For this issue of The Panther Press, the editorial staff would like to focus on the many ways that people have made a positive impact on the world throughout history. In our humble opinions, music is one of the ways that people have been able to reach one another with positive, inspiring and important messages. Many of those songs that have made a positive change in the past are still being celebrated, enjoyed, and employed as agents of continuing change today.
Here they are: student picks for songs that have made a positive change....
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
Reviewed by Catalina Montalvo The message of the song is if you want to change the world or anything you would have to start with yourself, hence the title. Another message can be if you want something you have to work for it.This song was so effective because the lyrics were very powerful. The message of the song fit because everyone can use some uplifting especially during these times.This song was so effective because the lyrics were very powerful. The message of the song fit because everyone can use some uplifting especially during these times.
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Reviewed by Dana Kiefer If one of my friends were insecure about themselves, I would definitely recommend this song to them. I would tell them that It is a really powerful song and it is emotional. Also, I would say that the song helped many people who were insecure and had the same problem as my friend. If my friend wasn't insecure and she was really confident with herself, I would still tell her to listen to the song because a lot of people are struggling with their personality and whenever she might be insecure, she can listen to it.The song discusses inner beauty, as well as self-esteem and insecurity issues. Many people have trouble with their identity and confidence. This song made the world change because a lot of critics enjoyed it and took it to heart. It made them think about who they really are and they can be comfortable and confident. The song also became the "anthem" for LGBT community.Beautiful received acclaim from music critics, who have ranked it Aguilera's strongest material. It won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2004 ceremony. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it was certified Gold for 500,000 units shipped. Overall, I love this song, and I love how it stands up for all the issues of the world. The music video is extremely clever, and although subtle it creates this huge effect that's still being talked about today. I sometimes feel a bit insecure about myself so when I first heard this song, it was amazing. This song should be celebrated as a positive change song because of the lyrics. They are extremely powerful. I also have heard it in our school assemblies. I really do recommend this song to people who are unsure of who they are and the people who don't feel good about themselves. I give the song a 9/10.
One Call Away by Charlie Puth
Reviewed by Emily Colantuoni It is a song that hits deep down in your heart. It makes you feel like you want to cry sometimes and some people do. This makes you want to call your BFF and tell them that you are so grateful for them. This song is so special. It was so popular because of the effect that it had on people. It was a good for the time period and made people become closer. This is a great song so make your day happier and to be with your friends. This will make you feel kind of sad and want to hang out with your best friend(s).
Happy by Pharrell
Reviewed by Aiden Trocchia I think the song happy made a big change in the world!The song would cheer anyone up no matter where they were at!overall I think this song should come back and make everyone happy.
Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
by Logan Coleridge I think this song should be celebrated with the power to make a real powerful positive change because it has a really good message. I think this because even the title has a good message “Don’t Worry be Happy.” It also has a calm, relaxing tone to it. I also find this song kind of catchy. Because of all this, it hit #1 on the US Hot 100. This is also why I think it has the power to make a real positive change.
We Are the World by U.S.A for Africa
Reviewed by Vincent Riccoboni I think that this song is really powerful and made a positive change. I think this because it was made to feed the starving kids in Africa. They sold about 20 million copies which was crazy and really helpful to the kids in need. The song was also featured on a coca cola commercial. Coca Cola is a really big company and when this came out, more copies were sold which just made it so much better. Having a bunch of the big singers sing in that song just made it more popular whether you like the song or not, it was in my opinion powerful and made a really positive change. One more interesting fact is that they made a winter version for the same cause by the same people. It was one incredible year.