If you want to connect with kids, you’ve got to win over their parents first. Think about the success of shows like Sesame Street, which cleverly includes humor for the grown-ups, or Dan Zanes’ folk music that has adults singing along. Enter A Journey Through Coolness, a new music series on Amazon aimed at tweens, but crafted with the nostalgia of Gen-X parents in mind.
The Story
The story introduces Max and Zoe, two 13-year-olds dealing with the typical angst of their age. They’ve just relocated from a bustling city to the sleepy town of Maple Grove, a place that feels less than exciting. The kids are skeptical about their new, mundane classmates. You can almost hear their parents saying, “But the cost of living is so much lower! Do you know how much we paid for our place in Seattle?”
Max and Zoe, true to their Seattle roots, know that having a band is essential for happiness. They’re determined to form a new group, missing the days of jamming with their old friends over Skype. After holding auditions for a bassist, they reluctantly choose a quirky cellist named Lily, who’s eager to try something new. They agree to her suggestion for their band name—The Outlaws (a nod to classic films, of course)—and with bass, drums, and guitar sorted, they’re ready to rock.
Detention and Discovery
While serving detention for skipping cross-country practice, Max finds himself cleaning bathrooms alongside the school’s rebel, Leo. With his long hair and brooding charm, Leo channels the essence of ’80s movie heartthrobs, reminiscent of characters from The Breakfast Club. During a comical game of H-O-R-S-E in the restroom, where they must sing a note perfectly before tossing paper towels into a trash can, Max discovers Leo’s hidden talent for singing and invites him to join the band.
The Culmination
The episode culminates with a catchy song that feels like a blend of Nirvana and Green Day, sprinkled with the heartfelt lyrics reminiscent of the Goo Goo Dolls. Anyone who grew up during the grunge era will likely find themselves tapping their feet and reminiscing about their old plaid shirts. The voiceover from an older Max adds a layer of nostalgia that seems to weave together pop culture references for those born in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Conclusion
It’s refreshing to see a show that aims to share what we loved with the next generation. Nostalgia helps us appreciate the good times from our youth, and much of the ’80s and ’90s was truly special. So who knows? This might just be the push I need to reunite with my own band from back in the day.
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In summary, A Journey Through Coolness is a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling that resonates with both tweens and their parents, making it a unique addition to family viewing.