Ok moms - Ive only been a mama for about 4 and a half years, but I don't think I can handle to "kids" CD tunes much longer. Do you have a none-kid CD that you like, that is kid appropriate (4 yr old is beginning to sing the lyrics).
Surprisingly enough, we have found that Britney Spears is not too bad (my DH got her new CD as a gag gift lol). Any others worth buying?
My 6 yr old likes Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Enya, Reba, and lots of the 80's and 90's that they play on the radio these days.
Hope that helps!
Have you tried the "World Playground" series by Putumayo Kids http://www.putumayo.com/en/putumayo_kids.php
They're catchy collections of music from different parts of the world and are a fun way for kids to get a little taste of different cultures, and they pass my "mommy" test of being something I'd listen to even if the kids weren't in the car. And from there we've introduced them to Afro-Cuban music like the Buena Vista Social Club and Latin-influenced classic rock like Carlos Santana.
My 7.5YO's also like the "Hitsville USA Motown Singles 1959-1971" collection that we got from Costco long before they were born
Hi Tiffany,
Try anything by Dan Zanes (formally of Del Fuegos). Catch That Train, House Party, and Family Dance are some of the CD titles that come to mind. It's great music for kids and adults alike.Happy listening, dancing, and singing, Lisa S.
Jack Johnson! All of his albums should be fine for any age.
We like the Sugar Beats - kids and adults singing songs from the 50s-70s. Also Jack Johnson.
Carrie
Hi Tiffany,
My husband and I are huge Barenaked Ladies fans. They even had a song in the movie "Chicken Little" and ever since then, my 5 year old and 7 year old have been fans. They even released a very amusing kids CD called "Snack Time" that the kids love. I highly recommend them. My kids also like Jonas Brothers and Hillary Duff, which I find myself singing to a lot of times. Also, soundtracks to family movies are a good option.
Happy listening!
Beatles and Motown are great. I also recommend going to iTunes and looking at mixes. I'm sure there are many mixes that would be appropriate. They label music as explicit so you won't get surprised in the middle of a song. Jack Johnson is also great.
But really, you should just listen to music you enjoy. Unless the music you prefer is totally inappropriate, it is okay for them to not understand lyrics that they sing. You don't want them singing lots of swear words, but light sexual innuendo or drug references that they don't really get... I remember happily singing to 80s music as an early teen that I was shocked to find out was all about cocaine some years later. I thought it was about riding a white pony. If you think about it, I'm sure you have a similar story. Don't stress about it and have a good time.
Hi Tiffany,
Check out Ziggy Marley -- he's got a Family Time CD that is awesome!!
Amy
We love the Choo-Choo Soul CD. We all have fun singing the gospel version of ABC and the hip-hop counting song. There's also a good song about manners. The singer has a great voice too!
Dear Tiffany,
My kids and I used to take long road trips all the time, a lot of it by virtue of living so far from family members. Your post really brought back some memories! Fortunately, they were both such great travelers. They didn't like goofing around about it...they didn't like getting out and stopping, they just wanted to get where we were going.
One of our favorites to listen to, went with us each and every time, was James Taylor's "Never Die Young".
Don't let the title scare you, it's from a lyric:
We were ring-around-the-rosy children
They were circles around the sun
Never give up, never slow down
Never grow old, never ever die young
Synchronized with the rising moon
Even with the evening star
They were true love written in stone
They were never alone, they were never that far apart
It's about people in love.
Every song on that CD is great and you will find yourself singing right along. My kids knew all the words.
Stevie Knicks "Wild Heart" and America (I believe it's just called America)...has Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway...those are great ones too.
You must be a more patient mom than me because I would have jumped out of a speeding car if I had to listen to Barney or something for 10 hours.
We took a very long train trip to southern California and I bought my son a portable cassette with headphones and a "mix tape" that I found at Target. It had some old rock and roll songs on there. His very favorite was "Radar Love" by Golden Earring.
Just have fun! There is lots of music that little ones and YOU can enjoy on your trips.
Best wishes!
Ditto to Dan Zanes...also, we love Elizabeth Mitchell. All 3 of her CDs that are marketed "for kids" are really music that adults can enjoy. "You Are My Flower", "You Are My Sunshine" and "You Are My Little Bird" are all mellow and fun for both listening and singing. Believe me - we don't do "Barney" or any of that stuff...though we did allow Veggie Tales (my 4 yr old has mostly lost interest in those CDs but still loves the characters and videos) due to the excellent messages. I would caution you to only select both artists and songs that you admire and can "get behind" as potential role models for your children (in other words, I'd ditch the Britney ASAP!!). Not everyone here may agree, but regardless of that, it's been proven that anything set to music is learned much more quickly and easily - so yes, the lyrics ARE important. My daughter has amazed me with her memory of long and complicated song lyrics (not all of which she understands as yet)!
Good luck finding music everyone can enjoy and be enriched by! Music is WONDERFUL and it's great that you are helping your kids to discover the joy and richness it can bring to life.
Blessings,
Sandra
We listen to Captain Bogg and Salty (pirate CDs). It's for older kids. Also - Trout Fishing in America, and They might be Giants are fun. All family music. Here is another suggestion. Go to www.pandora.com and if you plug in an artist you like they will play similar music and that might help you identify some other artists/songs. I am trying to think of others and will add more later if I get a moment.
Oh, and one my kids hate is "you can't always get what you want" by the Rolling Stones, because I even still sing it to them sometimes (when I get "but I WANT it").
Kimya Dawson (of The Moldy Peaches and most of the Juno soundtrack) has a kids album called "Alphabutt" she does sing about butts and farts in the tub, and poo in some parts, but I personally don't think that that is too bad.
Also any of the "For the Kids" albums. Although "For the Kids Three" is my favorite with songs from Mates of State, Over the Rhine, Rogue Wave, Blitzen Trapper, Of Montreal, and lots more. The artists are so varied on these CD's that your bound to find someone you enjoy.
My little boy (16 mos.) also really likes Sufjan Stevens and Devendra Banhart(sp?) and also Neil Diamond of all people.
Good luck! I'm right there with you on the "kids" tunes. I've never been able to handle them. Especially after all of those daycare job years.
The Beach Boys! My daughter (5 in a couple weeks) and her best friend LOVE The Beach Boys!
Get Ziggy Marley Family time or B is for Bob by Bob Marley
How about Cat Stevens? Indigo Girls?
I got Kenny Loggins- Essential Hits. I love it! But I am a big Kenny Loggins fan. It has a lot of fun upbeat songs that you will recognize.
I would definitely go with anything by Jack Johnson, especially the Curious George soundtrack. The Kidzbop ones are good because they are modern songs cleaned up for the little ones. Any of the High School Musical soundtracks, and Miley Cyrus.
Others mentinoed this already, but we love the Kidzbop (McDonalds was giving out different ones with their happy meals a few months ago, but I think you can buy them elsewhere) and all of the High School Musical cds. Great music for kids and adults.