As this year ends tomorrow, I thought I’d round up the year in kid music. Some great music has been released. Some already featured here on this blog, and some I have yet to write about but am a fan of nonetheless. But they are what my family has enjoyed listening to this past year.
Without further ado…
The Top 12 Kid Songs of 2012
Dance Kung Fu by The Imagination Movers
These guys hail from my home town of New Orleans, so right there, they’ve made my knees soft. This song conjures up some pretty hilarious dance move images. Ones that are easily relatable for kids and completely performable. I do a pretty mean Hot Sidewalk…
What parent doesn’t welcome a little Kid Hop in to their iTunes playlist? I think Skidoo is one of the freshest voices in kid music, appealing not only to the preschool circuit, but the primary school (and old school) range as well. I am the mother of a space cadet. I have to ask things and call names multiple times to get a response. But what’s going on in that brain as I nag is pretty spectacular.
Pepito by Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Combine a fast, punkish beat with lyrics of an adventurous squirrel and you’ve nailed my son’s musical taste in one song.
The One That I Love by Charlie Hope
This lovely tune was featured on Kid Tune Tuesday at the beginning of the year. And right about now, this list could use some female voices! I love how this song makes me feel – bursting with love for my little one that is singing along in the back seat with her eyes closed and her hair in her mouth.
Why Is Dad So Mad? by The Board of Education
I guess I need to turn in my Geek card. It wasn’t until recently that I became aware of the Who Shot First controversy in the Star Wars Episode 4. If you know this, then congratulations, you get to keep yours. This song tackles that issue, along with Old v. New Star Wars films. It’s humorous and witty. This band cracks me up. It’s a bit like a Pixar movie – for kids, but adults get it on a different level.
The Dancin’ Bear by Recess Monkey
I adore a song that takes a misfit and allows them to follow their own path to their truest self. And this is one of them. Plus, I love the image of a big bear in sparkly dance shoes, doing her thing.
Wag More by Boxtop Jenkins
This song was also featured on Kid Tune Tuesday, and for a good reason! It’s an infections little song. And every time I play it, my 3 year-old gets a huge smile on her face. And my 6 year-old remarks, “yeah, Mom, that’s true. You ARE happier when you’re happy.” And I get a gentle reminder to loosen up. Not too bad, eh?
This song has a cool flow to it that I’m drawn to. And Lucky’s voice sings of everyone and everything connecting to each other. Not a bad way to look at the world, right?
Touch the Sky from the motion picture soundtrack to Brave
I know, I couldn’t help myself. Yes, this song is commercial. Yes, it’s from a movie. But I love it. Julie Fowlis’ voice is a celtic siren who gives me goosebumps. A song of strength and freedom. And one that my daughter loves to spin to in the living room, pretending she is a brave soul.
Don’t Fill Up On Chips by Randy Kaplan
Why Mom? Why Mom? I’m not a huge Randy Kaplan fan, but this one resonates with me. A parent begging her child to fill up on tortilla chips before the $8 plate of burritos makes it to the table. Randy Kaplan is a sharp writer who weaves humor and truth in his songs to make parents nod their head and agree.
Another song that was featured here this year. I still can’t hear this song without getting chills. Robbie’s non-profit, charitable work has done amazing things, and we wish him the best as he moves on from Kids Place Live to pursue more in that arena. We’ll miss you Robbie!
Pancake Smackdown by Gustafer Yellowgold
Pancakes. Smackdown. What’s not to love? See for yourself…
What was your favorite song this year?
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