SkimIt
Artist(s): Cher Lloyd
Genre: Pop
Label: Syco Music
Release Date: 06/22/2012
Edited Version Available: Yes
Parental Advisory: No
Other Choices: "Wild Ones" (CD Single), "Payphone" (CD Single), "Beauty and a Beat" (CD Single)
Common Sense Says: Catchy pop track is fun but has a revenge theme.
Common Sense Rates It:
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that Brit Cher Lloyd sings about regret in her single "Want U Back." The former X Factor finalist uses clean language (the word "s--t" is implied but not actually stated), but the content is a little vengeful and negative because she only wants her ex back because he's happy without her, not because she actually loves him. It's all playful and sassy, but not the best message for young tweens. The video shows Lloyd getting back at her ex with his new girl by messing with images of them on an iPad.
- Families can talk about the rise to stardom that comes from participation on reality shows like The X Factor. Do you think these artists deserve the breaks they get? Considering the fact that many reality competition winners aren't always successful, do you think these shows find real talent? Or is it just a quick way to 15 minutes of fame?
- Do you like when singers features guest rappers in their songs, as Lloyd does here? Why do you think pop singers feel the need to include a rapper? Does it make the song more marketable to a wider audience?
- How do you feel about the song's message? Is revenge ever OK?
What's the story?
Sassy Brit and former finalist on the reality competition show The X Factor Cher Lloyd sings about regret in the funky pop single "WANT U BACK," featuring young rapper Astro. The song is about a girl who realizes she's made a mistake only because her ex isn't crying over her, so she wants him back. The video features the tattooed, coquettish, and angel-faced Lloyd playfully acting out revenge on images of her ex with his new girl.
Is it any good?
Although the message of "Want U Back" isn't the most positive (Lloyd only wants her ex back when she realizes he's not crying over her), taken for what it is, the song's fun and one that many people can relate to, whether they admit it or not. Who doesn't want their ex to be devastated over a breakup? Lloyd is establishing a perky, no-nonsense style that suits her, and "Want U Back" leaves you wanting a little more of her spunk and cuteness.
The Good Stuff
Messages: Not the greatest message: The singer realizes she's made a mistake only because her ex isn't crying over her, so she wants him back.
Role Models: Lloyd certainly has a spunky style that is unique and shows her strong spirit, so for that she could be a positive role model. But the message of this song, paired with her slightly vengeful attitude, isn't.
What to watch out for
Violence Video shows a playful Lloyd getting back at her happier-without-her ex with his new girl by messing with images of them on an iPad; one scene shows Lloyd taking a tattoo needle and scribbling hard on the girl's arm to mess it up.
Sex: Not an issue
Language: Lyrics imply that Lloyd is saying "s--t" but it's actually just her saying "shhh" each time: "Now I feel like shhh lookin' at you flyin', I want you back."
Consumerism: Lloyd was a finalist on The X Factor, and was handpicked by Simon Cowell to be signed to his record label.
Drinking, drugs & smoking: Not an issue
