The New Sound of Kids’ Music
Before I had a child of my own, the only kids songs I knew were the ones taught in church and school when I was a kid myself. Well, that and the annoying “I love you, you love me” song from Barney. I have my oldest nephew to thank for that one. When I was pregnant with my own child, I was determined to find a better alternative.
As I searched for the newest thing in children’s music, I quickly learned that it had come a long way since I was a kid. Asking other parents for suggestions led me in all kinds of different directions, but eventually I turned to the TV for my answers. I explored shows like The Wiggles and Barney and was sorely disappointed.
I couldn’t find anything that suited me until I discovered Noggin. After one listen to The Laurie Berkner Band’s “Monster Boogie” I couldn’t get the song out of my head. The video aired in between shows one morning and I was instantly hooked. By lunch time that day I was searching the internet for the lyrics and an idea of when I might be able to see the video again. From there, I discovered Jack’s Big Music Show and a whole new world of kids’ music. Bands like Milkshake, Music for Aardvarks, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, Hot Peas ‘n’ Butter, and Dan Zanes make kid’s music very enjoyable. (For more information on Dan Zanes, check out the great interview he did with Erinn over at Parenting Our Children.)
The children’s music artists of today have a little more to offer than those that I knew as a kid. Instead of sugary sweet songs bound to drive parents crazy after a few listens, today’s kids’ music is filled with rock beats and entertaining lyrics. The songs are fun and tend to get kids and parents alike singing and dancing along.
music, kids, Laurie Berkner Band, Milkshake, Music for Aardvarks, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, Dan Zanes, Jack’s Big Music Show, Barney, The Wiggles, Noggin, Parenting Our Children
May 10th, 2007 at 10:22 am
My favorite song on Jack’s BMS is “I Hope My Mama Says Yes”.
I agree that kid’s music has gotten better! I still intend to subject my kids to Coldplay and Pink Floyd, though. hee!
May 10th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Kelli - I love that song too and now I’ll be singing it in my head all day!
Even with all the kids’ music we play in our house, Zach is also a fan of Disturbed (Daddy’s influence), Pearl Jam, and KT Tunstall.