DON’T FREAK OUT, but this is a music genre that you and your parents may actually agree on!  Rhythm and Blues seems to be the right blend of HOT lyrics and COOL beats that can connect the generations.  Sure your parents’ idea of R & B includes people like the Temptations, the Four Seasons, or Gladys Knight and the Pips, while yours is more about Destiny’s Child, Justin Timberlake and Norah Jones, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the R&B of both generations.

Maybe you will never understand the appeal of Kenny G. and most parents will never rock out to Metallica or jam to Eminem, but that’s alright.  Do not force your parents to listen to your music and maybe you won’t be forced to listen to theirs! 

Instead, try to find a few artists that you both agree on.  R & B is a great type of music to use for a compromise because the easy sounds are not too harsh or loud, but it’s not as boring or dorky as some of the sappy stuff your parents…ugh…love.  Once you agree on these artists, either make mixes or buy their entire albums.  You can listen to them at times when you have to come to an agreement on music selection, like in the car or in a common room of your house. 

You are free to head-bang or get down to your music on your own time.  Shared time means shared music and you will find that you have more things in common with your parents then you think.