Let me make it clear – I love the Now That’s What I Call Music series.
I was an avid collector of the series in my teens and still listen to them now.
However, I recently found one on Amazon titled “Now That’s What I Call Mum” and I have to admit that some of the song choices got me scratching my head.
Don’t get me wrong, most of the songs included on the album are great (examples being “Mama” by the Spice Girls and “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child).
But what the hell does “7 Days” by Craig David have to do with mums?
After a hard day of parenting, do us mums really want to sit down and listen to Craig going on about his sex life with his new girlfriend when some of us probably feel too knackered to even think about sex?
Or the fact that he got to chill all day on Sunday after his marathon sex sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday AND Saturday?
Lucky sod!
So I decided to create my own compilation.
Here’s a selection of what I believe would be the best (and most realistic) songs to include on a Now That’s What I Call album for parents:
Tubthumping – Chumbawumba
13-year-old me loved dancing along to this. 30-something-old me still loves to dance along to this on those nights when I’m “pissing the night away.”
Which is rare these days.
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
The perfect song for dancing around the living room punching thin air Rocky-style and convincing yourself that you’ve conquered this parenting stuff.
A good one for the dads.
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Another great survival song.
Helps to pass the time on those rare moments when the husband and kids are out and you’re tidying up their mess.
I’m going slightly mad – Queen
For those moments when your kids are singing the same YouTube Kids song/nursery rhyme over and over again, or laughing at farts for the 50th time in the day and it’s finally driven you mad.
Celebration – Kool & the Gang
The ideal song for celebrating a parental success, such as your kid actually eating their dinner or managing to convince your 4-year-old to get in the bath.
The Best – Tina Turner
Ok, so it’s a love song, but there’s nothing wrong with belting out the chorus to yourself on the days when you feel like you’ve failed as a parent and need a pick-me-up.
Thank You – Dido
Again, a song that has nothing to do with parenting, but should be included in any song compilation for parents purely for the part where Dido sings about her tea going cold and that she’s wondering why she got out of bed at all.
Because I’m pretty sure that every parent of a toddler/small child has had to microwave their cup of tea at least ten times.
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M
A reminder that you’re not alone in this parenting malarkey.
I’ve experienced a few dark days throughout the journey and this song has always been a very therapeutic listen!
Red Red Wine – UB40
I prefer white wine, but the fact that it’s got wine in the title makes it worthy of being included in any parenting compilation.
Here’s to Never Growing up – Avril Lavigne
Now That’s What I Call Mum chose Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” but I prefer this one, as it’s the perfect song to bop along to for those who, like me, still haven’t accepted adulthood, let alone being a parent.
Despite nearly being 40.
Always look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
Every adult needs a bit of Monty Python in their lives, parent or not.
The last thing you want to do when you’re in a foul mood is listen to a cheery song, but you can’t help but crack a smile at this one. A great pick-me-up after a hard day of parenting.
These are the days of our lives – Queen
Someone PLEASE put this song on the next album for mums (or on any compilation album for that matter).
Perfect for reminiscing about your younger days (especially those pre-kids days) but also for reminding you that you cannot turn back time and should live for today!
Fight Song – Rachel Platten
If any song needs to be included on a compilation for mums it’s this one!
Right, I’m off to create a Now That’s What I Call Being a Parent playlist…
And Craig David definitely won’t be on it.
Unless it’s that other song he did, Fill Me In, which isn’t a bad tune and from the early 2000s era, when times seemed so much simpler!
I miss my youth.
*sob*
Share your thoughts!