Tools for this page
Print

Thank You for Joining the Happy Club

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Stephanie Bruzzese

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE HAPPY CLUB is a kid-oriented record from Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter Billy Kelly that's gaining viral success via the Web and, recently, the radio (Kelly was just featured on NPR's All Things Considered). The 11-song collection combines a lot of goofy, innocuous lyrics -- the song "People Really Like Milk" catalogs sunshine, Halloween, mustard, being clean, and other random nice things -- with some that have a slight edge, as in the tune titled "Don't Worry About the Government": "I pick the building that I want to live in / My building has every convenience / It's gonna make life easy for me." This approach gives the CD a School-House-Rock feel that's super fun if not entirely comprehensible to very young kids who are musical beginners.

Is It Any Good?

4

From the thoughtful guitar, percussion, and other instrumental elements that make up this album, Kelly is obviously just as much serious musician as child educator. Thankfully for parents, this makes the record a good listen from a musical perspective, with a soft alt-rock sound that's somewhat akin to adult contemporary tunes. Coupled with Kelly's light-hearted vocals, the CD has vast appeal for kids and adults alike.

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