I have two daughters, age 6 and 2. We stumbled upon Laurie's music on Noggin a few years ago, and have been adding her albums to our collection since that time. I can hardly express how this music fills me with joy. I watch my children dancing around the living room to Fast and Slow - they call to me to join them, and then all three of us are spinning around the living room. There is something different about this; we have music by Raffi, Steve and Greg, etc. and at the very best, I can tolerate it. Still, if any music by those other artists pops up on my iPod during my daily commute, I can't get to the controls quickly enough to skip the music. When Laurie comes on, I not only leave it along, but I sing along and usually feel happier by the time the song is over.
For fans of previous Laurie Berkner albums - this continues in the tradition of her previous efforts - inventive lyrics and great, catchy tunes. I would say that the overall production on the album is a notch above previous efforts, and that the songs have a slighly more mature feel without losing Laurie's unique understanding of a child's heart. There are 5 songs that will instantly take their place among your favorite children's tunes: Rocketship Run, Candy Cane Jane, Fast and Slow, Mouse in My Toolbox, and All Around My Room.
There is something very special about an artist who can create and perform music that is technically sophisticated, inventive, occasionally hilarious, and doesn't talk down to kids. A treasure for my whole family, for the preschool children I know and work with, and highly, highly recommended.
See all 24 tracks on this disc
