Do kids have better music than teens and adults?

Cafe Society
1

No seriously. I mean I (somewhat grudgingly) enjoy Lady Gaga and other top 20 music, but then I listen to what’s available to kids and think, “This is better!” I’m not talking about the songs that Dora and Boots sing on their way to Blueberry Hill, but like real music.

For example:

[ul][li]Lisa Loeb’s Jenny Jenkins is tons better than her Stay (I Missed You)[/li]
[li]Feist’s 1,2,3,4 on Sesame Street outweighs her own version.[/li]
[li]This kid’s voice gives me chills.[/li]
[li]The “This is Zydeco” song from Jack’s Big Music show introduced me to a new form of music that I really enjoy.[/li]
[li]“There’s an Echo” from the Backyardigans… well, I wish I could find on online clip so maybe I could explain why I like it so much.[/li]
[li]Oh, and BTW, You Are A Pirate![/li]
[/ul]
I’m guessing it’s because these songs feel more real (i.e. less vocal manipulation) than top songs. Or that I’ve become biased because my daughter listens to these songs a lot. Or that I’m crazy.

2

“Jenny Jenkins” is more than a century old folk song, so it’s no surprise that it’s better than a 15-year-old pop song. (Lisa Loeb leaves off the all-important last verse, unfortunately although understandably for a children’s version).

Anyway I think you have a decent point. Music made for children doesn’t seem to rely on being aggressively marketable. It usually tries to be at least palatable to adults, so while there’s not as great a variety, I’d rather listen to that than most recent #1 hits.

3

And the Oakie Award for Best Kids Song Ever goes to…

Puff the Magic Dragon