 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Victor Vito
- By Laurie Berkner
- Genre: Children's Music
Common Sense Media says
Clean but bland blend of familiar and new songs.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that music for kids should be better than this, but young kids won't tire of this CD as quickly as adults, and its intention to entertain is heartfelt.
What's the story?
In her third album, VICTOR VITO, Laurie Berkner churns out more quickly-penned songs and retakes on traditional ones. She is an eager and sincere entertainer, noting how "the songs flowed out...from the child in me to the children in you." Children can improvise being jumping mangos and papayas when hearing "Fruit Salad Salsa." They can be a frog or owl whose mommy and daddy love them in "Goodnight," a happy tune that could become as essential to the bedtime routine as brushing teeth.
Is it any good?
It's easy to see how in live performance the songs benefit from audience participation and improvisation. However, as songs to be listened to or sung over and over again, most in this 58-minute CD fall short lyrically and musically. Berkner fares best in songs where she's faithful to a musical style and builds a lyrical structure.
Overall, the songs sound similar. For variation, Berkner often merely speeds up tempo. The lyrics lack invention, and the stories describe rather than engage. "The Toy Museum" promises "We're going to play with the toys," but by closing time nothing has happened. "The Story of My Feelings" talks about feeling sad, happy, and angry, but doesn't reveal any truths for a young child. The title track, "Victor Vito," was inspired by her accountant. In her liner notes, Berkner says, "Why this song? I don't know." The listener isn't sure either. Overall this album is okay but not inspired.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of music in their lives. Does it inspire you? Does it make you happy? How did these songs make you feel and why?
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AGE
Awesome music for kids!
We first saw Laurie on Noggin and my kids who are 18 months and 5 years both love this music. She has a folky sound which I love listening to as much as the kids. The music may not be deep or insightful but it's music for kids with easy to remember words and catchy music! This is a favorite with us!
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AGE
The music of choice for both daughters!
Great. Wonderful. Just the best music for kids to dance to. My two year old tries to sing the songs all the time. Not at all a "Bland blend" of music. Common Sense is wrong on this one.
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| Artist: | Laurie Berkner |
| Release date: | January 1, 2001 |
| Label: | Two Tomatoes Records |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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