New family tunes for the new year!
LOS FABULOSOS – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
One of my favorite nominees in this category has to be the latest from LA’s leading family rockstars Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. As always, they have such a ring to families of exquisite musical taste with a perfect blend of silliness, sense, and sensationalism. And two of my favorite tunes capture the very essence of the group: “Me Gusta” shows the groups rather chill soft rock vibes that makes it perfect for long trips or vacation vlogs and “Ridiculous”, expressing the comedic side of the group with vestiges of Weird Al and other comedic artists.
This album may be a short one but hey, it's got something for everyone!
INTO THE LITTLE BLUE HOUSE - Wendy and DB
With blues being under tapped in the field of family music, Wendy and DB put their heads together to create the ultimate family blues album inspired by the blues anthems that have driven Chicagoland for many decades.
Blending messages of love, reassurance, and community with a dash of zippy humor and a lot of good heart, it is a celebration of the genre that has brought emotion, community, hope and expression to many African-American communities in its darkest moments and introducing a new generation of families to the wonders of the blues.
Every single song here is filled with heart and reassurance, especially the title track in this album, as it sings out the values of humanity that have been important to many Americans during 2020, a time of social, political, and national reckoning and values that are important to pass on to this generation faced with tons of social changes and challenges.
One favorite of mine has to be "Women of the Blues" featuring blues powerhouse Ivy Ford, as it tells the story of all the many ladies who have become major blues superstars and shattered all the glass ceilings along the way , and another certainly has to be "Time To Shine" as it is such a sentimental and very endearing message to young listeners and it harkens back to the days when blues were king.
Every minute of this album is without a doubt, full of love and care.
THE MOVEMENT - Alphabet Rockers
The latest from music makers, activists, and changemakers Alphabet Rockers had given them their 3rd Grammy nod for Best Children's Album, and it is very easy to see why.
First of all, they had a vision: A vision to create an album that celebrates the importance of community and its role in building fair and just environments where everyone is given a chance to change the world.
Second, they really outdid themselves with this album, after having come from a period of social and political turmoil in America, they set out to send out a message of unity by reassuring us that the youth have such a powerful role in uplifting those who have been marginalized and creating a world where everything is equal and fair. And it is with that vital message that this whole album is centered around. With that mission, they wrapped it all up in an album that is spattered with uplifting, positive, and get-you-going hip-hop anthems that encourages kids and families to move, groove, and unite towards a world without borders.
All these factors have lead to what could be the biggest and best Rockers album ever, garnering them their third straight Grammy nomination, a huge step towards adding more colors to children's music giving diversity and variety to the genre.
Ready, Set, Go! - Divinity Roxx
If you've never heard of Divinity Roxx, I can tell you she had the best musical life ever, travelling the world playing to sold out stadiums as the bassist for Beyoncé, and now she is flying solo bringing good vibes to the world of children's music in her debut album, Ready, Set, Go!
Every song in this album is a delight for kids young and old to enjoy as they carry positive, reassuring, and heartfelt messages, encouraging kids to discover their individuality and the joy they can bring to the world around them. The title track is the perfect way to start your family's day, and "Be Yourself" is a dance jam that can get kids jumping to their own beats. Add to that collaborations with 123 Andres, FYUTCH, and the Alphabet Rockers, this is the ultimate feel good family album.
If you are ever tired of too much Kidz Bop, this is the perfect album for you.
Space Cadet - Justin Roberts
For decades, Justin Roberts has led the kindie rock revolution with his albums that bring exciting rocking tunes for the under 5s. And this year, he is kicking it up a notch with his latest album, "Space Cadet".
With Roberts' signature style of sensibility (and in some cases nonsensiblity), this album brings together the best of his talents all those years along with the experiences of his 3 year old son and turned them into songs that are full of great energy.
"I Have Been A Unicorn" is perhaps the standout in this album, bringing elements of fantasy, adventure, comedy, and 90s alt-rock into a son that rocks out the the beats of individuality and "Whole Lotta Love In This World", originally a lullaby for his son Eli, definitely has all the feels. In a world where things can become very cynical and can be full of people wanting to bring you down, this tune is a very heartfelt reminder of how much potential we have to see all the love that world can give and can restore your faith in humanity. This album has everything you'll ever need in a wholesome family music album.
