Hot Dog! by Caspar Babypants
While music made for children has gotten much better and much more diverse over the last couple decades, kids’ music still has the ability to drive even the calmest parents a little bonkers sometimes. Luckily, there are some pretty great albums out there, albums that you might even find yourself tapping your feet along to. Here are seven kids’ albums that parents can enjoy with their kids.
- Family Time by Ziggy Marley
Kids are often drawn to the simple bouncy rhythms of reggae music, but Marley makes Family Time extra kid-friendly by adding fun sounds and lyrics, such as “choo choo!” on the song “This Train.” The album also includes appearances by Jack Johnson, Willy Nelson, and Toots.
- The Johnny Cash Children’s Album by Johnny Cash
Yep, Johnny Cash really made a children’s album. Cash’s 49th album, made in 1975, includes songs about bears, dinosaurs, and math, making it slightly tamer than his adult music.
- OzoKidz by Ozomatli
The happy Latin horns and Caribbean rhythms of Ozomatli’s music makes it naturally appealing to children’s ears. OzoKidz includes child-friendly lyrics about things like how water can be scary and how dancing is fun—sentiments grown-ups can definitely agree with, too.
- Rocket Ship Beach by Dan Zanes of the Del Fuegos
On Rocket Ship Beach, Dan Zanes gives us remakes of children’s classics and singalongs but adults can also appreciate the zydeco and bluegrass-influenced instrumentation.
- Baby Loves Hip Hop by Prince Paul and the Dino-5
Baby Loves Hip Hop tells the story of five dinosaur friends that teach important life lessons and have fun. The album is produced by Prince Paul, who also produced De La Soul’s classic 3 Feet High and Rising.
- Hot Dog! by Caspar Babypants
Caspar Babypants, a.k.a. Chris Ballew, lead singer of the Presidents of the United States, has a knack for making music for toddlers that adults secretly like too, and Hot Dog! might be one of the most adult-friendly of all his albums.
- A World of Happiness by Various Artists
This 2004 album features a wide variety of genres by popular musicians and actors including Deborah Harry, Isaac Hayes, Lou Rawls, and Samuel L. Jackson. Kids and adults alike love its positive messages and catchy beats.