Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George

Jack Johnson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 7, 2006)
• Original Release Date: February 10, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal/Brushfire Records
• ASIN: B000CR7RDE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (259 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #645 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > Children's Music > Lullabies
  • #13 in Music > Miscellaneous
  • #38 in Music > Soundtracks

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Admit it: If you had to pick an artist to give voice to the wackadoo thinkings of a monkey beloved by most of the American populace over age 3, you could do a lot worse than Jack Johnson. Black Eyed Peas? Too hyper. Death Cab for Cutie? Too ironic. They Might Be Giants? Too eggheaded. Johnson, though the object of much rightful jealousy--here, after all, is a guy who only stumbled into music and vaulted himself up the charts after a successful career as a pro surfer--turns out to have the goods to do H.A. Rey, Curious George's creator, proud. Fans familiar with Johnson's earlier discs will recognize a certain laconic sprawl and easy fascination in his songs that suits the theme of perpetual puzzlement perfectly (here, let's not forget, is a guy who racked up fans with songs called "Bubble Toes" and "Banana Pancakes"). That the music takes a childish turn barely registers--songs like opener "Upside Down" are classic Johnson, all wonderment and groove, and the collaborations with friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa warm up, wink, and scamper off before packing on the weight of excess meaning. "We're Going to Be Friends," track seven, seals the deal--when you can make the White Stripes sound compatible with the Man with the Yellow Hat, you know you've got a multi-generational winner. --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

Jack Johnson is the voice of Curious George (through his music). The songs are prominently featured within the film and are an integral part of the story. Soundtrack features 9 new Jack songs, including 3 duets with Ben Harper, G. Love and Matt Costa. Also includes a cover of The White Stripes 'We Are Going To Be Friends' which Jack has performed live on tour over the past few years. Universal. 2006.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Breezy & Light February 23, 2006

By Thomas Magnum HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Jack Johnson is the perfect choice to contribute songs to the film Curious George. His breezy, carefree & whimsical style captures the essence of the book and film's main character. "Upside Down", "Lullaby" & "Questions" all effortlessly float along while a Hawaiian flavored version of the White Stripes' "We're Going To Be Friends" makes for an interesting cover. This album is perfect for both children and adults as the kids will love the Curious George tie-in and parents won't have to put earplugs in while the kids listen.

56 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Music that enhanced the movie, stands solidly on its own February 13, 2006

By K. Corn TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This is one of those lovely soundtracks which kids will love and adults will find nearly as wonderful. Even better, it will encourage children to think creatively, with such lines as "I'll find the things they say..can't be found". Johnson has some notable musicians along for the trip, including Ben Harper.

If you saw the movie, this CD will be just that much more special.. If you missed the movie, you'll still love this CD.

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All aboard, all ages! March 15, 2006

By Matthew G. Sherwin HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This CD makes me remember the good times I had when I was a child listening to music with my mother and father. My mother especially wanted me to get to know about music and the arts from an early age onward. This CD is exactly what I loved to listen to--and I am still impressed by it when I first heard it at my neighbor's home as they babysat their grandson!

So, then, it should come as no surprise to you when I write that this CD by Jack Johnson is truly great family entertainment. No wonder--he is a Grammy nominated writer who has a magnificent voice! It is to Jack's credit that he can write such catchy, fun songs for children that adults listening along won't mind one bit. I agree with other Amazon reviewers that the music is very well arranged with great lyrics and the quality of the sound is excellent.

Although the cover art is nice, the music is what really shines here. This guy can capture the attention of children, adults and even my twelve week old puppy dog! They love the songs.

A particularly beautiful song here is "We're Going To Be Friends." This is a song first performed by a group called "White Stripes." The song is both thoughtful and warm; and the lyrics encourage children to share not just material goods but emotionally as well. Friendship is an integral part of life; and so this song is excellent preparation for real life.

Look for Jack Johnson to be joined by Matt Costa on the song entitled "Lullaby;" and Jack and Ben Harper do another duet on "We're Going To Be Friends." Awesome! The song "Talk Of The Town" is another duet with Jack and Kahu Kawika Kahiapo. And again, on "Jungle Gym" Jack is accompanied by G. Love.

In addition to singing on this album, Jack plays both the guitar and the ukulele.... Zack Gill plays the piano and Merlo Podlewski is on bass guitar.

In short, this CD has a track set that is much more than just mellow and relaxed: The message each song sends out are very sweet and the melodies WILL leave you wanting more. Put some extra time aside before listening to this CD; after your very first listen you'll be sure to play it again right away and crank the volume up loud! Thank Goodness for Jack Johnson and his peers! Enjoy! SMILE Read more ›

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Curiously Strong Song Writing February 27, 2006

By Cat Marigold

Format:Audio CD

Thank George, people are starting to listen to songs again. Songs by real people that aren't all about fashion and image and machoism or sexiness. Songs, like these have been missing from the musical landscape for a while now. If it takes a cartoon monkey to bring this type of music to the masses, then run little monkey, run. Do your best to spread the word. Because, the people out there really are curious.

Jack Johnson's sense of wonder and melody and innocence and mood sit well here. Sunny yet touching, like the music of School for the Dead The New You, or The Winterpills The Light Divides, or Henning Ohlenbusch Looks Like I'm Tall, or Harry Nilsson Nilsson Schmilsson, or Paul Simon The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin', or even some Fountains of Wayne, these songs speak volumes.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Not many things really ARE "fun for the whole family" May 19, 2006

By J. Chasin VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm a 46 yyear old music junkie with a 2-year-old daughter. So when I find an album that passes muster as kiddie fare but I can groove to it as well, that's gold. And if that's your criterion, this is one of the records of the year.

Laid back Hawaiian surf bum Jack Johnson's easy breezy whimsy goes just right with the George oeuvre. Happy strumming, never in any hurry, and with cheery little stories and lessons embedded into the lyric, which you don't even have to pay attention to. Playful words, playful music. The kind of record I love, and that I want my little girl to love-- which she does.

If you're in the same boat as me-- looking for happening tunes for daddies and babies alike-- also check out Dan Zanes and Friends, Catch That Train!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every penny! February 27, 2006

By Mama Bee

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This CD is so great! I only have one other J.J. CD and have really enjoyed it. I thought it was time I bought another one so after seeing the advertisment for this CD I thought I'd give it a try. I am so happy that I purchased this one! My 9 month old daughter especially loves dancing with me while we listen to it. Wonderful! Outstanding! Love it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming songs for kids, adults, and everybody else! February 20, 2006

By Rena

Format:Audio CD

I love this album very much! When I saw the album at the store, I didn't know who Jack Johnson was and even though I am a big Curious George fan I didn't pick it up because I thought it was just another soundtrack. After I saw the movie I kept thinking about the songs from the movie that I had to get it.

When you listen to these songs, you feel warm inside just like how you felt when you read Curious George books as a child. The music sounds happy, adventurous, fun, sweet...and sometimes sentimental. I don't have any children yet but some day I want to listen to it with them. I think Jack Johnson did a great job.