For the Kids Reviews

• What a wonderous CD for kids!

  
  By A1YVO5V1SO18DZ on 2002-11-11
  This CD is an exceptional effort. My kids, 5 and 7, love it and is it any wonder why? The best track on the CD is by Dan Zanes, called Wonderwheel. It is possibly the best kids' song I've ever heard--magical and heartbreaking at the same moment. The rest of the CD is superb, especially the efforts from Sarah McLachlan, Billy Bragg, Sixpence None The Richer and the always-classy Dan Wilson.

  If you have kids, treat them to this magnificent CD. It will enrich them, and give them many hours of listening fun.
  
  

• Cute album

  
  By AXFI7TAWD6H6X on 2003-07-26
  I primarily wanted "For the Kids" because of Sarah McLachlan's rendition of Kermit the Frog's "The Rainbow Connection" from the eternal classic "The Muppet Movie". I struck gold today at my favorite record store today when I came across a used copy of the cd. Although the songs are certainly geared towards children, the songs can be enjoyed by any person of any age. I may not be wild about bands like Cake or Barenaked Ladies but their contributions to the compilation were quite cuke. Cake's "Mahna Mahna" has a surf feel to the song. "La La La La Lemon" is simply too cute. I absolutely love Sarah's version of "The Rainbow Connection". I haven't heard the song in years but after hearing Sarah's breathtaking cover of the classic Muppets song, the song lyrically surprisingly enough still sounds fresh as I heard it back in the late '70s (yeah, I know I am dating myself). As I listened to the lyrics for the first time in over a decade, there is still an innocence to the song that I really don't hear in today's music. Now I need to find the original version sung by Kermit the Frog. I almost forgot how much I loved this song as a kid. I also loved Ivy's "Sing". I remember singing along to that song on my Sesame Street soundtrack as a child. Kinda weird (in a good way) to hear a childhood favorite sung in a more stylishly hip fashion (very kitschy ala The Carpenters). Raine Maida and Chantal Kraviazuk's version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is also very stirring. The only song I didn't care for on this cd was "Bend Down the Branches" but that is because I can't stand Tom Waits' vocals. His singing style is an acquired taste. All proceeds to this album goes to two different organizations geared to protecting music and art programs in the schools when nowadays school budgets are being cut no thanks to bureacracy.
  
  

• Takes me back

  
  By A3ANEC5F6DK16S on 2002-11-15
  Frankly, there isn't a bad track here, all are really good. Contrary to the title, it's not just "for the kids", adults will also have a good time listening to these delightful songs covered/penned by some of today's successful contemporary folk rock/pop artists.

  The album begins with Cake's "Mahna Mahna" which, save for some groovy guitar work, is slightly repetitive but has a feel-good vibe to it. You'll definitely remember the Mahna Mahna character. Then comes my favorite track, BNL's "La La La La Lemon"; Steven Page and Ed Robertson are natural comedians, bringing a humorous take on the Bert and Ernie classic. Then comes the transcendence: Sarah McLachlan is able to take any song and imbue it with such beauty and earthy passion that it takes your breath away. Playing the piano, electric guitar and bass, Sarah sings a version of "The Rainbow Connection" worthy of her froggy predecessor.

  Another favorite is Guster's melodic "I've Got To Be Clean"; even kids' hygiene is covered in song here. Former Del Fuegos singer-turned-kids' artist Dan Zanes then takes the album to a folky turn with the utterly charming "Wonderwheel", followed by the even more charming "Have A Little Fun With Me" by Glen Phillips. "The Hoppity Song" by Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik deserves to be a classic sing-a-long song for both kids and parents, it even features a child's vocals (possibly his son's). Billy Bragg and Wilco's interpretation of Woody Guthrie's "My Flying Saucer" is also very good, as is Darius Rucker's poignant piano ballad "It's All Right To Cry".

  Ivy's "Sing" has a refreshing Bossa Nova retro feel to it while Remy Zero's take on Garfunkel's "Bright Eyes" is a calm soother. I particularly liked Dan Wilson's "Willie The King" for its poignant lyrics on childhood innocence. Bleu then takes it into a rock mode with the infectious "Snow Day"; you can just imagine you kids singing along to the chorus. While I don't care much for OLP's Raine Maida's singing, his duet (with wife Chantal Kreviazuk) of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is servicable though just a tad droll. They did manage to add a few lyrics, turning the simple ditty into a traveller-gazing-at-the-stars sort of song.

  Sixpence None The Richer's contribution "Goodnight Children Everywhere", a World War II composition originally sung by British crooner Vera Lynne, is especially affecting, with haunting rock guitars weaving the melodies around Leigh Nash's angelic vocals. Who better to close this outstanding compilation than the great Tom Waits? His gruff yet melodic voice on "Bend Down The Branches" is a graceful goodnight lullaby for all kids to go to sleep.

  Overall, I highly recommend getting this album. Even if you don't have kids, it's an album for rekindling fond memories of your childhood, whether it's Bert & Ernie or just a good old-fashioned song that first got you hooked to music. The great thing about this album is that it retains just the right balance; never too sweet or cutesy to turn off the adults, and never too serious to turn off the kids.
  
  

• A real disappointment

  
  By ATSUQCIFVFDTI on 2005-02-20
  I've purchased several kids disks by adult artists for our daughter. This one was really bad. It had two good songs on it; the rest she always asks me to skip over. Sarah McLachlin's entry "The Rainbow Connection" isn't good enough to be called whiney, it is simply pathetic. Ivy's version of "sing" is if anything worse than the saccharin original.
  
  Barenaked Ladies LA LA LA Lemon was alright; Five for Fighting's "Hoppity Song" was really good. That's it. I love Tom Waits; he doesn't belong on a kiddie disk. At least, not with the song he had on this one.
  
  Go with Garcia and Grisman's "Not for Kids Only," or They Might Be Giants "NO," both of which are excellent. Skip this one.
  
  

• Definitely worth a La La La Listen!

  
  By A14BS7WZJ8EAAW on 2002-11-10
  I bought this album primarily because it had a new Barenaked Ladies track on it (and since they haven't been touring this year I am STARVED for new BNL tracks) - but also because I am one of the "Sesame Street" generation & thought it would be fun to have a cd with some classic kids tunes sung by some of my favorite artists from today.

  I was not disappointed!

  The tracks on this cd are funny, sweet, nostalgic and even poignant (especially Sarah McLachlan doing a truly beautiful rendition of Kermit's "Rainbow Connection"). There is also a wonderfully diverse range of musical artists on this album... Cake, Tom Waits, Wilco, BNL, Dan Wilson. If you weren't a fan of any/all of these artists *before* hearing the tasty tunes provided on this album, you may well be before you've finished listening to the last track.

  This would be a fun & even useful gift for friends or family who have young children, but I think it's going to be even more fun for those of us who grew up with Sesame Street and The Muppets. Who can resist singing "Mahna Mahna" or "The Hoppity Song" at the top of their lungs? I sure can't!

  Better yet, the proceeds from this album go to two great causes; VH1's "Save the Music Foundation" in the U.S. and "The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach" program in Canada. Being a former Band Geek myself, I know how important music was in shaping my character and my life. Other kids should have that same opportunity. And that alone is reason enough to buy this album IMO.

  La La La.... lovely!
  
  

• Buy it for "Rainbow Connection."
  By AR37967IAR6ZT on 2003-03-14
  Sarah McLachlan's version of "The Rainbow Connection" is so beautiful that it will bring tears to your eyes, particularly if you're already a fan of the Muppets song. Another Muppets song, "Mahna Mahna," is covered by Cake rather well. The whole album is fun for grown-ups, good for kids, and it works as an alt-rock alternative to Elmo. And it's for charity.

  Highly recommended.
  
  

• For Everyone!
  By A3BBXEHFZCW0KN on 2002-11-23
  I bought this CD after having heard Mahna Mahna on the radio. It's an all-time favorite song which brings up many happy memories. Cake's interpretation is wonderful.
  The line-up on the CD is amazing! Several of my very favorite contemporary artists performing fun, childhood songs? This is a blast! My favorite is the Hoppity Song. Sarah McLachlan singing Rainbow Connection doesn't make the #1 slot only because that song never fails to get me all verklempt. Ah, kermit...

  This CD is a must-have for anyone with kids. Anyone without kids who's not so "grown up" that they can't sing along with La La La Lemon will love it too.
  
  

• Best of the Kids music
  By A16WB5ENBWO5TO on 2004-02-24
  I was tired of hearing The Wiggles and Sesame Street had lost it's charm after the 1000 time listening to it, so I tried this CD-What a Gem!! I have a 2 yr old and a 10 yr old. They both love it. I love that it's artists that I like and music that they like and the lyrics arent questionable. It's a fun CD with varied styles. Sarah McLaughlin and The Rainbow Connection makes me teary-eyed, it's a great rendition. We love Guster and We've Got to Be Clean, and all the others.The Tom Waite song is my personal least favorite, but it's even acceptable.

  I eagerly recommend this if you're tired of the same hum ho kids music. This is one you will love just as much as them.
  
  

• Really Weak Compilation
  By ACM1WXFRFVFAN on 2005-03-08
  There are very few songs I like here, and my kids always groan when I put it on, they like it even less than me. I was really excited to see songs by the artist I like, but the kids didn't like any of those. (Except Cake and Bare Naked Ladies - the two good songs we all liked).
  Every time I buy a compilation album with different artists I regret it. THere may be a few songs I like, but also a lot I don't.
  I would recommend THey Might be Giants for people who are looking for songs kids and Adults will both like.
  
  
• One of the best "family" CD's I've found
  By A3JAUR9B6UUEHM on 2004-06-29
  I work at a daycare, so I am inundated with different kinds of "children's" music day-in and day-out. This CD is the one I reach for on the weekend! My 2-year old loves it, and the babies that I work with at school do too. It is fantastic!
  
  
• Love Love Love It!
  By A28Y7LU0VAM0AX on 2005-03-14
  This is our very favorite kids' album!! Our favorite song is "Hop Hop Hippity" and my kids ages 1 and 3 could listen to the album all day. I highly recommend it.
  
  However, For the Kids Too is disappointing and boring. So stay with this first album, it is great!
  
  
• This'll Get Ya Dancin'
  By A2O2PEZQ5CVVSZ on 2005-12-12
  This has got to be to best compilation of kid's song to date! These songs will entertain your children AND you! With artists such as Sarah McLauchlan, Cake, Barenaked Ladies, Ivy and Sixpence, how can you (or your kids) complain??? My 2-year old and I love "The Hoppity Song", while my preschool class of 4-year-olds love both "Mahna Mahna" and "La La La La Lemon". These are awesome songs, with great messages, from the best artists! I smile everytime I put on this CD. Check out the music sampler on Amazon, and then GET THIS ONE!!!
  
  
• Best kids tape out there!
  By A2FK6QTW5MU07B on 2006-08-27
  When I was pg I was searching for good music that could grow with the baby. This CD had excellent reviews so I took the risk and am so thankful I did.
  
  Right now our 22 month old son requests this CD at least 3-4x a day! He calls it "this one" and he boogies away even to the slow songs. Dh and I enjoy it as well, luckily!
  
  
• Great music but a bit slowly paced for kids
  By AUNJBTMW38LG1 on 2002-12-26
  No surprise that these tunes, although for kids, have all the style and artistry of any contemporary music. However, I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more uptempo selections in the mix .... after a few listenings I would say about a third of the songs are of the lullaby or ballad persuasion, and a few more seem neither fast nor slow. So if you have kids that like to jump around the room and dance when they listen to their music, or simply request "I want fast music," this may not be for your family. Check out Trout Fishing in America, or even my 3-year old's current favorite, the Beach Boys.
  
  
• My kids say, "No!"
  By A2LW3QIV33YH2X on 2003-11-14
  My kids (2 and 4) say "No!" when I try to put this on. The music is sweet but a lot of it really isn't for kids - ex Sarah McL's version of the Rainbow song, lovely, but rather sad, actually. I don't mind listening to it, but they will have none of it.
  
  
• Hop Hop Hurray from my Kids
  By A3BAGRSPW6ECI2 on 2004-07-30
  This is just the thing for you and your kids -- short drive, long haul, you've got all the right grooves with this CD. My kids (6 and 3-year olds) just LOVE IT. We just listened to the whole darn thang from Atlanta to B-ham -- we (the mom and dad) memorized most of the tunes (my son already had them down) and we all bopped around the hi-way together. It's all good.
  
  
• We don't get it?
  By ALOZ3VQEGTV62 on 2006-03-23
  We purchased this CD for a four-year old birthday party. The CD was a huge flop! Both the children and their parents disliked it. Everyone was begging for us to put on something else. I do like wonderwheel, but the kids were bored with it. Maybe the CD is just a little too mellow! We will stick with Laurie Berkner and others similar to her.
  
  
• Enjoyable CD
  By A1AZOXBUNK8Z54 on 2006-11-06
  I was hesitant to purchase the CD at first based on other reviews. but I went ahead and bought it exclusively because it had the Sarah McLachlin "The Rainbow Connection". Most of the other songs are by artists I did not recognize, but my wife and I found we really liked most of the rest of the CD. "The Hoppity Song" is a simple and catchy song that we find ourselves humming during the day.
  
  
• Fun, fun, fun!!!!!
  By A1EARN846K56LN on 2003-02-06
  We search for music that is different and fun to listen too. We got this for Christmas and it was by far the best gift. Our 21 month old child asks for it as soon as we get in the car. Plus both of us love it as much as she does. She loves the Snow Day song, I love the Hoppity song and her father loves the My Flying Saucer song. Sarah McLachlan's version of Rainbow connection is beautiful. This CD is a good mix of old and new songs. We will buy this for all of our friends with kids and maybe even some without.
  
  
• Best yet for rocking out with a toddler!
  By on 2004-06-26
  At our house, we run round and round the living room table with Hippity Hop playing at high volumes. This CD is a blast for both kids and parents. It is musically interesting, full of humor and sincerity, and is just plain fun. It makes us all smile - and we have yet to grow tired of it.
  
  
• It's a good one!
  By A2Z3IJ0K6IHSYN on 2005-09-08
  This is a really good cd but not my favorite kids cd. You can only listen to Sarah McLachlan sing "The Rainbow Connection" so many times. On the other hand, my 7 year old daughter and I could sing "The Hoppity Song" all day! It's great, as is "Mahna, Mahna" and "La La La La Lemon".
  
  
• Great CD
  By A3JA0KRQE3TGAV on 2006-10-22
  Awesome CD. Have bought quite a few, and would highly recommend this one! Beautiful renditions of "Rainbow Connection" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Fun songs such as "Snow Day." This is a CD that mom and dad won't mind listening to either!
  
  
• Stays crunchy, even in Milk!
  By A2SDRCBPIAXVDW on 2006-11-15
  When we give our baby a bath, we put music on for her to make bathtime more enjoyable. Since my baby is too young to care either way for what music she is listening to, yet we want something age appropriate, we got this album. We bought it mainly for "I've got to be Clean" since it was cute and appropriate, but a few other tracks convinced us ("Mahna Mahna" and "La la la la Lemon")that this album would be a good buy. I also bought this cd because I wanted something with a little longevity. I didn't want a Barney CD for fear that it may drive me insane and that it will eventually drive my child insane, too.
  This album did not disappoint. It's incredibly catchy, and I was suprised that I like the songs that didn't convince me to buy this album more than the ones that did. But that doesn't mean that those aren't good either. I find myself singing these songs outloud myself, especially "Wonderwheel," "Have a Little Fun with Me," "My Flying Saucer," and "Sing." Very fun modern album that will last with your kids growing up.
  
  
• Great great great
  By A1C5ENZU8E7TI2 on 2003-01-06
  If you've got kids then you'll love this CD. If you don't have kids then you'll still love this CD. It's thoughtful and the songs are well done. Sarah McLachlan, good. Wilco, good. Tom Waits, the best ever. A joy to listen to.
  
  
• This CD Rocks!!
  By A1698AMGFYJPDA on 2005-03-08
  The music on this CD will blow you away. It's fun for kids and adults and provides with many a sing-along drive to grandma's, the doctor's or wherever. The drive is always too short when listening to this music on the way. Every song is spectacular and altogether it's a great mix guaranteed to enthuse even the most non-musical of your kids! The Hoppity Song and Snow Day are my boys' (ages 4.5 and 6 years) absolute favorites.
  
  
• Great for kids AND adults
  By A2LHNJY8NN8YNH on 2005-12-31
  This CD is filled with great tunes for kids, by artists we adults love. Lots of classic voices and creative lyrics make this fun to bounce around your newborn or keep your 3-year old entertained in the car. This one gets played over and over again.
  
  
• cute & parent friendly music
  By A2LPCE2ABPKEH6 on 2006-01-30
  Most of the songs are good, a few are a little creepy. We can all listen & enjoy it together & skip the ones we don't like.
  
  
• Great album
  By ALRCAGJOJ9583 on 2006-10-14
  We like the album a great deal. It wasn't a big hit at first, but the songs grew on us. Our baby likes to bounce to the hippity hop song and others. It is a mix of classics (Mahna Mahna and Rainbows) and some new ones. A good variety.
  
  
• Awesome songs for kids!
  By A1CEIFJRBL0SEQ on 2007-06-10
  We have this CD in the car and "rock" to it when we go places. Our son loves the music and claps and "sings" along with it the whole time.
  There is also a few "quieter" songs for babies that like to sleep in the car.
  We really like it and I am contemplating getting the other "for the kids" CD's.
  
  A great buy!
  
  
• Fun. Some songs great. Some not.
  By A18CL73MAOOP78 on 2007-06-26
  You know how U2 and Jack Johnson make CD's you can listen to straight through? Well, this is not a stright through album. It has some great songs, and some that I skip. My children love the La La La La Lemon song.
  
  

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