Looking for kids’ music that won’t make you throw the CD out the window after you listen to it on repeat? We’ve got you covered with some of the best releases in 2014! With albums ranging from kids’ bouncy hip hop to foot-tapping tunes inspired by the Appalachian Trail, there’s something on this list that should perk up the ears of any young listener.
The Okee Dokee Brothers: Through the Woods. Even if you’ve never heard music inspired by Applachian culture, the energy and charm of the The Okee Dokee Brothers’ songs will quickly win you and your kids over. Songs are lively, unique, and paint pictures of simple days spent in the sunshine.
Caspar Babypants: 
Rise and Shine! Chris Ballew continues his streak of amazing kids’ albums with Rise and Shine! After last year’s Beatles tribute album, Caspar Babypants’ latest CD is a return to his fun new takes on old classics and upbeat original songs. Where else can you find an ode to a baby barnacle?
Recess Monkey: Wired. Inspired by makers, dreamers, and inventors, there might not be a more perfect CD for a geek kid than Recess Monkey’s Wired. Rachel Cericola reviewed the album earlier this year, saying, “[It] should keep the entire family bopping, bouncing, moving, and grooving for most of the album’s 43-minute runtime.”
The Laurie Berkner Band: The Ultimate Laurie Berkner Band Collection. If a queen of kids’ music was ever to be crowned, it would be Laurie Berkner. The band’s sweet, silly songs are perfect for babies and toddlers, and this latest greatest hits collection gathers some of the best in one place. With 22 songs collected from six of the band’s CDs, this is great starter collection of music for a new baby in your life.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: The Perfect Quirk. Skidoo mixes beats and rhymes to bring hop hop songs to kids that will truly get them hopping. The Perfect Quirk celebrates individuality and the fun spirit of childhood, including a one-of-a-kind take on imaginary friends and an ode to epic pillow fights.
Andrés: 1 2 3 Con Andrés. With bilingual songs the entire family can enjoy, 1 2 3 Con Andrés is a fantastic introduction to Spanish music and culture. “If I Had A Mariachi” is a delightful song that joyfully teaches kids about the instruments used in mariachi music.
Hullabaloo: Shy Kid Blues. Part story and part catchy folk music, Shy Kid Blues tells a tale that many geeky kids can identify with: A painfully shy kid named Steve works to overcome his timidness with the help of his outgoing best friend. The story is so fun to listen to that you might find yourself listening to the entire album from start to finish each time you press play.
Bari Koral and the Family Band: Apple Tree & The Honey Bee. Up-tempo songs, many with a country feel, covering favorite toddler and preschooler topics from apple trees to big trucks make Apple Tree & The Honey Bee an ideal CD for a long car ride over the holidays.
The Not-Its!: Raise Your Hand. Elementary-age kids will dig the songs on the fifth album from The Not-Its!, with topics including cat videos, scabs, bees, and more. The punk-inspired songs feel less like kids’ music and more like a rock album for the entire family to enjoy. (Parents might especially get a kick out of “Hey 80s,” a tribute to the most gnarly decade.)
My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks Official Soundtrack. The pop songs sung by the Rainbow Rocks cast are just right for singing along at the top of your lungs. Not that I’ve, er, done that. Daniel Ingram continues the great songwriting work he’s done on the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series with songs worthy of a battle of the bands.
GeekMom received promotional copies for review purposes. All album covers copyright of their respective holders.
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