As many of the pop stars we listened to in college and high school hit middle age, several are rethinking and expanding their musical careers by tapping into the children’s music genre. Here are several of the most recent kids’ music releases by bands and performers who were at one point on the Billboard charts:
Barenaked Ladies - Snacktime!
Courtesy Kevin Hearn
Fans of Canadian favorites BNL will appreciate the humor and pop sensibilities of their first CD for kids.
Lisa Loeb - Camp Lisa
Courtesy Esme Shapiro
Loeb fashioned her latest children’s CD after a camp singalong, and the CD is a tie-in for her real-life Camp Lisa project.
They Might Be Giants - Here Come the 123s
Courtesy Disney
John Linnell and John Flansburgh have been making their brand of quirky music together as TMBG for 20 years now, and this CD/DVD is as good as any of their grownup albums.
Dan Zanes - Nueva York!
Courtesy Festival Five Records
Zanes (formerly of The Del Fuegos) is considered the grandfather of the rocker-to-kid’s musician transformation movement, and his 8th kids’ CD celebrates Spanish language and bilingual favorites.
The Terrible Twos - Jerzy the Giant
Courtesy Vagrant Records
The Terrible Twos are the alter ego of indie rockers The New Amsterdams. Leader Matt Pryor, formerly of The Get Up Kids, keeps the Amsterdams' sound intact while making the songs very family friendly.
Saint Etienne - Up the Wooden Hills EP
Courtesy Savoy Jazz
This English electronica/lounge group included an absolutely adorable, kid-friendly bonus EP with their 2005 CD Tales from Turnpike House.
Prince Paul - Baby Loves Hip Hop Presents The Dino5
Courtesy Baby Loves Everything
Prince Paul made his name producing De La Soul in the late ‘80s, and he brings his record making skills to this hip hop project featuring several top rappers.
Asylum Street Spankers - Mommy Says NO!
Courtesy Asylum Street Spankers
These Austin, Texas, roadhouse rockers love to curse, hate electrified instruments, and have a wicked sense of humor. But on their first CD for kids, they leave the language and double entendres behind while presenting their unique brand of acoustic burlesque for kids.
Jason Ringenberg - Rockin' in the Forest with Farmer Jason
Courtesy Jason Ringenberg
Former head honcho of Jason and the Scorchers, Ringenberg brings his rock and twang to the children’s music world via his alter ego, Farmer Jason.
Medeski Martin & Wood - Let's Go Everywhere
Courtesy Jim Stoten
As with this trio's grownup albums, MMW's Let’s Go Everywhere is a largely instrumental CD. But the tunes with lyrics are exceptional winners.
Andre 3000 - Class of 3000
Courtesy Cartoon Network
OutKast member Andre Benjamin presents the soundtrack to Cartoon Network’s Class of 3000, a mix of fresh beats and uplifting messages.
Uncle Rock - Uncle Rock U.
Courtesy Robert Burke Warren
Former Fleshtones bassist Robert Burke Warren continues to entertain with his semi-acoustic style on Uncle Rock U., his third kids’ CD.
