You know what’s terrible? Music for children. Most kids’ music is trash that only someone on an acid trip would listen to. The whole point is to stop crying, induce sleep, and not force you to drive into oncoming traffic. Kids love music, so why spoil it for them?
I remember when my kids were little, they were obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. We played the songs in the car and they were awful – they sounded like something out of a WWII propaganda film.
Fortunately, there are exceptions. Here are some albums that appeal to the kids, but are still amazingly good tunes.
1. Caspar Babypants – More Please!
Simple, acoustic songs created by Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America, with playful folk songs for young children.
2. Maybe they are giants – No!
Sharp, pop sound with the widest range of themes and sounds, captivating children while entertaining adults.
3. Barenaked Ladies – Snacktime!
Clever lyrics that work on two levels for both adults and kids, with the band’s signature spirit and humor. (I still hear the popcorn song once in a while.)
4. The Okee Dokee Brothers – Through the Woods
Upbeat bluegrass and Appalachian folk tunes with messages of acceptance and outdoor adventure, perfect for family singalongs. I would see these guys play live with or without my kids.
5. Emily Arrow – Storytime Singalong Vol. 1
Warm ukulele-based songs inspired by popular children’s picture books, creating a unique genre of “kidlit tunes” for young readers.
6. Tom Paxton – Goin’ to the Zoo
Soft folk songs with playful lyrics about animals and everyday adventures, delivered in Paxton’s warm storytelling style.
7. Trout fishing in America – Big problem
Clever wordplay and musical variety mixing folk, rock and humor that appeals to kids and parents alike.
8. Dan Zanes – Family Dance
Dynamic collection of dance tunes that combine various musical styles, encouraging families to move and celebrate together.
9. Jack Johnson – Curious George Soundtrack
Happy and sweet songs from the movie Curious George that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages.
10. Blake Rules – Kids Trap
Modern trap and hip-hop beats made kid-friendly with clean lyrics and punchy production for little music lovers.
11. Buckwheat Zydeco – Choo Choo Boogaloo
Infectious zydeco beats and accordion-based melodies that get kids moving with authentic Louisiana musical traditions.
12. Danny Go!
No album, per se, but exciting electronic dance music designed for kids with high-energy beats and movement-focused songs that you can stream.
13. Deity Roxx
Grammy-nominated album of upbeat songs celebrating friendship, family and self-reliance, inspired by 90s hip-hop. I can’t stress how much I love listening to Celebrate.
14. Ziggy Marley – Family Time
Bouncy reggae beats with guest appearances from Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson and Toots which of course the kids love.
15. Rockabye Baby! Series (Various Artists)
Lullaby songs from favorite bands, from The Beach Boys and Queen to The Beatles and Journey.
16. Walter Martin (The Walkmen) – We’re All Young Together
Songs with anthropomorphic animals and powerful melodies that sound like a great singer-songwriter who replaced stress with fun.
17. Basho and Friends – aún más
Original songs and cool, funky twists on classics that younger kids and adults alike will love.
18. Ozomatli – OzoKidz
Upbeat Latin horns and intense Caribbean beats with lyrics about how fun dancing is for the whole family.
19. Los Lobos – Los Lobos Goes Disney
Disney songs reimagined by Los Angeles’ legendary purveyor of wild Mexican-American music with an authentic Latin flavor.
20. Elizabeth Mitchell – Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie’s fun and quirky folk songs are performed in Mitchell’s beautiful and calm voice.
21. Twinkle Twinkle Little Rockstar series
Lullaby versions of rock bands like Metallica and Sublime, as well as pop albums like Adele and Mumford & Sons.
22. Ellis Paul – The Hero in You
Introduction to notable people in history such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Rachel Carson, Rosa Parks and Thomas Edison through song.
23. Peter Himmelman – My Green Kite
Bluesy deals in child-friendly themes that earned a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Album.
24. Mama Nous
Folk, kindiepop genre with emotionally intelligent lyrics, simple melodies and themes designed to help listeners process emotions and start conversations about feelings.
25. Kidz Bop (Various Volumes)
Top 40 adult modern music sung by children with appropriate lyric changes, covering current rock stars and pop releases.
Bottom line
Look, your kids will want to listen to music about 47,000 times a day. You can either subject yourself to the musical equivalent of waterboarding, or you can pick up a few of these albums and keep your sanity. These artists understand that parents are people too – people who don’t want to end up in a packed room humming “Baby Shark” over and over – and I’m forever grateful.
Any other suggestions I can add to the list?
