African Dreamland

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Happy songs the whole family will dig.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this short, pleasing collection of African lullabies makes a great transition from a busy day into a relaxing evening. The fourth CD in the Putumayo Dreamland series features both well-known African musicians like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Habib Koite, and Samite, as well as some emerging artists.Though it's promoted as a bedtime soundtrack, it's also nice to play while making dinner, and will help the whole family wind down.

  • Promotes appreciation for music from different cultures. Also, proceeds benefit NextAid, a charity that helps African kids.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

When you pop in AFRICAN DREAMLAND, be prepared to have a moment of confusion. It doesn't necessarily sound like kid's music, and it doesn't sound like a collection of songs meant to induce slumber. It may also take you back in time to that Paul Simon album from the early '90s -- the one where he jammed with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The South African group is here in all their glory, singing the first of 11 lovely lullabies from the African continent.


Is it any good?

 

This CD is classic Putumayo -- full of thoughtful upbeat music and diverse artists representing the African continent, from Mali to Cape Verde. But this album is a bit livelier than other titles such as Asian Dreamland, which does seem more suited for the nursery. Still, African Dreamland is a nice CD to add to your collection of low-key evening favorites.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how different types of music are appropriate for various times of day. While these lovely African lullabies could very well be a soundtrack to sleep, they also make a good accompaniment to quiet play and dinnertime. Also, what do your kids know about Africa? Does this music make them want to know more?


This review was written by Amy Weaver

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This review was written by Amy Weaver
Artist:Various Artists
Release date:April 30, 2008
Label:Putumayo Kids
Genre:Children's Music
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Amy Weaver
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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