Our house is rarely silent. A family of four (soon-to-be five) can make a lot of noise. Regardless, we encourage our sons to listen to music, create their personal tastes, and even dance should they choose.
From birth, we played music almost constantly. Bonecrusher* still falls asleep when listening to Queen, especially Bohemian Rhapsody. Spider-Man* likes to have Sarah MacLachlan or Norah Jones playing when he’s trying to sleep.
We have two smart speakers that each boy has already learned to ask to play this song or that one. Sometimes, they find a song they love and just have Alexa play it on a loop…much to my chagrin.
Discerning musical tastes…well, sometimes.
Spider-Man and Bonecrusher even have their own private Amazon Music playlist. It’s quite extensive, and it has surprised me what they have wanted to add to it even at their young age. They have shown remarkable discrimination at times (Kansas, Jack Johnson, Imagine Dragons, and so on) while demonstrating their age at others (Horse Racing Farts, anyone?).
If you could only pick one song right now, what would it be?
I thought it may be interesting to have them pick songs that they thought it would be important to share with others. I asked them if they could pick just one song right now, one they would want other people to listen to at this moment, what would it be?
Honestly, I was a little surprised by their response. What? No Parry Gripp or Kidz Bop? At least not this time.
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
This song has been a frequent listen the last month or so. Ever since the boys heard Harley Quinn listening to it on the DC Lego videogame, they have played it over and over. Spider-Man has said that it makes him feel happy while Bonecrusher thinks it is a great song for dancing. (Of course, Bonecrusher can dance to just about any tune.) This Pat Benatar song is very catchy…but it can lose some luster after the third or fourth playing on a loop.
“Hulk Smash” by NerdOut!
This song has been a staple for some time. Given their love of superheroes, it is not surprising. Somehow, Spider-Man can even fall asleep to it. If you haven’t heard this song, you should give it a listen, especially if you have little ones who like superheroes (or if you’re a fan yourself).
So, what does ol’ Dad recommend listening to today?
“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna
This song is haunting, gripping, and still makes me pause every time I hear it. Regardless of how you feel about Wakanda Forever, which we loved as an FYI, this song is moving.
You can check out our ongoing Midlife Fatherhood Amazon Music playlist. We’ll be adding music to it as the boys help curate it.
*Their names have been changed to protect the innocent (or not-so-innocent at times). This is what happens whenever you let little boys decide on nicknames.
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