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 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (241 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #432 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #3 in Music > Children's Music > Lullabies
  • #10 in Music > Miscellaneous
  • #34 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

Faced with the task of giving a voice to a central character that does not speak, Universal Pictures turned to Jack Johnson to craft songs that could provide a voice for Curious George. As a new father, it gave him the opportunity to make an album for both parents and children. Presented with early animations and the story line, Jack crafted new songs that capture the emotions of Curious George as he leaves the jungle to follow the Man with the Yellow Hat. He also turned to friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa to contribute songs that might bridge the gap between parent and child. Joined on the record by his band (Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zack Gill), Jack duets with three of the other songwriters (Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa), and does a cover of the White Stripes' "We're Going to Be Friends." Parents who watched Schoolhouse Rock on Saturday mornings when they were children will recognize Jack's take on the classic "Three Is a Magic Number," reinterpreted with the 3 R's as a call to protect the environment and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies feels like so much more than your standard soundtrack due to its unified creative vision. While the songs have a universal appeal, their themes speak to a child's experience (or in this case, a curious monkey's experience) of the world.

More from Jack Johnson

In Between Dreams	On and On	Brushfire Fairytales
Sprout the soundtrack	Jack Johnson--A Weekend At The Greek & Live In Japan on DVD	The September Sessions on DVD

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (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.

55 of 61 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 "reviewer" (midwest, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (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.

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (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