Kids Music Handpicked by Our Editors

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey Soundtrack
4

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey Soundtrack

Why We Recommend It

With instrumentals mixed in with the vocal tracks, this CD's gentle, mellow songs offer positive and inspiring messages.

Read our full review
From Elmo to Eminem you can trust our children's music reviews.

Kids of all ages love music. For our littlest children, music helps build vocabulary and coordination. For our older kids, music expresses passions and angst. But finding kids' music that has messages you feel comfortable with can take some homework on parents' part. Luckily, our reviews give you what you need to know to choose and manage kids' music.

Music Reviews

Show Reviews for:

New Music Reviews

showing: hip-hop
51FhamvmL._SS500_.jpg
"Break Your Heart" (CD single) by Taio Cruz
Parents Need to Know...

that this song doesn't have any sexual discussions or violent lyrics to speak of. However, the message isn't the best for kids to hear, especially for teens just learning the rules of relationships. Basically the message is "I'm a ... read more

"Break Your Heart" (CD single)
3
IMMA_BE_animated.jpg
"Imma Be" (CD single) by The Black Eyed Peas
Parents Need to Know...

that they should look for the clean version of this song, because the unedited release is too much for kids. Even though the song is topping the charts and can be heard all around TV and radio, don't assume it's perfectly safe. There are ... read more

"Imma Be" (CD single)
3
Rihanna_-_Rude_Boy_Cover.jpg
"Rude Boy" (CD single) by Rihanna
Parents Need to Know...

that this single is much racier than Rihanna's typical dance tunes. It's all about sex, and the lyrics do not shy away from begging for a romp. Although the song doesn't mention any body parts specifically or use any bad language, the ... read more

"Rude Boy" (CD single)
3
41b-X6S2UOL._SS500_.jpg
"Say Aah" (CD single) by Trey Songz
Parents Need to Know...

that this song is all about drinking alcohol. It's one of those songs that makes drinking look glitzy and glamorous, something that all the "cool people" do. It also seems to suggest that alcohol and wealth go hand in hand, and ... read more

"Say Aah" (CD single)
2
51x4b693GHL._SS500_.jpg
"Pants on the Ground" (CD single) by General Larry Platt
Parents Need to Know...

that this song is hard to avoid these days. The video of Platt's audition on American Idol has definitely gone viral and appeared all over the Internet. Whether you want your kid thinking "fool" is an okay word to use, however, ... read more

"Pants on the Ground" (CD single)
3
Gorillaz_Stylo.jpg
"Stylo" (CD single) by Gorillaz
Parents Need to Know...

that there's nothing to worry about here. The lyrics really don't make much sense, so even if there was a negative message, most listeners would be hard pressed to understand it. What parents do need to take notice of is the success of ... read more

"Stylo" (CD single)
3
61aACwaJ-L._SS500_.jpg
Party Rock by LMFAO
Parents Need to Know...

that kids may be interested in this CD because its songs are featured on popular shows such as Jersey Shore.  Although this album looks like silly fun, the subject matter is WAY too explicit for tweens, teens, and even some adults, for ... read more

Party Rock
2
luda.JPG
"How Low" (CD single) by Ludacris
Parents Need to Know...

that the single "HOW LOW" has multiple meanings. The words could describe dancing (getting low to the dance floor), or various sexual situations. Though the lyrics don't include hardcore swearing -- "ass" and ... read more

"How Low" (CD single)
3
61102OgEzEL._SS500_.jpg
Shock Value 2 by Timbaland
Parents Need to Know...

that this is one of those albums that's both good and bad. It's good because there's no violence to speak of, and nothing too sexually explicit. But it's also iffy for kids because of the sexual innuendo, a couple of harsh expletives, and ... read more

Shock Value 2
3
51fNfUKJ6CL._SS400_.jpg
All or Nothing by Jay Sean
Parents Need to Know...

that although this album doesn't say anything too explicit, there are some sexy moments that allude to "gettin' it on." Talk of "riding it," grinding, and "working it all night" make the songs too sexy for ... read more

All or Nothing
3
61qAT5H5VNL._SS500_.jpg
Man on the Moon: The End of Day by Kid Cudi
Parents Need to Know...

although Kid Cudi sings mellow, thought-provoking rhymes, there's too much profanity and sexual references to make this album OK for kids. Talk of pot-smoking and women's bodies, plus lots of the "N" word make this album a no-no ... read more

Man on the Moon: The End of Day
4
51Gt7MJuvxL._SS400_.jpg
THE E.N.D (Energy Never Dies) by The Black Eyed Peas
Parents Need to Know...

that for the most part this is a clean album, but expletives and mature references are sprinkled throughout. Many songs are fine for teens. "One Tribe" and "Generation Now" actually raise important issues. However some songs like ... read more

THE E.N.D (Energy Never Dies)
5
61VwtPvoLjL._SS500_.jpg
Fantasy Ride by Ciara
Parents Need to Know...

that while this album doesn't contain a lot of four-letters words, the sexy nature of many of the songs makes it questionable for kids' ears. Although the sexy messages are generally shrouded in metaphors and analogies, savvy listeners ... read more

Fantasy Ride
3
nb.JPG
"You're a Jerk" (CD single) by New Boyz
Parents Need to Know...

that while the jerkin' dance style isn't particularly risque, this song itself includes some mature content, including swearing and sexual references.  read more

"You're a Jerk" (CD single)
3
600px-Knockyoudown.jpg
"Knock You Down" (CD single) by Keri Hilson
Parents Need to Know...

that this R&B/hip-hop single is clean. The phrase "knock you down" is used to mean getting caught off guard by an intense jolt of feelings. read more

"Knock You Down" (CD single)
4
Pitbull_i_know_you_want_me_cover.jpg
"I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" (CD single) by Pitbull
Parents Need to Know...

this song straddles the fence between risque and OK. It doesn't have lots of the explicit language like other rap singles, but it does include some significant sexual innuendo that might or might not go over young listeners heads. The ... read more

"I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" (CD single)
3
51tE4U6Y1wL._SS500_.jpg
"Right Round" (CD single) by Flo Rida
Parents Need to Know...

even if this song is upbeat and fun, it's still a song about strippers and one man's desires as he ogles them. The women are shown as wanting the narrator's money and the sex/money dynamic is firmly in place here. read more

"Right Round" (CD single)
4
soulja boy.jpg
"Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (CD single) by Soulja Boy
Parents Need to Know...

that this is an R&B-inflected hip-hop love song whose lyrics never get steamier than the sincere request of a lovesick protagonist for his girlfriend to "kiss me through the phone. And, in a departure from his ... read more

"Kiss Me Thru the Phone" (CD single)
3
Thr33ringz.jpg
Thr33 Ringz by T-Pain
Parents Need to Know...

that although this album has a circus theme, it's definitely not kid friendly; this is a gritty, sexually infused performance. Although somewhat toned down from his previous releases, T-Pain's common topics are the same: drinking, ... read more

Thr33 Ringz
3
61fNjB69UTL._SS500_.jpg
"Dead and Gone" (CD single) by T.I.
Parents Need to Know...

that even though violent imagery and explicit language pervades this song, the message is admirable. T.I. raps about how people easily fall victim to urban violence. But he doesn't glamorize this lifestyle; instead he tells listeners that ... read more

"Dead and Gone" (CD single)
4
reiterate.jpg
Reiterate by Grits
Parents Need to Know...

that Grits -- one of the more accomplished acts in the realm of Christian rap -- performs critically acclaimed music while sticking with their beliefs and delivering positive messages. read more

Reiterate
4

Recommended Music Lists

See more lists >

Find Music by Title


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

About Our Reviews

Common Sense Media's music reviews and ratings for all ages are based on child development principles. We give you trustworthy information so you can pick what's best for your family. We may know media, but you're the expert on your kids.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name