Calling all music people who are cool
I’m in charge of putting together a slide show for high school kids who went to camp this summer in Colorado. I need a song that is fun and most everyone will know. Here are the rules:
1. No sappy slow songs that talk about finding yourself or saying goodbye.
2. No Mother Superior songs about climbing every mountain.
3. Songs that high school kids will know.
4. Songs that high school kids will know and sing to.
5. Songs that high school kids will know and sing along that don’t have lyrics talking about thongs, girls kissing girls or any secret sexual innuendoes that my naïve brain can’t even comprehend. Let’s keep it clean people.
Here are songs that I came up with on my own:
The Middle—Jimmy Eat World
It’s upbeat and I’m thinking high school kids would like it.
Don’t Stop Believin’—Journey
Hello. It’s Journey.
Walking on Sunshine—Katrina and the Waves
Happy, happy song, but may be too old for these kids who were born in the ‘90s.
How Far We’ve Come—Matchbox 20
Kind of appropriate that they were walking all over mountains, right?
Unwritten/Pocketful of Sunshine—Natasha Bedingfield
Fun to sing and definitely now.
America—Neil Diamond
Because it’s my job to make these kids cooler by introducing them to Neil Diamond.
Hooked on a Feeling—Steve Miller Band
Cool beginning, but might be too slow?
I’m Gonna Be (5,000 miles)—The Proclaimers
Fun sing-a-long part in the middle. Plus they probably did walk 5,000 miles.
Yes? No? Suggestions? Help!
**PS: Keep all Hannah Banana suggestions to yourself. And while I’m at it, let’s go ahead and boycott anyone from the Disney Channel family. I’ll have none of that on my slide show. It’s best the Jonas Brothers and the entire High School Musical cast stay on my iPod where they belong.
Our YL kids loved singing The Proclaimers 500 miles at club. Great pic. Just fyi. I also think Beautiful Day is a fabulous option. Let us know what you pick!!!!
Why don’t you download the Olympic CD, its supposed to be all about being your best, achieving what you thought you couldn’t and its current, unlike a LOT of the suggestions above. These kids have no idea who half the people listed in above are. Seriously, The Carpenters? I’m just saying…
‘FREE FALLING’ … Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers — LOVE IT!!!!
“Express Yourself” by Charles Wainwright and the 103rd
I would go with something new and that came out (or at least was re-done) recently. High schoolers are quick to label something as old or outdated, even if we think it is not-so-old
. I am a school counselor in a high school and geez – those kiddos can really make me feel like a geezer – and I am 27! 
So I would stay away from Neil Diamond and friends. I think your Natasha Bedingfield idea is more on track.
Some good new stuff**:
Kid Rock – “All Summer Long”
Coldplay – “Viva la Vida”
Daughtry – “What About Now”
Matt Nathanson – “Come on Get Higher”
Chris Brown – “Forever”
John Mayer (Live) – “Free Fallin’”
Nickelback – Photograph (though this is ’05 and ancient in teens mind)
You really can’t go wrong with Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Pat McGee, Jack Johnson, or one of that genre. They seem to have a timeless cool factor with high school kids.
Have fun!
** simple disclaimer: I am not saying these are MY favorite songs – just ones that I know I wouldn’t be made fun of for listening to in my office in the high school
My new favorite song is “It’s Amazing” by Jem. It’s on the “Sex & the City” soundtrack, but I’ve been hearing it on my local MIX station, too.
there is a surprise for you on my blog!
xo,
Hellooooo Gorgeous
WebMan – My Dad still sings REM’s “Stand” at times. It whipped me when I was in high school (almost as much as the original version) and it still whips me today.
Can we also dispense with the Coldplay nonsense. Too overproduced. The could be good if they dropped the excessive instrumentation and the falsetto.
Did anyone else thing that Jimmy Page way out-shined Leona Lewis in the closing ceremonies of the Olympics? It was a good idea on paper….
But seriously. Kids are funny. My wife and I get a real kick out of talking to our babysitter. She’s a hoot.
What about Jackson Browne’s medley of Load In/Stay (some places list it as Load Out). Perfectly bittersweet and vrey clean
I vote the Matchbox 20 song. That’s a good one!
“Semi-Charmed Life” Third Eye Blind
“Beautiful Day” U2
“Boys of Summer” Ataris
“Island in the Sun” Weezer
“Summertime” Sublime
Oh, and “Times Like These” Foo Fighters
I have a freshman in college and Dancing Queen from Mamma Mia, Popular or Defying Gravity from Wicked are still acceptable and she hates the Jonas Brothers so you are right to steer clear there. I would say being in Texas – go with some country as I heard alot of that when we were moving into the dorm.
My little sister, who is a college freshman, said that she heard “Pocketful of Sunshine” is about pot. I don’t know if it’s true, I’m just saying….
My vote is for “Beautiful Day” U2
Lean on Me – by Club Nouveau
Natasha Beddingfield’s “Happy” – they use it on the GMA Promos… think it has the right message.
and…
David Cook’s “This is the Time”
and…
Colbie Caillat’s “Bubby”
and
Jack Johnson’s “Hope”
“Pocketful of Sunshine” isn’t about pot…..although I could see where that would be fitting. Natasha Bedingfield was on Chelsea Lately talking about the song, Pocketful of Sunshine is about finding that thing that makes you happy and making the best of life.
All upbeat and recognizable….
Ready to Go – Republica
Song 2 – Blur
Live Out Loud – Steven Curtis Chapman
Anything by Aretha Franklin-hello!
Have you heard “Best Days” by Graham Colton? It’s really good (maybe a little cheesy), and popular with a lot of people my age. Our senior t-shirt had a quote from this song. (Graduated this year so it’s current)
Personally, I believe you can never go wrong with Jack Johnson or Dave Matthews (no matter what web guy [46] thinks!) And whoever said high-schoolers might not remember Journey— No. Big no! Journey will always be awesome!
Please no Natasha Bedingfield. Please.
Try some Ben Folds maybe. My favorite is Annie Waits, but that may be a little too depressing. Maybe “Learn to Live With What You Are”? It’s between slow and upbeat though so I don’t know if that’s really what you want. You can hear the whole song on youtube, but the video is pretty weird, so pay no attention to that
Don’t know if I’ve helped in any way, but I tried! Good luck
“Send Me on My Way”-Rusted Root. Title makes it sound sad, but it is a great song-upbeat, gets into your head. Just give it a listen.
We played “unwritten” for my niece’s Bat Mitzvah and all the girls sang along.
Beautiful Day – U2
These are Days – 10,000 Maniacs
It’s not my time – 3 Doors Down (for something more current)
Just Fine – Mary J. Blige
For those country lovers – -
Mountains – Lonestar
[...] of all…thanks to everyone who has contributed to my song dilemma. I appreciate your insight and have narrowed it down to about four or five choices. Once I [...]
I’m sure I’m totally late for this discussion but You’re My Best Friend by Queen is awesome. If the kids don’t know it then they need to learn it. My best friend used iit n her rehearsal dinner slideshow and it was great with all the pictures of the bride and groom’s friends throughout their childhood and young adult years. It was about 18 years ago but the song is timeless!