Waking Up Is Hard to Do (by Neil Sedaka, Children's Music)

It must be fun to be a legendary pop star when you become a grandfather. Instead of having to learn those other classic kids' songs -- or come up with anything new on your own -- you can pay tribute to yourself. Neil Sedaka does just that on WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, a collection of eleven songs based on his hits from decades past, with lyrics revised for kids. "Waking Up Is Hard to Do," "Where the Toys Are," "Happy Birthday Number Three"… and so on. Five-year-old granddaughters Charlotte and Amanda contribute background vocals.

Although Sedaka's lyrics are never brilliant, they are predictable, comfortable, and family-friendly. The CD insert includes a black-and-white line drawing based on each song, which kids will have fun coloring. Sedaka is a seasoned pro, and on this album he seems secure in the knowledge that other grandparents will remember the tunes well enough to sing along.