Rock Music for Cool Babies, Toddlers and Kids

When Raffi Gets You Down, Try These Kid's CDs By Real Rock Artists

Aug 3, 2009 Heidi Griffin

Kid's music is a huge market these days, mostly dominated by movie soundtracks and musical TV shows, like The Wiggles and The Imagination Movers. Not to say that these artists don't have musical talent and integrity- many do, but it can be difficult, as a parent struggling to maintain some pre-baby identity, to trade your own musical preferences for furry songs about dinosaurs and co-operation.

There can be a compromise.

In the tradition of Burl Ives and Woody Guthrie, many popular artists are now recording albums for children. Ranging from covers of old classics to original kid-directed songs, these cds are totally age-appropriate for you kiddo's growing mind and- they rock!

They Might Be Giants

Alt-rock band, They Might Be Giants, are known for their eclectic, experimental sound and bizarre, often silly lyrics. Much of their music is kid-friendly, songs such "Particle Man" and their cover of "Isranbul, (Not Constantinople)" having aired on Warner Bothers' "Tiny Toon Adventures".

It was no surprise when, in 2002, They Might Be Giants released, "No!", describing it as the band's first "album for the entire family", followed by their first picture book, "Bed, Bed, Bed". Their second Children's album, "Here Come the ABCs" ,released in 2005, has since hit gold. The follow-up album, 2008's "Here Come the 123s" earned TMBG their 2nd Grammy.

These albums are every bit as musically and lyrically delicious as their previous albums and will entertain kids and parents alike (and simultaneously!)

Barenaked Ladies

In May of 2008, rockers, Barenaked Ladies, released their first Children's album "Snacktime". Inspired by They Might Be Giants' fun and successful ventures, as well as by their own kids, their album is full of catchy tunes with clever and occasionally educational lyrics. Like They Might Be Giants, BNL's childrens' album is very much like their previous albums, which are for the most part kid friendly as well. So, for BNL fans who are also parents, "Snacktime" is the perfect album for the whole family.

Jewel

Folk singer Jewel, teamed with Fisher Price this year to release "Lullaby", an album of original songs and a few old favorites, like "Twinkle Little Star". If you like Jewel, you'll like this, plus it'll make your kids sleepy.

Bob Marley

"B is For Bob" was released (posthumouslywith the help of Ziggy Marley) and is made up of kid friendly songs from previous albums and several re-mixed songs as well.

Ziggy Marley

"Family Time" is a collection of mostly original songs, recorded by Ziggy "and friends". It rocks reggae style, like all of Ziggy's other albums and with guests like Willie Nelson, you can't lose!

Compilations

Though not all rock bands choose to make childrens' albums, most of them can be persuaded to record a song or two, which results in some very cool compilations.

• "For The Kids" (Nettwerk America)This compilation includes new music and covers from 16 different artists including Cake, Sarah McLachlan and Tom Waits.
• "For The Kids Too" Featuring Jason Mraz, Lisa Loeb and Matthew Sweet with another fun mix.

• Putumayo Kids Cds Putumayo Kids is the children’s and educational division of Putumayo World Music. Though not all the albums are "rock music", there are many great compilations to choose from, in many different genres, such as "Reggae Playground," "Latin Playground", "New Orleans Playground" and "World Playground". These are all "grown-up grade" albums and are great for parties.

In addition to being fun for you and appropriate for your kids, these albums are also a great way to introduce your family to the music you love, minus the "naughty words". So stash the Raffi away for a special occasion, grab one (or all) of these awesome CDs, and rock out with the whole family!