SkimIt
Artist(s): Calvin Harris, Ne-Yo
Genre: Pop
Label: Ultra
Release Date: 07/03/2012
Edited Version Available: Yes
Parental Advisory: No
Other Choices: "Good Time" (CD Single), "Celebrate" (CD Single), "Too Close" (CD Single)
Common Sense Says: Throbbing club beat about taking action has sexy video.
Common Sense Rates It:
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that "Let's Go" is a thumpy club track that's OK for older tweens and teens, but is slightly suggestive. It's about letting go and diving in headfirst. There's no direct sexual or drug-related language, but the invitation is clear: Let's go ... (fill in the blank). Perhaps go somewhere to do something without considering rules or consequence: "Let's go, let's make it happen, let's make it happen tonight."
- Families can talk about impulse. What does it mean to act impulsively, and what are the consequences of doing so? How does it feel to be impulsive or spontaneous?
- Can we act impulsively and still act responsibly? Can being impulsive or spontaneous inspire us, unleash creative energy, or let us blow off some steam? If so, how?
- Why do you think this song was chosen to be featured in a Pepsi commercial? Do you like to hear popular music in ads, or do you think it means the artist sold out? What does an artist gain by being associated with a brand? What does the brand gain through its association with a popular musician?
What's the story?
Scottish DJ/singer/producer Calvin Harris (creator of Rihanna's hit "We Found Love") collaborates with American R&B singer/producer Ne-Yo on this dance hit. LET'S GO is the third single from Calvin's third album. The accompanying video shows young couples from Rio de Janeiro, L.A., and Tokyo on the go with ample flirting, sexy dancing, and some bare skin (especially toward the end of the video). The song is also the soundtrack for Pepsi's "Kick in the Mix" TV commercial featuring FIFA football stars.
Is it any good?
Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo blend throbbing dance grooves with repetitive, slightly provocative lyrics. There's nothing original about "Let's Go," including the instrumental breaks that unleash an onslaught of robotic drum loops. Still, the track can be an inspiration to get up, get going, and snap out of the humdrum of everyday life.
The Good Stuff
Messages: The lyrics and pulsing dance beat send a message of urgent action, likely without considering consequence: "Let's go, make no excuses now, your time is running out, I'm talking here and now."
Role Models: Slightly suggestive lyrics about impulse without regard for rules or consequence: "It's not about what you've done, it's about what you're doing; It's all about where you're going, no matter where you've been."
What to watch out for
Violence Not an issue
Sex: Lyrics make you wonder where listeners will go and what they will do when they get there; video shows flirting, sexy dancing, and some bare skin.
Language: Not an issue
Consumerism: None referenced in the song, but "Let's Go" is the soundtrack for a popular Pepsi commercial featuring FIFA football stars; Pepsi products are placed throughout the song's video.
Drinking, drugs & smoking: Not an issue
