Music Review: Clifford the Big Red Dog: A Really Big Musical Tribute
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What Parents Should Know
Kids love Clifford and may delight in having his album, but
there is little here that's original or memorable.
According to the album's back cover, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is an "inspired collection of new music written especially for Clifford and including a new rendition of the theme song from the TV series." In fact, there is little here that is inspired in the sense of surpassing brilliance or excellence. It's typical fare for children, with titles such as "Having a Friend Like You" and "Happy Being Who You Are." These are songs that speak from an adult's point-of-view: "There's nothing like making a memory or two" and make "the most out of every moment." The vague lyrics do not create compelling stories that relate to young children's experiences -- "Life's an adventure" and "Climb a mountain. Sail the sea."
The rap "Big Big Big Red Dog" and the jazzy bebop "What Dogs Like" are more original and hit much closer to home. They ask questions and answer them with catchy lyrics. Yes! Clifford is "bigger than a snail, bigger than a whale...bigger than a goose, bigger than a moose." He is not, however, gigantic "like the Pacific or Atlantic." We know "Dogs like chewing stuff," but "Does the stuff like getting chewed?" These fresh takes on doggy knowledge are fun and in-the-pocket for young children, with repetition likely to capture their interest.
Various singers represent Clifford's troupe of characters with varying appeal. The productions are peppy, mostly pop. For variety there's the jaunty calypso "Birdwell Island," and a sweet squeaky high solo lullaby with guitar end the album. Lyrics are not all easily discernible for singing along, but there is no objectionable content.
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