Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George

 Review

Common Sense Media says

"A" for effort: It could put everyone to sleep.
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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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable on this CD.


What's the story?

No false advertising here -- Jack Johnson's well-intentioned kids' songs are definitely lullabies, to the point that our reviewer nearly fell asleep while listening to SING-A-LONGS AND LULLABIES FOR THE FILM CURIOUS GEORGE. Performed at a consistently loping, medium-tempo pace, the songs do the putting-you-to-sleep job really well, but not before hitting you over the head with sincere messages about "important stuff." For example, heaven knows we need more sharing in this world ("The Sharing Song"), and less garbage ("The 3 R's" -- for reduce, reuse, and recycle). But most kids we know are likely to respond to catchy tunes, clever lyrics, and a sense of absurdity far more than to dirge-like ballads about the important stuff.


Is it any good?

 

There's a tedious sameness to the instrumental arrangements and vocal delivery on song after song on this CD. Cameo appearances by Jack's friends, Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa, provide what little energy there is. But there's no faulting Jack Johnson's intentions, expressed with lyrics like "It's always more fun to share with everyone/It's always more fun to share with everyone." Those listeners who can stay awake will be left with the impression that Jack Johnson is a nice, sincere guy who takes himself pretty darn seriously, but -- as any parent will tell you -- most kids can see through that kind of stuff in a heartbeat.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the songs' wholesome messages about important issues like sharing and recycling. Older kids can also discuss what this CD has to do with the Curious George movie. Does listening to the CD make them want to see the movie?


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Good songs, but...
OK. This is a great cd. unfortunately, unless you listen to the cd awhile to figure out which songs are which, they all sound the same. The songs are good for the movie, but don't count on being able to stay awake. Good cd, though. Like I said, they really fit for the movie, but they don't fit in with me staying awake.

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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
January 13, 2009
 
Who doesnt like Jack Johnson?
Jack has done so well on this soundtrack, and even after 8 years, hes still got that reggae feel :)

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
My 3 yr old son can't get enough of this CD...
...and don't know very many CDs that can entertain the young and young at heart.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
great for whole family
I'm a Jack Johnson fan anyways, so when this came out I had to get it. I loved that the c.d. is one that I can get into and know that my kids can listen to without worrying. My boys 4 and 2 love this c.d.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
One of the Best CD's ever made!
This is an incredible CD! The songs are intriguing, catchy, and not only are the lyrics completely devoid of language, violence, or innuendo, but they are lyrics with positive messages of sharing, helping others, and getting along. Incredibly fun and uplifting and not a word or phrase in any of the songs to even think twice about.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
After I while, I was hooked
At first, the songs did seems drab and boring. But then I saw a childrens dance program set to the music of the entire CD and ever since I have paid more critical attention to the music and lyrics. The songs have an underlying brilliance. There are both happy and sad songs, simple chimes and complex beats. This CD is great.

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Kid, 12 years old
April 28, 2010
 
Great for all ages!
Wow! This is my all time favorite soundtrack. My two year old cousin LOVES these songs as much as I do. I sang Upside Down for the talent show (forgot the lyrics and humiliated myself, but it was fun!) and I might sing Talk of the Town this year.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
rocks
i like this album alot the best song is upsidedown

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Jack Johnson and Friends
Release date:February 7, 2006
Label:Universal
Genre:Soundtrack
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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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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