What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that these songs have been featured on
other albums. Make sure you don't already own them.
Families listening together won't have that much to talk about.
Just have fun watching your preschoolers enjoy the lively
tunes.
The Wiggles, the Australian kids' music sensations, are adept at producing warm-sounding, family-friendly, kid-safe tunes with an oldies-rock feel, alternating with a folksy feel. On HERE COMES THE BIG RED CAR, they deliver 26 lively, enjoyable songs.
The only problem is that most of these were previously released as Dance Party (or Big Red Car on the Australian release). So, if you have either of those CDs, don't buy this one.
But if the Wiggles are new to you, this album is a good choice. The performances are accomplished and professional without sounding overly slick. The songs are accessible and easily understood, the content toddler-appropriate, and the production values are sophisticated enough not to offend picky parental ears.
The Wiggles might not be the cleverest of song-writers, but they are so well-intentioned and just plain nice that it doesn't matter. The award-winning quartet will win your preschoolers over without making you cringe (too much).
High points are "Five Little Joeys" (an Aussie take on "Five Little Monkeys"), arranged with drum and keyboard tracks that are absolutely inspired, and "I'm a Cow," a (very short) song guaranteed to get the whole family mooing along. "Our Boat is Rocking on the Sea" is a wonderfully playful pirate fantasy. As always, the Wiggles can be counted on to provide appealing family fun.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
