Kids’ music, depending on your mood and the artist, can be truly delightful or extremely aggravating. We’ve got CDs in our collection at home that fall into both categories, and a few that can go either way depending on how many times we’ve listened to it that day. Here’s what’s currently in our playlist:
The Wiggles – Getting Strong
Please God, make it stop! My kids love these four Aussies and their dinosaur, but it gets limited play in our house because I simply cannot stand it. The too-short, too-cheerful ditties have no artistry that a grown-up ear can appreciate.
Choo Choo Soul – Choo Choo Soul
Why do kids love trains so much? This CD/DVD combo was an instant hit in our house. The videos of Genevieve, the conductor, and DC, the engineer, singing and dancing with real kids on an animated train are as colorful and fun as you would expect from Disney. The R&B styled songs about ABCs, 123s and zoo animals are as catchy as anything on the radio, and I don’t even mind when I find myself singing them after the kids are in bed.
Raffi – Singable Songs for the Very Young and The Corner Grocery Store
These are absolute favorites from my childhood, and my kids love them too. Raffi, to me, records perfect children’s music – simple and silly, with an emphasis on vocals rather than instrumentation so kids really can sing along. If these were the only kids’ albums we had, I’d be happy, and I think my kids would be too.
Nana Mouskouri – Pour Les Enfants
Another classic from my childhood, and does this woman ever have a beautiful voice! This is a children’s album sung in French. The melodies are beautiful, even haunting, and perfect for relaxing before naptime or bedtime. Your kids may not understand the lyrics but exposure to another language can only be a good thing.
For the Kids – For the Kids and For the Kids Too
This series of compilations features artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Tom Waits and Cake singing kids’ songs that sound more like grown-up music. That’s great, for the grown-ups. Actually, there are some real gems on both of these albums, and the kids do like them even if they can’t sing along. These may be more accurately considered kid-friendly music for parents.
They Might Be Giants – Here Comes Science
Welcome to geek central! This is an entire album of songs and videos about photosynthesis, evolution and the scientific method. My kids love it, even if most of the science is going over their heads. And if you’re at all familiar with TMBG, you’ll know it’s maddeningly catchy. Really, I can’t stop singing about computer assisted design, for Pete’s sake. This one’s love/hate for me. It’s great music; I just wish it would leave me alone when we turn it off.
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