You know what's awful? Music for kids. Most children's music is garbage that only someone on an acid trip would listen to. The whole point is to stop crying, induce sleep, and not make you drive into oncoming traffic. Kids love music, so why give them crap?
I remember when my kids were little, they were obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. We used to play the songs in the car and they were god awful – they sounded like something out of a WWII propaganda film.
Thankfully, there are exceptions. Here are some albums that appeal to kids but are still damn fine tunes.
1. Caspar Babypants – More Please!
Simple, acoustic sing-along songs created by Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America, featuring playful folk tunes for young children.
2. They Might Be Giants – No!
Razor-sharp, pop sound with the broadest range of subjects and sounds, captivating kids while entertaining adults.
3. Barenaked Ladies – Snacktime!
Clever lyrics that work on two levels for both adults and kids, delivered with the band's signature wit and humor. (I still listen to the popcorn song once in a while.)
4. The Okee Dokee Brothers – Through the Woods
Upbeat bluegrass and Appalachian folk tunes with messages of acceptance and outdoor adventure, perfect for family sing-alongs. I would see these guys play live with or without my kids.
5. Emily Arrow – Storytime Singalong Vol. 1
Warm ukulele-based songs inspired by popular children's picture books, creating the unique "kidlit tunes" genre for young readers.
6. Tom Paxton – Goin' to the Zoo
Gentle folk songs with playful lyrics about animals and everyday adventures, delivered with Paxton's warm storytelling style.
7. Trout Fishing in America – Big Trouble
Clever wordplay and musical variety blending folk, rock, and humor that appeals to both children and parents.
8. Dan Zanes – Family Dance
Energetic collection of danceable tunes blending various musical styles, encouraging families to move and celebrate together.
9. Jack Johnson – Curious George Soundtrack
Happy and mellow songs from the Curious George movie that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages.
10. Blake Rules – Kids Trap
Modern trap and hip-hop beats made kid-friendly with clean lyrics and energetic production for young music fans.
11. Buckwheat Zydeco – Choo Choo Boogaloo
Infectious zydeco rhythms and accordion-driven melodies that get kids moving with authentic Louisiana musical traditions.
12. Danny Go!
No albums, per se, but catchy electronic dance music designed for kids with high-energy beats and movement-focused songs you can stream.
13. Divinity Roxx – World Wide Playdate
Grammy-nominated album featuring upbeat songs celebrating friendship, family, and self-empowerment, inspired by '90s hip-hop. I cannot stress how much I love listening to her.
14. Ziggy Marley – Family Time
Bouncy reggae rhythms with guest appearances from Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, and Toots that kids naturally love.
15. Rockabye Baby! Series (Various Artists)
Lullaby versions of songs by favorite bands, from The Beach Boys and Queen to The Beatles and Journey.
16. Walter Martin (The Walkmen) – We're All Young Together
Songs with anthropomorphized animals and potent melodies that sound like a great singer-songwriter who replaced angst with amusement.
17. Basho and Friends – aún más
Original songs plus cool, funky twists on classics that younger children and adults will love together.
18. Ozomatli – OzoKidz
Cheerful Latin horns and buoyant Caribbean rhythms with lyrics about how fun dancing is for the whole family.
19. Los Lobos – Los Lobos Goes Disney
Disney songs reimagined by LA's legendary purveyor of raucous Mexican American roots music with authentic Latin flavor.
20. Elizabeth Mitchell – Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie's fun and quirky folk songs performed with Mitchell's gorgeous and calming voice.
21. Twinkle Twinkle Little Rockstar Series
Lullaby versions of rock bands like Metallica and Sublime, plus pop albums like Adele and Mumford & Sons.
22. Ellis Paul – The Hero in You
Introduction to notable people in history including Georgia O'Keeffe, Rachel Carson, Rosa Parks, and Thomas Edison through song.
23. Peter Himmelman – My Green Kite
Bluesy takes on kid-friendly topics that earned a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Children's Album.
24. Kidz Bop (Various Volumes)
Top 40 trending adult music sung by kids with appropriate lyric changes, covering current rock stars and pop releases.
Bottom Line
Look, your kids are going to want to listen to music approximately 47,000 times a day. You can either subject yourself to the musical equivalent of waterboarding, or you can grab some of these albums and maintain your sanity. These artists get that parents are people too – people who don't want to end up in a padded room muttering "Baby Shark" on repeat – and I am forever grateful for them.
Any other recommendations I can add to the list?