“all I want is some of what you’re making” (Taken with instagram)
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I heard One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” for the first time last night. Yes, a little late. It’s clear why the song has become such a hit with younger listeners, especially girls. Aside from having upbeat tunes, melodies and chords, the song’s message captures the zeitgeist of young girls.
A group of young (but not too old) boys are telling them that they are beautiful and attractive, the object of their desire. At a time when some girls are posting videos on YouTube asking strangers if they are beautiful, this song provides that sort of validation.
It’s better than what other popular singers have been doing. Taylor Swift, who is a good songwriter and musician, often sings about her personal woes. To relate to something like “Love Story” one would need to understand similar heartbreak and fairy tale-like romance. I don’t know many tweens who could relate.
Many have, however, delved into self-hate or questioned their self-worth, a question that is seemingly heightened by social media. Self-concious youth are no longer compared to the others in one’s school or town, movies, TV shows, magazines. Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest, Instagram, and, yes, Tumblr, have expanded our world view. Teens see teens in other schools and towns, not just the classmates or teens in magazines or tv shows.
The song is asexual and not very specific. These guys could be talking to you, 13 year old American girl in Columbus, Ohio. I couldn’t say that about the boy bands of my youth, Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync.
All this makes a song like “What Makes You Beautiful” more poignant and validating.
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Construction at Eli Broad’s museum is going well. (Taken with Instagram at The Broad Museum)
