quick picks in children's music

In order to provide our readers with ratings for the products that we review, we put software, games, toys, and other products through a number of tests, not the least of which involves hands-on testing with real children and their parents. We strive to make some sense out of the seemingly endless choices parents face when looking for worthwhile products for their children, and attempt to consider the many factors involved that determine whether a product stands out as superior.

The following are our quick picks --excellent children's music/audio choices for families:

(See also our quick picks in children's toys and software).

To buy, click on the product's image or title.

 

Best Children's Music:
Putumayo Presents: African Playground "This multilingual recording takes families on a musical journey through Africa with rousing music and lyrics. Outstanding!" -- The Review Corner	Ralph's World "Energetic, warm, and fresh songs are delivered on this fantastic children's recording. Truly for the whole family--exciting!" -- The Review Corner	Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies "Silly lyrics cleverly draw in young listeners into the world of classical music in this high-spirited recording. This often goofy sing-along CD is a lighthearted way for young children to make acquaintance with popular classical works." -- The Review Corner
Raffi - The Singable Songs Collection "This collection includes the classic Singable Songs for the Very Young as well as More Singable Songs and Corner Grocery Store. It's packed with fantastic songs children love. You can't go wrong with this classic collection. Outstanding!" -- The Review Corner	Dreamland: World Lullabies & Soothing Songs "This rich and flowing collection of lullabies not only soothes both parent and child, it enables families to connect with cultures from around the globe. Dreamland is multilingual and diverse, and universal in its appeal." -- The Review Corner	Beethoven's Wig 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies "Like its predecessor, this inspired sing-along CD is a delightful marriage of frivolity and seriousness. Classical pieces from famous composers like Schubert and Chopin are featured in Beethoven's Wig 2, the second recording in a delightful series that aims to introduce young children to classical music in an innovative manner." -- The Review Corner
Singing Science "With an interesting mix of musical styles including folk, rap, and country, this is a recording that helps kids become comfortable with science terms and concepts. It is surprisingly just as fun as it is "scientific."" -- The Review Corner	Hear & Gone in 60 Seconds "This concept album, in which leading children's performing artists have created one-minute songs, is a showcase for the talent available. It's a great way to sample some favorite children's musicians--outstanding!" -- The Review Corner	For The Kids "A delightful collection of moving, entertaining, and unforgettable songs, both reworked favorites and original tunes--exceptional!" -- The Review Corner
Merry Fishes to All "As unique as it is entertaining, this recording offers witty, insightful, and fun Christmas music that speaks to both children and adults. Outstanding!" -- The Review Corner

All products are rated on a 5-star system. Any product with a 4.5 or 5 star rating receives our Award of Excellence.

• 5 stars — Outstanding, highly recommended
• 4.5 stars — Very Good, highly recommended
• 3.5 or 4 stars — Recommended, with some reservations (as noted in the body of the review)
• 3 stars or less — Not recommended

We select children's music recordings that:

• offer catchy rhymes and rhythms, helping to develop children's language skills;
• inspire imagination and wonder;
• feature engaging narrated stories that transport children to an imaginative world and/or introduce educational concepts in an innovative way; and
• feature soundtracks that are high quality and pleasing to young ears.