The Newest Songs and What They Mean

Your yearly online subscription gives you a powerful teaching and discussion tool. The main feature of Top Music Countdown is the Top 25 Review, written by Anna Scally and Aaron Jahn. This monthly report features 25 of the top songs on the charts. For each song, we describe the issues and values presented in the song, along with related discussion questions and activities to incorporate into your teen conversations, classes, meetings, retreats, or other youth-related activities. We also identify the values in each song as positive, negative, and neutral, and identify great songs for discussion, prayer, or dance. Imagine using the music that young people listen to as a tool to spark positive dialogue and action!

Along with the Top 25 Review, each online issue of Top Music Countdown comes with valuable articles that keep you up-to-date with youth culture and give you creative and effective ways to incorporate elements of their music and culture into your program. These articles are written by a diverse group of outstanding columnists. The articles include:

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Aaron Del Monte

Song reviews for one positive and one negative song on the charts, along with a description of issues and a complete meeting design for each song.

In the Classroom by Br. Len Rhoades, FSC

Music can be a powerful teaching tool. This article provides you with processes and reflections to help you use music effectively in the classroom.

Youth and Media by Butch Ekstrom

The newest trends in videos, the Internet, television and other multimedia that affect our young people.

Scripture Themes and Popular Music by Jerry Finn

We bring Bible stories to today's teens by weaving their music into these ancient stories. This article presents one Scripture theme accompanied by excerpts from three current songs.

Tuned-In Parents by Pat Sprankle

Parents, are you looking for a way to connect with your teen? We give you some practical ideas using popular music and other youth-related media to help you communicate meaningfully with one another.

Prayer with Popular Music by Tom Tomaszek and Leroy Orie

Popular music is a powerful tool that can be used to help young people pray more effectively. This article contains complete processes you can use to help prayer come alive for your teens.

Movie Reviews by Mike Sharbel

What's playing at the theaters? Find out from a seasoned teacher and youth minister. You'll learn about some of today's biggest motion pictures, plus some ways to incorporate the themes from these movies into your next class or meeting.

At the Movies: A Teen's Perspective by Tim Prevou

Our second movie review column is written by a teen. Discover the reactions, thoughts and questions of this teen as he watches some of today's biggest box office hits.

Life on the Road by Anna Scally

The president of Cornerstone Media recounts her experiences as she travels throughout the U.S., Canada and beyond working with teens at retreats, workshops, youth rallies and more!

Whether you are a parent, director, teacher or youth minister, Top Music Countdown will:

Keep you up-to-date on today's music and other elements of youth culture. Bring you in contact with the sounds and concerns of today's young people. Help you plan great discussions, meetings and activities for teenagers. Give you effective ways to incorporate youth culture into your program or family life so you can really connect with your young people.

After signing up for Top Music Countdown, you will receive an e-mail within 2 business days from Cornerstone Media containing your personal username and password to begin enjoying your online subscription right away.