Kids Music That Parents Actually Like Too!

Music albums for kids vary widely in their production qualities, orchestration, song choices, intended age, and abilities of the singers. Most of us have at least one or two albums that the kids love, but nevertheless drives us all crazy. There are only so many times you can hear "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" before you wish that the spider would just lose her spunk entirely. But no, there she goes, climbing that spout again.

For the sake of our own and our readers' sanity, we asked parents to contribute to a list of albums you own that you can actually stand to listen to again and again. These albums will make great additions your own library and for gifts. See if your own favorites are on this list (they are compiled in no particular order), and then if we're missing any, let us know and we'll add them.

The comments of the recommender are listed in italics under the album. (The opinions of those recommending this music are their own, not necessarily those of KidsOutAndAbout.com.)

Return to Pooh Corner and More Songs from Pooh Corner, by Kenny Loggins.
My favorite when my daughter was a baby and she still listens to them!

Even Kids Get the Blues - by the ReBops
Kids singing contemporary blues songs. A great introduction to the Blues for kids, and the songs are hysterical for kids and fun for adults. The singers they got are great, unlike a lot of other albums that have kids singing on them. Our favorite songs are "Fighting with a Sibling" and "Homesick."

Wee Sing America
A fantastic compilation of songs about America and folks songs of the people who developed this country. Reviewed on KidsOutAndAbout.com.

Buzz Buzz and Victor Vito by Laurie Berkner
Kids music that parents can enjoy too! Folksy, jazzy, imaginative and comical lyrics, dance-able. No annoying out-of-tune kids voices but your own sweet kids singing along.

A Flower Fairy Alphabet
Cicely Mary Barker's wonderful "flower fairies" poems set to gentle music. Reviewed on KidsOutAndAbout.com.

Music by Ralph Covert

Music by Trout Fishing in America

No! by They Might be Giants
Here Come the ABC's by They Might Be Giants
Granted, I enjoyed their music before they started doing kids' songs, but we all really like this one. My husband has even taken out a map & showed our 5-year-old all of the countries mentioned in the song "Alphabet of Nations," and she did NOT have to be dragged kicking & screaming -- she loved her first big geography lesson & even helped with finding the countries' capital cities & was eager to learn what continents they were on.
For the Kids and "For the Kids Too" by various contemporary artists
This is alternative rock for kids.

I have heard great things about Dan Zanes, though I personally haven't listened to him (except on the aforementioned "For the Kids").

Pure Imagination by Michael Feinstein

Songs I Heard by Harry Connick Jr.
Children's songs with Harry's usual big band sound. You almost don't mind when they won't stop going through your head.

Music by Jessica Harper, especially Inside Out and Rhythm in My Shoes
Her music is upbeat, and her lyrics are whimsical but not silly (even witty on an adult level!).

Choo Choo Boogaloo by Buckwheat Zydeco
Absolutely a delight.

The Funky Monkeys
Their CD's are fabulous and both my 5-year-old twins and my 9-year-old are addicted. I even have my favorite song (Miss Sue from Alabama)!! Joshua Sitron of the band wrote music for Dora the Explorer as well as other popular children's shows.
All You Need Is Love - Beatles songs performed by kids
My children like to listen to it and I find myself singing to it as well.

Vincent and the Big Bad Kitchen Band
Vincent has some great CD's. They have catchy tunes. Grandma likes them too! Vincent has performed at Strong Museum.

Music by The Wiggles, especially Cold Spaghetti Western
These guys are fantastic showman, both live, on video and on CD. We often sing along with the kiddies in the car to our favorites!

John Lithgow'sSinging in the Bathtub
Lots of fun songs including: Big Kids, Inchworm, Swinging on a Star. Excellent orchestration – one of the best I’ve heard for children’s cds!!

Kimbo'sSalsa, Soul & Swing, Dances for Kids
Includes: The Cup of Life, In the Mood, Get on Your Feet. The guide also includes lyrics and directions for dances.

Guide My Feet, by Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie, with special guests: Pete Seeger and others
Excellent musicianship and vocals on this recording! They are dedicated to “"sowing the seeds of social justice through music and exploring the roots and branches of folk music." Kim and Reggie have also researched and recorded other music cds on the Underground Railroad.

Family Tree, by Tom Chapin
This album is enjoyed by our 10 year old son, 7 year old daughter and both parents. Favorite songs on this album are: "Uh Oh, Accident", "Big Rock Candy Mountain" and "Shoveling." These songs are geared towards a little older child, I'd say at least elementary school.

 

Special thanks to Chris LeBeau, Julie Ferreira, Lisa Green, Pamela Schultz, Rachel Wexler, Kelly LeGrett-Norton, Vicky Farley, Amy Moorehead, and Michael Malerk, Michele Heine, Jean Grizard, Christine Winchester, and many anonymous others, who contributed to this page.