5 things I hate about the Jonas Brothers
Before you freak out, understand this: I like the Jonas Brothers. In fact, I love the guys. I love that a group that admits openly that they're Christians has gained such popularity, and given pre-teen music fans clean music and...
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It's Disney. This is what Disney does: whatever it takes to maximize profits. I don't think I've ever even heard a Jonas Bros song (despite being in Disney World for a whole week this year!) but I certainly do hope they manage to rise above the burning-the-candle-at-both-ends teen-stardom phase and maintain their faith as a centring feature of their lives.
I am a HUGE fan of the Jonas Brothers, and I hate to admit it, but all five points in your artical are correct. At times, I feel very sorry for them because they don't have the chance to be a teenager. They are just seen as money-making machines by Disney, and sooner or later, Disney will spit them out in the real world and they won't know what to do. They rarely get the chance to hang out with their friends, unless of course they are Disney friends, and live a normal life. I cannot fathom living a life where you are being watched by the world every single minute, and yet, still have time to praise God. I think they need a break for a couple of months to just relax and enjoy what they have already accomplished. Give them a break Disney!!!
I have to agree with that.
They are part of the 'Disney Machine'. It can definitely get you to the top, get you noticed, and sell records and merchandise.
It also means you get packaged and presented the exact same way as any of the rest of their stable of performers.
There's probably a reason why most of their performers make a ton of money while they are with Disney, and appealing to the teen/tween audience, and only a very scant handful manage to make the transition, and even fewer of those do so while remaining even vaguely normal.
So, they need to be careful, enjoy what they can of the ride while it lasts, be sensible with their money, and hope that they can transition to adult performers if singing is what they want to do, and not just what they want to do /now/. And try to remember (the hardest thing of all) that this is NOT the real world, that fame isn't the same as love and friendship, and to try to have as much of a normal life as possible.
yo f*ck you who ever put this sh*t here
THE JONAS BROTHERS ARE HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Yes, I just wish everyone had the same sympathetic attitude and stance for poor Miley Cyrus - also an innocent victim of the machine and society. Now there's a girl who is going through a hard time right now, and in my opinion, unjustly. She has a good heart. I think all these young celebrities need our prayers instead of our criticism and constant judgment.
Gina, I TOTALLY agree with you. I really feel for Miley Cyrus. Thanks for reminding us to keep her in prayer, too!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
I totally agree with this article. I have a 14-year old that loves the Jonas Brothers, but she's not as obsessed as some of the fans that I've seen. She knows that her chances of meeting the brothers are nil at the moment and she too is getting a bit fed up with all the JB hoopla. I think the JB are great guys, but there's too much of them -- they're everywhere! I truly hope that the Jonas Brothers' parents slowly apply the brakes on this train ride. I also would hate to see them going down the wrong path.
Well, I've been watching the 'That's Entertainment' shows, and what Disney is reminding me of, more and more, is the old MGM studio system.
Where they practically 'owned' artists, micromanaged EVERYTHING about their careers, in return for security and success.
really and trully i think the picture of them on the rolling stones mag HOT!!!
re the comment: "the picture of them on the rolling stones mag HOT!!! "
Noemi, thanks for making my point, LOL!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
I believe this article completely! They are everywhere, and they only have so much time!!! If I was famous, I would hate having all of my private life revealed like it was written in the sky! They can't even go golfing without having a paparazi folloing them and writing thousands of articles on it! They are at the top of everything right now, but they are slowly going down. I personally love them, but I wish people would give them a break!!! They do need to have time for their beliefs, and with their schedule, I don't think that's possible!
Hannah
shut up your gay there the best and very hott and who cares if there RICH they go to chariteys or however u spell it and nick owns one for diabetes so there helping out with how rich they are and plus there moneys going to help the world become a better place, so they deserve there money because there very talented, so u should no ur facts before you fricken right this
thats exactly what i think!!! they need to slow down with their fame a little bit, cause then in a few moths or a year they are going to be in so many places that they are going to end up making everyone sick and tired of watching them.. anyone either musician or actor just cant overexpose him/herself, cause it might cause for the people to just stop watching them and also not to be taken seriously on the business and taken just as nothing more than the "pop band of the moment", those guys are talented, and i feel really sad too for many things tht are happening with them right now proffessionaly. But i still love them and i always will, even if they changed a little, nobody can take their talent out.
I totally agree.
I have never had much tolerance for kiddy pop like Hanson, Hannah Montanah, High School Musical or The Jonas Brothers, so I see this whole issue from a darker slant already. However, I feel that The Jonas Brothers , while reserving at least a modicum of decency and the baseline of their faith, have taken an already hyper-commercial genre to a new level of kitsch. It's bad enough the lyrics reek of platitudes and hollow emotional statements, and the music is a collection of empty power chords and sympathetic tonal structures meant to evoke a purely emotional response regardless of any actual meaning in the songs, but to subsist mainly due to the swooning of prepubescent teenage girls is a little over the top to me.
I realize this is not the fault of the actual guys, and being a manufactured band they have very little control, but there must be a point where conscience and better judgement kick in and place more value on your personal witness and the appearance you set before your audience than on another breakfast cereal commercial or tour contract. To perpetuate this brand is to devalue the genre as a whole and the actual talent of the Jonas brothers.
All that being said, despite my position as an ardent opponent of kiddy pop, I do feel that The Jonas Brothers have a chance to be a relevant musical influence if they are allowed to grow and improve naturally. If they are, I wouldn't be surprised to see them 5 years down the line something like the next Switchfoot.
I know I'll be praying for them, and hopefully the message and the music will take precedence over the bright lights and contracts.
Well said Joanne.
W.E YA ARE JUST HATEIN ON THEM.....AND YOU ONLY SAY THAT BECAUSE YA KNOW YA WILL NEVA BE AS FAMOUSE AS THEM SOOO POP OFF AND LEAVE THEM ALONE....I THINK THE DO REALLY GOOD AND THEY SHOULD KEEP DOING WHAT THEY DOING BECAUSE THATS WHY THERE FAMOUSE AND YA NOT.....
Good thoughts, Wes! (This really is Wes, right? ;)
You know what's funny - I can't believe I'm admitting this out loud - their new album has some catchy pop songs! I found myself singing along, and I even replayed one a couple of times while I was driving around yesterday. Shhh, don't tell anyone, LOL.
I just know that this industry will eat them up and then spit them out the minute they stop bringing in the bucks or the next hot thing comes along. That makes me sad.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
You know what, Yarritza? I wouldn't want fame, especially that kind of fame. You don't have a clue what it's like to "be as famouse as them."
You have no control over your life. Some of these artists aren't even allowed to cut their hair the way they want to unless the label approves it. And to have people following you around 24/7 to snap a pic of you at your worst, liking you for who they think you are based only on what they read in teen celeb magazines (most of which is either lightly exaggerated or an outright lie)? To be pushed and pulled in a hundred different directions with everyone wanting a piece of you, just because you can make them some money? No thanks.
Besides, whoever said I wanted to be famous? The only thing I care about is that God knows my name.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
OMG! U r soooo lame. U r just a jonas hater. I know they are christian and they are really cool boys. And shesh Joe is hot and so is Nick. Van't you give the guys a break. Thier fame just started. Like 4 years ago, nobody knew who they were, and now is when thier fame is starting. Stop judging people for what you see on the outside. Because nobody but them, no the real them. So just shut ur dumb mouth up, and give them a chance. And i know i may be 11, but i can stick up 4 the jonas brothers, cuz i love them
ummm ... Melody ... I AM sticking up for them, because I'm concerned about what the industry is doing to them ... maybe you didn't read (or understand) the whole post?
And being "hot" should be really high on their spiritual priority list, right? Thanks, again, for making my point.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
"BUT HONESTLY? HAVENT WE HAD ENOUGH OF THE JOBROS BY NOW?"
WAT THE HECK?,,,,.......NO WE HAVENT HAD ENOUGH OF THE JONAS BROTHERS
WE WANT MORE......THEY ROCK.!!!
AND BEFORE YOU WROTE DOWN THE 5 [STUPID] THINGS YOU DIDNT LIKE ABOUT THE JONAS BROTHERS YOU SAID YOU LIKED THEM A LOT...[WATEVER]
...YOU NEED TO GIVE THEM RESPECT.
AND ALSO I DIDNT GET TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE [CUZ IT WAS TOO LONG]
BUT YOU SAID SUMTHING ABOUT....HOW THEY DONT USE THERE MUSIC TO GLORIFY THE LORD.........HONESTLY IM A CHRISTIAN [ALSO A PASTORS DAUGHTER] BUT IF YOU LISTEN TO THERE MUSIC,! THERE WRIGHTING DOWN WAT THERE GOIN THROUGH OR WAT HAD HAPPEN IN THERE LIFE. THERES NO BAD THINGS IN THERE SONGS......AND THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
YOU SHOULD HAVE WROTE THE 5 THINGS YOU LIKED ABOUT THE JONAS BROTHERS!
>>.AND ALSO I DIDNT GET TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE [CUZ IT WAS TOO LONG] BUT YOU SAID SUMTHING ABOUT....HOW THEY DONT USE THERE MUSIC TO GLORIFY THE LORD
Hey, Abbylicious,
CLEARLY you didn't read the whole thing, because that's NOT what I said. In fact, it's the exact opposite. So go read the article and then come back and rant.
And sorry it's so long. Can't write the whole thing in emoticons, you know.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
I appreciate you e-mailling me at Jonas Fever about this, but for your own safety (haha, I'm not even kidding) I won't post it on the website. Most of my visitors are young girls who really can't take critism on "their boys" and I'm pretty sure all the feedback you would get back from them would be negative.
But I must say, I very much agree with this! I've been a fan of these guys since they first started out so I've seen them grow and hit stardom very quickly.
For #2- I think the guys were maybe extremely exhausted or something when they performed on SYTYCD because I have to agree, it was not their best performance.
I know Nick is a great singer, especially because of what you had mentioned, he was in Broadway. But lately his singing hasn't really been on key and maybe should practice his vocals more with a professional vocalist. I know he has potential and taking some tips from a professional shouldn't be beneath him, it would help him.
#3- I couldn't agree more! Their schedule is so jam packed they barely have time to think! Back in February, I was scheduled to interview them but because I was a mere 10 minutes late, the interview was rescheduled. They have so much going on all the time that I think it would be best for them to take a small break.
I know they want to get out there and do as much as they can, but they have a very strong fanbase, and if they stop for a little bit just to relax, we'll still be here!
Their days only revolve around commercial things, that I agree, they don't have time for any spiritual growth.
But I highly respect that they tour with their family and that their little brother is with them. I think that is what keeps them most grounded and humble. I doubt they'll ever end up like Britney.
#4- For Camp Rock, getting all three Jonas Brothers to do the movie was brilliant marketing. It brought people to watch the movie and it brought more fans to the Jonas Brothers. I think the reason they didn't want only Joe to do it is because the Jonas Brothers always try to keep it so that there is not one brother more in the spotlight than the other (if I put that correctly). They don't want the Jonas Brothers to be Joe and his back-up brothers.
#5- I'm also a bit confused by that. They're protrayed as sex symbols by the teen girls, yet they wear purity rings. Contradicting each other a bit, hm?
I completely respect (being a Christian myself) the fact that all three believe in abstinence till marriage but of course being in the media and being young men (who are, no denying, gorgeous) they will be seen as teen heart throbs no matter how clean they are.
None of their songs are provacotive, nor are their music videos. They're on Disney channel for crying out loud! But of course all the teen girls are still gaga over them ("OMG THE JONAS BROTHERS ARE SO HOT").
Of course you can't blame the Jonas Brothers themselves. They're just doing what they love to do and trying to get their music out to as many people as they can.
But I really hope they slow down a bit. It's like when you hear a song on the radio. It is played over and over and over that you just get sick of hearing it.
I hope they sort of break away from Disney Channel a bit and maybe be seen as serious musicians.
And that's so funny, my mom's favourite song from the cd is BB Good! But I'm no preteen xP
I agree with the whole idea about Disney "owning" (for say) their actors. Take Vanessa from High School Musical. Those irrotic pictures of herself to Zac probably got her fired. This will be her last movie, or it wont be her in the movie at all. And they are 20 and over. Disney has actors who are well over the age are act out to be years younger than they are, and want them to apear in the tabloids that way too. They control their actors far too much, pulling the leesh tighter and tighter.
On a different note, I find the picture on the cover of Rolling Stones incredibly attractive, but I'm also 17. I'm not a JB crazed pre-teen who acts far older than she should be, thinking of things I really dont want to know about. I attended their "Burnin' up" concert this past Friday, and when Joe took off his jacket, thousands of girls, 12 and under went wild. They really shouldn't be thinking this way at this age. Went I think of a child I think of innocent, seeing the world as a harmless place and not over analyzing everything, But now I here my 7 year old cousin and her friends talking about guys as if they we're 17. It's appaling.
Also, the idea of the purity ring that they wear amazes me. These are guys who are idolized by millions of girls and women yet they have "promise rings". I'm Catholic, so the whole "stay-a-virgin" thing isnt new to me, but with the generation I grew up with, and continue to grow with, being a virgin doesnt mean anything. Sex without love is just sex. Although I prefer to stay away from the opposite sex because I have seen far too many of my friends get hurt, I see it this way as well. I'm finding it hard to find my faith again due to some traumatic experiences I have had, I dont want to fathom how they will continue wearing those rings honestly.
And "love" is being used far too loosly, Melody, you're 11, you shouldnt know what love is. I dont know what love is and I'll be 18 soon. Enjoy your childhood while you can.
Hi Jess! I admit, I'm highly amused by the comments I'm getting, LOL. I expected hate mail ... but wow, you put your life in your hands if you come between an 11 year old and her JoBros!
I really do like the guys but I hate the industry hoopla, and honestly, as a mom, my heart aches for these artists, from Jonas Brothers to Britney Spears.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
PS not gonna lie - I dig the track, "Lovebug"!
i agree about the whole marketing thing, i think they need a break, and they are being used to make money, and not to just do what they love.
but one thing i dont get is what you said about their "pure image"
so they kiss girls, does that make them not pure?? umm no that makes them NORMAL.
I agree with you. I am a parent.
I do think their music is a breath of fresh air, and I have no problem that my daughter thinks they are "hot." By saying "hot", it doesnt mean she thinks they are sexy. Its a term that means, cute, goodlooking. I think most adults think that "hot" means wanting to jump in the sack. I really think most of these young girls do not feel that way.
I was a Donny Osmond fan too. And I was head over heels in love with him. But it wasnt a sexual thing, I never thought about what it would be like to go to bed with him.
I think the Jonas Brothers are following in the Osmonds tracks. Especially with the older girls. They find the Jonas Brothers square and nerdy.
I predict their following will continue to be young girls. and over time, maybe the Jonas boys will try and change their image, just as Britney did. Oh I hope not. There is nothing wrong with a wholesome image. And look at Donny Osmond now, compared to all the rockers he was up against during his prime. How many of those rockers are still around???
So give me squeeky clean, bubble gum pop, gooey songs. It is very refreshing in todays world.
I do hope their parents have reliable, honest bookkeepers, and managers. And I hope they slow the gravy train down, so the boys dont get burned out. After all, they are only children themselves.
>>so they kiss girls, does that make them not pure
Oh, no, that's not what I mean at all. I just meant that the magazines really exploit their being "hot" and talk a lot about them kissing and dating, without any real indepth discussion about what purity means. (Purity, by the way, isn't just sexual purity, but really being pure in mind and spirit. But that's a whole other discussion.) I think that without some balance it all has the danger to send a wrong message - that lusting while wearing a purity ring is OK.
Just a thought.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
They don't talk about their purity rings a lot anymore because of how much media attention followed. They really aren't asking for the attention. Now when people ask them they say 'It's a personal decision that should be kept personal', which i think is great. Nick always says in magazines that one of his most prized possessions is his bible. I think they'll always have a strong relationship with God- it's the way they've been raised. I don't think their parents would ever let them forget where they came from. I also don't think the teen magazines ask too many questions about the purity, because they might not want to press it on them or the public. You also have to remember that 'sex sells'. It's always going to be that way, no matter how pure the celebrity is. People buy, so the media keeps putting it out there. They can't help it that they're gorgeous :). I agree, they do need a break, and i'm hoping they'll get one soon. They totally deserve it. All in all, we have to remember that they're still young, and they have a lot of growing to do. But for now, they're doing their best. And their best is more than good enough for me.
Wow this is all so true. I am honestly their biggest fan and it hurt so read such comments on them but they are true. While reading this, I had to remind myself that these were comments on the JoBros commercial empire, not them. I look up to them greatly because they share thier faith and are not afraid to stand for what they believe. I am an 18 years old teenage girl who has made the same promise they have. To stay pure until marriage. I have never dated, held hands, kissed, or anything. I have chosen to wait until I am with the right guy to give any of my heart away. But I made that promise to myself, my future husband, and my loving Father, Jesus Christ, almost 6 years ago, unlike many JoBro fans who are buying a ring and wearing it because Kevin, Joe, and Nick do. I wear my True Love Waits ring on my wedding ring finger every single day as a reminder to stay pure. I became a Jonas Brother fan early on in their career, before the fans found out they were Christians who had made a promise to stay pure until marriage. I have only grown stronger as a Jonas Brothers fan knowing they are living life with the same morals and values that I am. But its amzazing knowing they live every single day with millions of girls who would be more than willing to be their girl, yet they remain pure. They are great guys with an abundance of talent. I am thankful that their are three guys like that in this world. =D
Wow Joanne. . .
You really took a whack at a hornets nest!
That's one thing I like about reading your blog - you never hesitate to give an unpopular opinion and solidly stand behind it. . . muchos kudos
Thanks for keeping it real
If a swarm of crazed Jonas Brothers fans comes after you, give me a call. . .I got your back. . . I own a Barry Manilow CD. . . that should hold them back long enough for you to escape
- Wes
LOL, thanks, Wes! If I get "famouse" I might need my own bodyguard! Apparently you risk life and limb when you mess with 12 year olds and their teen idols ...
By the way, you guys sounded great at KB!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
Thanks! KB was awesome. . . and you can call TDP by the wrong name any time. . . we won't mind. . . Billy might grab your notebook and draw a cartoon though
12 year olds are vicious. . . hopefully in a few years they'll realize that being famouse is highly overrated
just don't mess with Spongebob or the Superfriends. . . that's where I draw the line. . . they make my saturday mornings perfect :-)
Just a note :
For the Rolling stones add, the photographer wanted a "brotherly" feeling to it, she wanted the angle to be of teenage guys, band of brothers if I may. It's just like those Miley Cyrus photos... it was supposed to look innocent, beautiful, but peopel to the picture of her bare back dress the wrong way. So the cover isnt meant to be a seductive sexy picture.. it jsut ended up being thei best one... and only Joe looks like he's trying to be sexy there.... Nick and Kevin look like normal people.
I'm proud to say that I'm a Jonas Brothers fan, and while I do agree with some of the points made, I do feel that the emphasis on their not seeming particularly devoted to their faith is irrelevant. They are not in a Christian band - they are simply Christian boys in a band. Religion is a personal thing, and they choose to keep it private, which I respect them for. Too many artists try to sell themselves with their faith. They dislike talking about their purity rings because that's not what their career is built upon - it's built on their music.
I don't really understand how you can like the Jonas Brothers yet dislike their music, which you evidently seem to do... Are you saying you like them as people rather than as musicians?
P.S. I found the Rolling Stones cover very attractive indeed.
They've been questioned about their purity rings and such many times. But they usually say very little or sometimes even switch the topic because they don't want to talk about it. I think it's something they have and definitley believe in, but remember: it is something personal, and I think that's why they may not want to talk about it a lot. Sure, they talk about their music and movies, but personal things they don't get as into detail. They did share what age their first kiss was at, but that's it. No details or anything. I think it's perfectly fine that they choose not to go into detail in their personal life. Everyone needs some privacy, and I'm sure it gets tough when you're the Jonas Brothers.
ok i watched this video of the rolling stones shoot ok
the all had to jump up and the the photographer would take their pic.
they werent trying to be sexy and im sure they took alot of pics that werent like that but they just used one that did.
so yeah look thats y they looked wierd. they werent trying to look sexy its just a bit hard to look sweet and pure when ur jumping.
and anyway i though the point of purity rings was to not have sex before marrige. wats that got to do with kissing or talking about your first kiss in a magazine?
>>not seeming particularly devoted to their faith
Emily,
I never said they weren't devoted to their faith. What I said was that their schedule is ridiculous and leaves little time for personal spiritual growth, which could be a danger down the road because without a strong foundation the music industry can destroy even the most stable star. Being a Christian means developing a strong relationship with God - praying, reading the Bible, studying the Bible, getting together with other Christians, worship time. Most high school students would complain they don't have enough time to do those things with a normal American lifestyle. Imagine if 99% of your day was scheduled for you by a record label, publicists, booking agents and other industry folks.
And I also never said they were a Christian band or should use the stage to sing Jesus songs. Just the opposite.
Yes, I like them as people, and I don't hate their music. But one song once in a while is enough for me! Can't do a whole CD at one time, LOL.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
Anonymous - You bring up a great point - that when you are a celebrity, you often don't have any control over what the media say about you or what photos they print of you. I would hate that. I don't know how celebrities deal with it on a daily basis ...
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
The purpose of a purity ring does bring pre-marital abstinance to mind first and foremost. My 15 yr old daughter recently asked for one and I'm very proud of her committment. As I explained to her before she took her purity vow, the ring is symbolic of your vow to God to remain pure. Not just sexual abstinance, but ALL abstinance. Jesus said that it is what is inside a person that defiles him, not what he takes inside. So if we are thinking lustful thoughts, we are impure despite wearing the ring, so watching what we say is important. And since impure thoughts can be invoked by what we watch, hear and read, these things need to be monitored as well.
I highly commend anyone who takes a vow of purity. I wish I had when I was young. It takes a great deal of maturity (spiritually and naturally) to understand and willing discipline oneself in such a manner. And to those parents who have children, teens or young adults who've taken the vow ... kudos to you; you've done a good job.
Just because you're a Christian and have a purity ring doesn't mean you can't have a first kiss. Like alot of other magazines, Rolling Stones poses you. I see what you are saying about them becoming Britney's, but not everyone ends up like her. I believe they are very well grounded with amazing parents who are raising boys who are simply 'living their dream'. Congrats on being money machines! They have lots of talent! But i think everyone should remember they are growing boys with changing voices. Every boy goes through that.
Your article was pretty good especially talking about them working to hard, selling too much stuff, and being seen only as The Jonas Brothers and not as individuals. But the Christian aspects of the article were quite annoying. I am a Christian myself and I don't see anything wrong about talking about your first kiss...just because they have those rings doesn't mean they don't know the opposite sex exists. They have talked about the rings a lot and it seems in their view they are tired of talking about it.
I think you all are missing the point of that comment. I didn't say kissing was wrong - what I was saying is that if all you're hearing about is how hot these guys are, and about their kissing and dating experiences, it could send the wrong message about purity.
Purity, again, is not simply making an agreement to wait till marriage to have sex. It's a committment to set boundaries that will keep your body, mind and spirit pure. Nothing wrong with kissing, but definitely a lot wrong with lusting - not that the two are interchangable, but it's worthy of a discussion about where the boundaries are.
All the best!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
Great article! Very concise. You covered all the bases. Such as living up to what you beleive in under any and all circumstances. Thank you for your honesty!
who says they have to use their success to preach their faith? they have made it clear that while they are Christians and wear purity rings that is a private family subject. they don't parade it around, they're in the business to make music and the business includes being a commercial empire if they want to be as sucessful as they are. i don't agree with that, and i would never want that for myself, but if they do want it, they've worked for it and deserve the success and popularity they have. i am a fan, and would be just as happy if they were just playing their music and not being heartthrobs but it appears that that is the path they have chosen, so congratulations to them for all their success! this whole hollywood thing makes me thankful everyday that i do not live in the USA, i get to observe it, laugh at it, and be a fan (especially of the jonas brothers) but i don't have to live within it.
Thanks for the feedback! What country do you live in, just out of curiosity?
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
Hey, all! You might want to check out Chicago Sun Times columnist Jim DeRogatis' post this afternoon about the Jonas Brothers.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/2008/08/the_jonas_brothers_loom_large.html#comments
Joanne
your GS blog host
Wow, is the fact that these boys are decent, polite, good mannered teenagers, just plain TOO MUCH, for the world, who has become so comfortable, w/ nudity, cursing, lewd, sexual, perverse, behavior, considered the norm among young people? I salute the parents of these boys, and the boys themselves, for having the trust and faith in God, to live as unto the Lord, and do it proudly.
What make some of the above commenter's think these guys are MAKING anyone's hearts THROB, isn't that sort of something that another person does within themselves? If making a person's HEART THROB was something we had control of, why aren't people with the one's they want, instead of the best they can get? YIKES, I've got to stop reading the stupidity that's put on this space!!!!!!
Thank you GOD, for making me whole, for making my thoughts crystal clear, and for helping me to see the talents & gifts YOU give to us ALL. YOU are a mighty God.
Thank you for writing this article. I agree with a lot of the things that you mention but I also disagree with a lot of them. In all fairness, I must admit that I am a huge Jonas Brothers fan, but I am also a devout Catholic.
Yes, the Jonas Brothers are being used by Disney to make money, but don't think for a minute that the teens who are being used as a commodity aren't enjoying every minute of it. The Jonas Brothers bring joy to the lives of many teenage girls for plenty of reasons, definitely not limited to their good looks. I'm pretty sure that God is glad to know that his children are happy in a healthy and not sinful way.
Also, your insinuation that the Jonas Brothers are poor performers and that they have some lack of talent is questionable. I'd like to know what your experience is in the field of music performance before I trust that your reviews are on point. There are plenty of people who review music as a profession who would disagree with you, including Rolling Stone which gave the Jonas Brother's most recent record 4 stars out of 5.
Your third point, which seemed to question the trueness of their faith is not based on any fact whatsoever. You are not personally involved in their daily lives; therefore, you have no idea how present God is in those lives. Not to mention the fact that no one's faith life is anyone else's business but their own, and the fact that it's not up to any of us to judge how religious or Christian anyone else is. The fact that they are busy has no direct relation to their religious life. You think the Pope isn't busy every day?
The Jonas Brothers are close and this is probably the root of their decision to all be in Camp Rock together. Yes, individuality is great!, but their decision to not outshine one another and to spend their time together making a movie was a decision that they are happy with. What's wrong with that?
Finally, the Jonas Brothers choose not to discuss their faith publicly because they know how impressionable their fans are. Religious beliefs are personal and meant to be decided on after a lot of thought and consideration. If they discussed their beliefs publicly, teenage girls would be "converting" to Christianity faster than they decided that Diet Coke was their new favorite drink after Nick Jonas declared that it was his. Those magazine covers, well, the image is all in the eyes of the beholder. Most of the time they come off as very chaste. As for the Rolling Stone cover, yes, it was slightly seductive. But, consider for a moment Zac Efron's Rolling Stone Cover in which he appeared to be unclothing himself while his underwear peaked out of his pants. I'm content with the fact that the Jonas Brothers were completely clothed with barely any skin revealed.
By the way, I thought that the Rolling Stone Cover was very very cute. Maybe because I'm a teenage girl...didn't your mother ever teach you not to use the word hate...it's a very strong word!
Bullshit
hey its not fair upon the media to even publish the possibilities of them not being pure n all.............i feel its their personal life n media has no right to interfere in such things .....n well i think a guy who wears it n believs in it would also know what it means.......so stay off such things
>> these guys are MAKING anyone's hearts THROB, isn't that sort of something that another person does within themselves?
EJ, you bring up an excellent point about modesty: how much responsibility does a Christian have to not incite someone else to lust? It's part of the modesty discussion that really doesn't get much attention.
Turn the idea around. If a girl is wearing skimpy clothing (short shorts and revealing tank top) to youth group, for example, and a guy who sees her gets all hot and bothered, if you know what I mean, is it all the guy's responsibility to not get excited or have lustful thoughts? Or does the girl have a responsibility to dress modestly so as not to "cause her brother to stumble"?
It's definitely a subject worth discussing, because I think the whole issue applies to celebs, too. When you put a guy out there as a hottie (and I'm not saying the JoBros do it - remember, my argument is that the media and magazines are doing it to them) I think there is the danger they're being used to sell sex (which, if you don't know, is the basis for just about every single ad you see), which is in contrast to their purity statements.
I don't think they boys are intending to necessarily being conficting, but the whole message they're being used to sell is. And trust me, they are being used.
Joanne
your GS blog host
Unfortunately talking about God or purity in detail usually doesn't fit what the mainstream media is looking for. Do not be surprised by how much of their interview content is edited out. By all accounts they seem to be a wonderful God loving family, and they have inspired many along their journey.
sadly, i totally agree with some things you said, yet i disagree with others.
which is why i decided to do something about it.
i pray for them, because they are the biggest pop band right now, they can do with all the help they can get. and they started out in a christian light so maybe they will come back to their roots one day.
www.jonasbrothersangels.com is a site for christians who like the brothers.
we pray for them, have fun and are making friends.
its a great site, these girls are so nice.
so, whilst it is good to point out the bad things, they do need to be rectified.
so constructive criticism is needed.
my answer to your concerns is pray.
as we don't know them personally, thats all we can do. and hope they remember how much God has done for them so they can shine his glory even brighter.
:)
x
I don't believe in judging people based on their looks and i certainly don't believe in doubting someone else's faith. These kids are living under extreme peer pressure(just like every other kid on earth)and now they have to worry about judgment from the "christian" sect? How are young people supposed to find their life in our Lord if their adult mentors are doing the very thing that God says not to do-JUDGE. Even christians falter in their journies- the true test is finding your way back while maintaining your faith and trust. Remember-christians live for our Lord-not our human neighbors!
Well me personaly i love the jonas brothers they are nice christian boys just because the are really rich and famous does not mean that they have faith in god and jesus i mean i love them they are like my role model the are just good kids i have faith in what ever they do 100% they are like brothers to me and i love them and always support them through no matter what happens i will be there for them and i always will well um the are great guys you should give them a chance I LOVE THE JONAS BROTHERS SO MUCH
It is important that we pray for them constantly. When I was in college, my friends and I decided that we would start praying for celebrities to come to Christ and/or strenghten their relationship with Christ. It is hard to be a Christian in a world that wants to deny God's existence. Let's pray for them so they don't get caught up in the web of deception. Actually, we all need to be praying for ourselves and fellow Christians in general. We all need to encourage each other.
Take care from Stasia Osho
http://www.stasiaosho.com
Joanne I think you hit the nail directly on the head with this piece. Kudos to you for pointing out some important points. When people become commodities things like personal growth, personal faith and even well-being get shoved to the back burner by the "brand." Who you are becomes less important than what you do -- which is make someone a ton of money.
Well done!
ok... first of all this is just weird what you wrote about them! The Jonas Brothers are AMAZING!!!!
it sounds like your just being very rude.
1.) all celebrities, no matter their age, are wealthy and have lots of money. that's just the way it is. The Jonas Brothers don't go and rub it in everyone's face about how much money they have. That doesn't matter to them. They care about their fans more than they do their money!
2.) Their performance on "So You Think You Can Dance", I'll be honest, wasn't their best performance. I think it was cuz it was in a smaller space, and less people. It always sounds better when they have more room, more fans, and the whole band is up there. Plus, they've been touring all summer, so they were probably tired that day, when they performed it. Sometimes, when you're tired, you don't always sound or perform you best. I know this cuz I'm a performer and musician myself. But, on all the other performances, of them, I've seen they have done awesome!!
3.) The Jonas Brothers are, and have been raised in a very strong Christian family! Their parents, and other family members, hold them accountable, and keep them grounded, with their faith. Yes, they may have a very busy schedule, but that doesn't mean they can't find a spare moment in the day to focus on God. I know, every night, before they go on stage, they have about an hour or so, where they hang out backstage, with their family and friends, and they have traditions that they do, and they have bonding time. One of the things they do is have a short devotional, and then they circle up and pray. And, in one of the interviews, with the boys, that I read, they were saying some of things they do before they go to bed. All of them said something about reading their bible, and praying.
They have no desire to fall into a path, like Britney did. They wanna be role models for young people, and I know their Christian faith is very important to them! Their family won't let them fall into the big traps of this world!
4.) They love working together as brothers! They do everything together because they WANT to, and because they are so close. No one forced them to do "Camp Rock" together; they wanted to. Remember, Nick and Joe had done some acting in some broadway shows before, and Kevin was in some commercials when he was little, so they all really enjoy acting! And, they are not always together. There are times when they will go in seperate ways, to be alone. All siblings need to have some alone time at some points. In fact, Nick wrote the song "A Little Bit Longer" when he was alone. An Joe has written many songs by himself, too. So, they are growing individually.
5.) They stand for sexual purity! Their pose on the Rolling Stones magazine wasn't bad at all... compared to a lot of other ones I've seen, of other bands, In fact, the Jonas Brothers, probably had the most cleanest pose, on that magazine that I've ever seen. And, when they talked about their first kiss, in the teen magazines, that's not bad. Their teenagers, so, by nature, they are going to talk about stuff like that. And it's just a kiss.... what... have you not been kissed before???
They are not sending out a mixed message, at all. They are encouraging young people to stay sexually pure until marriage. I know they are waiting for their beautiful brides!
So, yeah... those are my opinions, and the truth about the Jonas Brothers. I think you need to do a little bit more research on the Jonas Brothers, before you start judging them, and saying rude things about them. Thanks!
ok... first of all this is just weird what you wrote about them! The Jonas Brothers are AMAZING!!!!
it sounds like your just being very rude.
1.) all celebrities, no matter their age, are wealthy and have lots of money. that's just the way it is. The Jonas Brothers don't go and rub it in everyone's face about how much money they have. That doesn't matter to them. They care about their fans more than they do their money!
2.) Their performance on "So You Think You Can Dance", I'll be honest, wasn't their best performance. I think it was cuz it was in a smaller space, and less people. It always sounds better when they have more room, more fans, and the whole band is up there. Plus, they've been touring all summer, so they were probably tired that day, when they performed it. Sometimes, when you're tired, you don't always sound or perform you best. I know this cuz I'm a performer and musician myself. But, on all the other performances, of them, I've seen they have done awesome!!
3.) The Jonas Brothers are, and have been raised in a very strong Christian family! Their parents, and other family members, hold them accountable, and keep them grounded, with their faith. Yes, they may have a very busy schedule, but that doesn't mean they can't find a spare moment in the day to focus on God. I know, every night, before they go on stage, they have about an hour or so, where they hang out backstage, with their family and friends, and they have traditions that they do, and they have bonding time. One of the things they do is have a short devotional, and then they circle up and pray. And, in one of the interviews, with the boys, that I read, they were saying some of things they do before they go to bed. All of them said something about reading their bible, and praying.
They have no desire to fall into a path, like Britney did. They wanna be role models for young people, and I know their Christian faith is very important to them! Their family won't let them fall into the big traps of this world!
4.) They love working together as brothers! They do everything together because they WANT to, and because they are so close. No one forced them to do "Camp Rock" together; they wanted to. Remember, Nick and Joe had done some acting in some broadway shows before, and Kevin was in some commercials when he was little, so they all really enjoy acting! And, they are not always together. There are times when they will go in seperate ways, to be alone. All siblings need to have some alone time at some points. In fact, Nick wrote the song "A Little Bit Longer" when he was alone. An Joe has written many songs by himself, too. So, they are growing individually.
5.) They stand for sexual purity! Their pose on the Rolling Stones magazine wasn't bad at all... compared to a lot of other ones I've seen, of other bands, In fact, the Jonas Brothers, probably had the most cleanest pose, on that magazine that I've ever seen. And, when they talked about their first kiss, in the teen magazines, that's not bad. Their teenagers, so, by nature, they are going to talk about stuff like that. And it's just a kiss.... what... have you not been kissed before???
They are not sending out a mixed message, at all. They are encouraging young people to stay sexually pure until marriage. I know they are waiting for their beautiful brides!
So, yeah... those are my opinions, and the truth about the Jonas Brothers. I think you need to do a little bit more research on the Jonas Brothers, before you start judging them, and saying rude things about them. Thanks!
pray for them best defense and offense
I too think that the Jonas Brothers have made it "cool" to be loyal to God and their religon. But aren't there more important matters other then teenage boys who girls swoon over?
First- Going into the entertainment buisness means you do become a "money making machine".
Second- NO ONE IS PERFECT!
Thrid- No one should pass judgment on anyone (Britany Spears). I don't you have to devote ever second to reading a book. I believe God hears us when we pray. Even if we've been in bed for 3 hours and we can't sleep. I believe God listens 24/7 and he gives us this life to live it to the fullest. If God wanted them to sit there everyday and read a book or be in church every second then he would have never given those boys a chance to be famous and ahve a busy work schedule.
Fourth- Maybe, just maybe, their family would rather them work as a team and keep one of them frm getting too big of a head and leaving the other brothers behind. I think that is how ever family is. You always have to take you siblings somewhere with you if you want to go.
AND
Fifth- "Purity" does not mean you can't grow up. Times have changed. There was no suductive pose on that cover. They were looking into a camera. They were clothed. Don't you think there are women or girls out there that they are attracted to? But they make an effort to explain to people that they believe in sex after marriage and that they don't let temptation get in way of their religon. I think that they are great role models.
Okay lets get some things straight anyone that has modeled or done photography will recognize the pose as give me some sex appeal.
Secondly, anyone in the limelight whether it be in Hollywood, Sports or a church community has to be extra carefull they model what they preach because the devils job is to push you of the pedistal people put you on and then accuse God's way as not being the right way.
I feel for Brit and anyone that falls I 've been there but we all give into temptation sooner or later if we lose that focus on Jesus. Even Peter having lived with Jesus fell prey to the snare of the devil.
Thank you for speaking from your heart and soul. I am almost 70 years old and I enjoy all of the Disney stuff ,,,still, But there claim to Christianity seems to be lost in the whirlwind of someone trying to squueze every last buck out of the public whether in the US soil or abroad.
Truly it would be to their advantage over the long haul to write and sing about the Christ.I still do and I wirte songs and make CD.a but do not wish any fluff over it
Jesus Christ was born in a cave and laid in a manager, Didn't they get that part?
Blessings, Jan
As a grandmother, I appreciate the group and their parents for keeping them grounded in the middle of all of the publicity and adoration. If they remain true to their calling, and the One who called them, they will stand firm and not be swayed by all of the adoration by the girls and the swarming crowds and paparatzi. This could go their heads and cause friction among the brothers. They do need to avoid publicity shots in their underwear and provoking stances.
Just this morning I was thinking of the boys.(we just went to a concert. I have ten yr. old twins and a eight yr. daughters) I began to pray for them knowing they are talented and being used to make tons of money for everyone. I pray for their protection, faith, stability, and most of all wisdom. The wisdom that only God can give. The wisdom for all that protect them. They are in lime light right now in the secular world and maybe christain too. Lets all pray that their light never go out and all the glory go to God. When this fades that their light be even brighter because God has brought them success for reasons we may never understand. No doubt the choices we all make have an effect on our destiny but we are not in the publics eye. It's no different for them except they are being watched by everyone fan or not. Lets continue to pray for them, especially knowing their insane scheduales And give them a brake. Andrea Torres
there are many Christian rock groups I cannot stand. I cannot even understand what they are singing. Its to loud too. I went to one concert, and walked out deaf for about 5 mins, I could not hear a thing.
Never again would I go. And the Jonas brothers are the same way.
all of the stuff you just said was false. sorry lady. the jonas brothers are the shiz and your article wont change that. the jonas brothers are the best people ever to live and im sorry you dont feel the same. maybe God can help you understand that.
bye.
and one more thing
THEY ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND
To Ashley:
No, they aren't a Christian rock band by genre, but they do confess to be Christians, which is what the writer of this article is talking about. I also think that this is a shout out for us to keep them in our prayers, that they remain true to God and keep Him FIRST AND FOREMOST in their lives. And I've been doing just that ever since I started liking them and found out that they were Christians. This world can be insane and take us away from the One who we were created to serve.
Top 5 thing you had wrong...
1. Not a Christian Rock Band
2. The only reason you hate that they make so much money is because you don't make that much. (Jealousy is a bad thing)
3. Jonas Brothers are going the be the next Beatles. They are young, talented, and are going to be around for a long time.
4. Joe Jonas was awesome in Camp Rock.
5. They wear purity ring for a reason lady, and they don't need people like you saying they send mixed messages.
Shonda
1) I never said they were a Christian band.
2) While I'm sure they're not hurting for cash, they don't make as much money as you think, and if you knew anything about the music industry you'd know that they're being used to make A LOT of money for a lot of OTHER people.
3) The next Beatles? Uh ....
4) I said Joe Jonas was good in the movie ... Read the whole post.
5) They wear purity rings but are being used to sell sex, kiddo, and you're buying right into it.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
i really like the jonas brothers & all they r r a good teenage boy band w/ great music ok comeon they have purity rings wats so bad about them & if u c them in concert ull understand y they have so many fans tat luv them
How much of that is their producers trying to make money? How much control do they really have? I agree with you but have to cut them some slack and just pray for them.
Pickles
http://www.jewelrypromiserings.com/
jealousy is a bad thing. maybe you should try to be more like them instead of trashing them.
I agree with the things you said. The music industry has a habit of exploiting people. And many musicians who came from Christian homes let popularity and the "rock star" life get to them and bring them down a negative moral road; (Jessica Simpsion anyone?). Only time will tell what happens with these boys, but hopefully they are able to retain their faith and continue to be a positive influence on the girls who raise them to near idol status (including those who commented on here).
u stink.... there amaxing artis and reall do have a love for music... they care about their fans and seem like 3 realy sweet christian boys so dont start talking about them like that ( not like i know them but ive met them back stage at least 1000 times). UGHHH.... ur such a bitchhh.... JONAS FORR LIFEEE!!!!!!
First of all, the Jonas Brothers NEVER released a cd in the Christian market. You should get your facts straight before you go saying things. There were plans for Nick Jonas to have be a solo artist and the cd was even solicited, but it was NEVER released. Secondly, what more do you want from teenage boys? They are in a cesspool of sin and they are rising above all of it. They openly wear their purity rings because they aren't afraid to share their faith. I would be thrilled if the guys in our youth group could do the same. Take it easy on them. Pray for them instead of attacking them!
Cory, Yes, my friend, their first album, It's About Time, was released to the Christian market with a Christian/mainstream dual release with INO and Columbia. I interviewed the boys during Gospel Music Week in 2006, when they were there doing promo for the album to the Christian media.
While Nick's solo album never made it to the actual final product, I have in my hands the actual mastered media pre-release CD. That's gotta be a collector's item, eh?
When I got back from GMA that year, I gave all of that first Jonas Bros stuff to the little girl who lived down the street from me - a couple of CDs, they signed a poster for her, I even gave away the pre-release. Yeesh, if I'd of had any clue they'd be bigger than God I would have kept it all, LOL!
All the best,
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
I agree I hate them too.
Check this site out
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/i-hate-the-jonas-brothers
Hey I am a big fan of the jonas brothers and while reading over your article i both agree with some points and disagree with others. Point one i agree with they are being treated like money-makeing machines and thats wrong because there is more to them than just a pretty face and great voices. Unfortunatly i agree with number 2 also, I saw their preformance on so you think you can dance and they sounded quite bad i was kinda disapointed. In number 3 i agree their schdule is not one teenage boys should be living they should have time with family and friends and to just be teenagers before there youth is gone you dont get to live it twice. I have to admit i didnt know about the camp rock thing till now and that is sad although all brothers did an amazing job joe should of had a chance to try it alone. Altough 5 i dont agree with its not their fault there is a million of screaming fan girls falling for them, and the rolling stones cover wasnt that seductive it was a little weird but not seductive, and the first kiss thing who cares everyone their age has kissed someone and they were anwsering the questions asked so i do not agree with "Wear a purity ring but still be consumed with lusting after hot guys." because they dont have control over their fans thoughts.
Great post, Joanne!
I went to church with these boys a few years ago and was blessed with the opportunity to watch them grow. Their passion for Christ was beautiful and I pray that it is still that strong today. But it is so hard to imagine the world that surrounds them now...I can feel the media ready to attack any moment they might mess up...and that pressure must overwhelm them! What a shame if that would be them time the media is waiting for to go after their faith. I agree, we must continue to pray.
You're absolutely right, there is so much more to these "money making machines". And I pray the world sees it before it's too late.
i get what you're trying to say but what's wrong with lusting after hot guys?
The Jonas Brothers are so admirable, that is why I, a 16 year old, loves them. They rose to the top on their own and they try to live as normally as possible. The state that they are at now is no condition for anyone to live, but it is indefinitely "the dream". These boys will have life calm down, but in the mean time they are going to continue living this dream. Wouldn't you? Any hey- teen girls LOVE to buy anything that has the jonas brothers on it. It is a huge demand, why wouldn't they make products with them on it?
This is far and away the most thoughtful article I've read on the Jonas Brothers so far, and I've been scanning the media like a hawk for information on them for the past month.
I started out by openly mocking the boys for their admittedly juvenile/cheesy love lyrics, but as I began to follow them more closely, I concluded that they were indeed real people who had become unfortunate victims of the Disney marketing machine. Even now, if you look hard enough (say, the "Day in the life of the Jonas brothers" video on YouTube, filmed a couple of years ago), you can find glimpses of these boys as they should be, and, I pray, still are when they aren't being scrutinized in the harsh glare of Hollywood.
I feel something inherently good in the Jonases, and my little celebrity crush on them has developed into an almost sisterly affection (seeing as I'm several years older than Kevin). But I'm also afraid for and occasionally disappointed by them, because I feel like they're quickly succumbing to the brainwashing effect our idol-culture seems to have on celebrities. I'm afraid that the more they have to tell the press that they "value family" and "try to stay grounded," the less meaning those words will carry and they will become shadows of themselves...no more real than their wax figures in NYC.
Throughout my life, I've made something of a habit of praying for celebrities, though some might call me crazy. But right now, I don't think it's crazy to be praying for three young boys trying to grow up while the world looks on; boys who have more current influence on our teen generation than almost anyone else. God protect the Jonas brothers, for they are in a more precarious position than they can recognize.
the things the i hate of joe:
he is taylor boyfriend
he never kiss me because he not know who i am
the thing that i hate of nick jonas:
he never like me
he is hotttttttttttt
i hate that he never can be my boyfriend
the things that i hate of kevin jonas:
he is pretty
he is old
i hate of all jonas is that i like joe jonas and he never like me and that i like the jonas brothers and they not know who i am.
I do applaud the parents for rearing their children in a Christian environment, however it would be interesting to see if the Jonas Brothers are using their status, talents and influence to introduce those teens who have no spiritual upbringing to Christ. If money is not the motivater for them they will not compromise what they really believe in......posing subductively sends the wrong message to Christians and non Christians alike especially our youth.
I agree with you!!!!
i'm 16 years old and i get your point....
i see that they are really special guys!!!
at nick's birthday (two days ago)i wrote to him a letter..on this letter i tried to write as a sister in jesus christ and not as a huge fan~i wrote there a lot of things but mostly i wanted to remind
him who gave to him this talent (that he has)..
and also about the "dear god" song that he sang with such believe...
i`m living realy far...i live in israel so it will take time the letter get there..and if it is the want of god he will read that...
i pray every day for them ! it was realy great to see people that think like me!!!
so thank you!!!
god bless you!!!
JO BROS ARE BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Jonas Brothers annoy me and God doesn't exist.
I really dislike their ..everything..
im 27 and my daughters love the i like their music too it cute and the burning up song is actually on my mp3. but you people are over reacting I am and have been a Christian for a long time and as far as the cover of Rollingstone goes it as innocent as they come i dont see sexy i see teen pop celebs. thats it. Its those attitudes that push young artist out of the fold into the world when WE start judging them on what we think is the casr but isn't
i just reeeealllly dont like them i think that they have no talent what so ever and are taking the spotlight from people who rightfully deserve it
Recently I heard that a radio DJ was offering $10k of his own money to the first girl who could confirm having sex with one of the older Jonas Brothers. Proof and everything needed to be provided in order to collect the money. How insane is that? They have come a long way in just a matter of a couple of years, which only puts a bigger target on their backs. Are they really believers? Can they withstand the pressures the media puts on them? I pray they can and trust that their faith is strong enough to keep them in line. After all, they have each other and their family by their sides. They may not talk about their faith... maybe because they've been instructed not to. In any case, their music may be a part of the mainstream... but I believe their songs/lyrics really reflect something a little more. You don't have to say it straight out... but by actions, words, even music - the light is always shining. Have to see a bigger picture.
I hate Kevin but i love Nick and Joe!!!!!!!
Great article! I have thought exactly the same thing.. also about Miley Cyrus. And though we may not judge about their spiritual life.. it must be so hard to remain true to your faith and humility in the pop industry!
I just started liking the Jonas Brothers but I'm really confused. They wear purity rings sure and they are Christians but how come they don't have any songs that have Jesus in them? I like the way they sound and everything and even my mom likes the way they sound. The Christian book store carries their cds but my dad is pretty strict about my music so I really want to know if they are solid Christians. I saw that magazine with their picture and my first though was, "Gross" my and my second was "Why are they doing that?" I just want to understand why they posed like that. If you have any thoughts I'd appreciate it!
Thanks H.C.
H.C. - kudos to you for making an informed entertainment choice, and actually thinking about what you put into your head! Good job!
The Jonas Brothers are indeed a very strong Christian family. I've met them, way back when their first album was being promoted to the Christian market. Their music is mostly pretty generic teen - puppy love, generally benign teenage stuff. No, you won't hear any explicitly Christian lyrics.
The thing you have to understand is that when a band is signed to a mainstream label, and they're as hot as JoBros are (read: making the label money) you generally don't have a lot to say about what you're putting out. But their parents are actively involved, travel with them. The guys are very open about their faith, when they're given a chance to talk about it.
I would have no problem listening to the Jonas Brothers or recommending them to Christian teens. I have their CDs, not a huge fan of that kind of teeny bopper music, but it's clean and generally just teenage love & life stuff. A few songs have a faith element to them.
But as a Christian teen, what I would encourage you to do it PRAY for them. The industry they're in is not easy, and while they're lyrics are not explicity "Christian" they have a great opportunity to be a Christian witness in mainstream music, to their fellow artists, producers, fans, etc. It can take a real toll on them. As I'm sure you can imagine, Hollywood and the music industry are not the easiest place for a Christian to work.
Hope that helps, HC!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
Thank you for answering my question and explaining that to me. I really appreciate it. I just wish the Jonas Brothers had at least one song that had Jesus in it. Only then will my dad let me listen to them. Maybe someday they will. I'm hopeful lol.
Well thanks again! H.C.
HC, I'll look and see what I can find. Their first album was actually marketed to the Christian community, and they played some Christian festivals. I don't have that one anymore but see if that one might have some lyrics that are more "Christian."
Also, I know that Nick Jonas, who actually had a record deal first and that's what started the brothers thing, had written a song I think called "Dear God" that was on his album, which was unreleased. But you might find it on one of the JoBros albums.
Are you looking for some hip Christian music? Have you checked out Krystal Meyers? She's a definite Christian and is a huge pop star in Japan, where they think her faith is cool. They let her talk about it all the time.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
Thank you for looking! I really appreciate it!!!
I'll have to see if any of their cds have that song on there. That would be really cool if they did lol.
I actually have Krystal Meyers' two older cds and I like them. I haven't listened to many songs on her newest cd so I'm not too sure about it. But thanks for the suggestion!!!
Thanks so much for offering to look!!!
H.C.
I don't know why people even bother posting in asinine comments with swears in it. Just makes their points less valid, and moronic. Joanne? is it? As a mother, aren't you a tad disgusted by the bad language of these youngsters? but then again I'm fairly shocked at bad language in general when people use it to express an opinion regardless of age.
Anywho, I do agree about Disney abusing their actors and milking them for all they are worth, but leaving them in the 'real world' after they have become redundant is a little extreme.... because Disney has afterall, given them their spotlight and given them the whole stardom experience, they should be able to handle it all by themselves since they seem like level-headed 'celebrities'. (I'm neutral towards the Jonas Brothers, but I may be biased towards disney cause they have brought me my favourite childhood movies :D, only example I can think of after they 'used up' a young star, in the real world is Lindsey Lohan (only one that comes to mind of crashing and burning after disney)
Hopefully my post does show that Disney is not in fault, but the fault lies in the subject and not the company
You mentioned Britney Spears as an example, but take our 2 examples and isolate the factors that caused this. Britney Spears, her upbringing was horrible I believe (I'm not a fan of her so not that knowledge-able of her life in general) her mother wasn't that good, she didn't grow up in a good neighbourhood, no father -simple psychology, she became promiscuous to fill that void- list goes on for her.
Lindsey Lohan, her mother wasn't a mother more of a clubbing friend, she had no bountries after leaving disney, disney had given her boundries her parents didn't have the (pardon my language but) 'balls' to discipline her.
Yes Disney is a money making corporation... but think about it... Disney is a business! They don't HAVE to nurture these artists, yet they DO to nurture them, sending them on world tours, bringing them into the public eye. You can't force people what to say/do/act so ultimately if the jonas brothers go down the wrong path they have no one but themselves to blame.
Chris -don't want to give out my 2nd name cause this is the internet and I don't want a crowd of Jonas Brothers' fanatics kicking down my door.-
PS: Although, I did find your article interesting and has helped my greatly for an assignment I have to write. Provided me with a good idea for an argument. Hope you don't mind if I use bits as an example. I just disagree with where your pointing the finger.
Thank you.
Im a huge Jonas Brothers supporter. But this is one of the few articles i found that is positive but negative. I can't stand it when people talk badly about them when they dont knwo anything about them. I like how you state that they are great people with great music. I agree, the media is going a little overboard with them but hey, that is there job. The Jonas Brothers don't only have fans from america. they have fans from all around the world now. They are probably the most popular band in the world at this time. The media will do whatever it has to to get ahold of them because they will make money for it. The thing that gets me is how we are divided up by them. We have become anti jonas and pro jonas. Its become worse than democrat and republicans. I agree fans to go a little over board and i also admitt i am one of those who have gone overboard with them in the past. But why do anti jonas go onto jonas brothers videos on youtube or yahoo answers when somebody asks a question about them or things like that directly to fans and talk badly about them. They are purposely trying to get fans to get mad. Which then turns into a war. If they would leave it as it is, let fans be fans, and non-fans as regular people. Why does it have to turn into a big battle?
"There are only so many hours in a day, and if most of them are focused on commerce (how many more products can we plaster their faces on?) there's little time left for spiritual growth"
I think that is the interesting challenge that the Jonas Bros. face and one that could demonstrate a spiritual creativity, one that we all face. After all, many people spend most of their day focused on commerce. The choice is whether to be of it, right?
No matter what happens to them during their hectic day, the Jonas (and all of us) have the choice to trust in riches or to trust in God. What a magnificent opportunity.
And I think that truly trusting in their own faith will guide them in the right direction.
This article is very interesting to me. Being a large Jonas Brothers supporter myself, it was great to hear what other peoples' thoughts are about them, especially from an adult's point of view. I understand what you hate about their fame, yet I feel that they are handling it amazingly. There are so many celebrities that have been ruined due to the media, or overuse from their company. The Jonas Brothers are a living example that there is still hope for young teens to follow their dreams, yet remain a grounded person. I saw the Jonas Brothers twice this past summer, and i was probably considered just another one of those girls in "love". I respect them as people and artists, yet i am one of those screaming fans who would die to meet them someday! I listen to so many types of music, and I still love the Jonas Brothers. By stating that their music is "bubble-gum pop" is somewhat degrading in a way think, because it may seem that way to you, but to us true fans its not that way at all. My mother says that and it drives me crazy! I think their music is brilliant and the fact that they write it is amazing as well. The lyrics are great, and truthfully the Jonas Brothers have been an excellent influence on me. I've always grown up in a family where abstinence is something we believe in. That is what my parent's have taught me. Recently though I made the decision myself to get a purity ring, and not because the Jonas Brothers have one, but they were an influence on it. I've always considered getting one, but was somewhat reluctant to show it publicly to others. I thought if they can be in the spotlight and have them and still be respected, then why can't the rest of us? I don't think adults these days quite understand how much of a difficulty it is to feel strongly about abstinence, and refrain from sex, let alone expose yourself and tell others you are waiting until marriage. It is very difficult, because sex is everywhere, and almost expected in some instances. So I feel the Jonas Brothers are doing a great thing with their lives, they are exposing themselves as christians and artists. I love it, and i enjoyed your article very much. Thank you.
-Taylor.
I don't agree with you one bit. I love the Jonas Brothers and think they are some of the greatest role models out there. And your whole paragraph aabout how their talent being bouncing aourn on stage? Not true! So what if they didn't sound that good on Dancing With the Stars. Every one is allowed to have an off day, right? I've seen them in concert twice, and they are amazing. Not only that but their voices are so good. And what about all the other live performances? It's unfair of you to judge them by one performance.
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