In this post, I would like to discuss what makes good kids' music. I mean, how often do we hear infantile adult songs or kids' music with adult and even inappropriate lyrics in it? It must be a surprisingly difficult task to write a good song that is age-appropriate and has enough musical qualities at the same time. Sometimes, though, it can happen naturally, and the song turns out to be universally likable.
In order not to lose those of you who do not have children or don’t care for kids' music at all, I will share an equal number of kids' songs and straight-out adult songs that can be appropriate for children of all ages.
News:
I have this idea to create a collaborative space where I’d publish articles contributed by other musicians and producers — a sort of peer-reviewed journal format. There would be no fees involved, and no one gets paid. But it could be a way to share ideas, find collaborators, and build something together. If you’d like to publish something on my website, write to me at singingofthesoul@gmail.com.
Music Picks:
I begin by sharing music that is found on my Kids Music & Songs playlist. The first two compositions will catch the essence of what great age-appropriate kids' music should sound like, IMHO.
Little Duckie by Micky Farkas [#3 on Kids Music & Songs]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Er5K7c4msQxy9AdLx0XK
Say What? by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band [#44 on Kids Music & Songs]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Er5K7c4msQxy9AdLx0XK
Often, kids' songs come from movies, and they're not always age-appropriate or as enjoyable when taken out of the context of the film. Here is one that stands out:
Ninja Rap by Vanilla Ice [#38 on Kids Music & Songs]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Er5K7c4msQxy9AdLx0XK
Now, let’s listen to some electronic music.
Space Shuttle by Tiny Totz Kids, Tobie, Kate Steinway [#30 on Kids Music & Songs]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Er5K7c4msQxy9AdLx0XK
Axel F by Crazy Frog [#31 on Kids Music & Songs]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Er5K7c4msQxy9AdLx0XK
It is time to shift gears and listen to songs that are meant to be universally likable – made for audiences of all ages. We will begin with a couple of classic songs.
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry [#6 on All Rock ‘n’ Roll]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BROjD6hA9dXbCWW1y3w2X
(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets [#1 on All Rock ‘n’ Roll]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BROjD6hA9dXbCWW1y3w2X
I also have songs that are made for listeners of all age groups. Here is one:
Wishing You Best (I-GOR) [#16 on All Rock ‘n’ Roll]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BROjD6hA9dXbCWW1y3w2X
Let’s change genres and remember this classic:
Mais Que Nada by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 [#18 on the Singing of the Soul playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14WlbZooqYMTu5TSsYZ5Oa
I’d like to finish my music picks today with a song that is not necessarily suitable for children. However, it was written by a parent for parents, and it is nothing short of remarkable.
Беги по небу (Run in the Sky) by Maxim Fadeev [#68 on Singing of the Soul]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14WlbZooqYMTu5TSsYZ5Oa
This deeply touching song was written for the composer’s friend who tragically lost his son. It helped the father get through those difficult times.
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to making songs for children – which is the same as education in general – it is important to work very hard and make sure that the final product is well-written, well-produced, and necessarily age-appropriate. This is how we can help kids develop good taste. If, instead, we feed them fast food from an early age, then we should not be all that surprised when they grow up liking nonsensical compositions.
I thank the artists featured on my Kids Songs & Music playlist for sending their music to me. Without it, I would have a very hard time compiling something meaningful. I am glad that I started this playlist and hope that it will not only be enjoyable to listen to but also useful, providing early exposure to quality music content.