Music Review: Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable on
this CD.
Families can talk about the songs' wholesome messages about
important issues like sharing and recycling. Older kids can
also discuss what this CD has to do with the Curious George
movie. Does listening to the CD make them want to see the
movie?
No false advertising here -- Jack Johnson's well-intentioned kids' songs are definitely lullabies, to the point that our reviewer nearly fell asleep while listening to SING-A-LONGS AND LULLABIES FOR THE FILM CURIOUS GEORGE. Performed at a consistently loping, medium-tempo pace, the songs do the putting-you-to-sleep job really well, but not before hitting you over the head with sincere messages about "important stuff." For example, heaven knows we need more sharing in this world ("The Sharing Song"), and less garbage ("The 3 R's" -- for reduce, reuse, and recycle). But most kids we know are likely to respond to catchy tunes, clever lyrics, and a sense of absurdity far more than to dirge-like ballads about the important stuff.
There's a tedious sameness to the instrumental arrangements and vocal delivery on song after song on this CD. Cameo appearances by Jack's friends, Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa, provide what little energy there is. But there's no faulting Jack Johnson's intentions, expressed with lyrics like "It's always more fun to share with everyone/It's always more fun to share with everyone." Those listeners who can stay awake will be left with the impression that Jack Johnson is a nice, sincere guy who takes himself pretty darn seriously, but -- as any parent will tell you -- most kids can see through that kind of stuff in a heartbeat.
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