s a rocker AND a girl, and unapologetic for both. This is the kind of pop star I want Lu to look up to.

I put this question on the Crazybananas Facebook page (have you joined yet?) and I got a ton of great responses ranging from Janis Joplin to TLC to Abba to Blondie to Joan Jett. What do you guys think? Any other girl pop stars out there that rock out without sexing it up?

*Obviously I know this whole conversation is in contrast to my feelings about Britney Spears, whom I love dearly, but still feel icky when I hear my 6 year old hear her lyrics.

**Wanted to clarify that, yes, I know the videos (unfortunately) are a bit sexualized, but I am talking about the music on it’s own…lyrically and suggestively. Girl power!