Home Earth

Home Earth. CD. Performed by Wendy and DB. Approx. 39 min. Prod. By Planet Wendy Publishing. 2017. $15.00. 

Grades K - 3

Parent’s Choice and NAPPA award-winners Wendy Morgan and Darryl Boggs present 13 original songs in a variety of musical styles, including rock, R&B, folk, and dance music. A children’s chorus greatly enhances these musical offerings. Backup musicians give great performances on bass, piano, percussion, guitar, violins, drums, harmonica, and saxophone. In “Home Earth,” no matter where one travels in the solar system and universe, Earth will always be home. Building wells for fresh, clean water is the subject of “Water Song.” People enjoy watching “Olly the Orca” play in the ocean, acknowledging that orcas are large dolphins rather than whales. “I Like Bees” is a celebration of those helpful insects. This “Girl Superhero” helps clean up the planet. “Hopscotch” will have listeners hopping and jumping. “We Bop” teaches listeners some dance steps. The remaining tunes include “Plant a Seed,” “Buzzin’ Bee Be Happy,” “Bugs That Give Hugs,” “It Takes All Kinds of Trucks,” “Miracle,” and “People Are People.” Fun and lively songs that will have listeners hopping and bopping.

One Little Song Can Change the World

One Little Song Can Change the World. Performed by Kid Pan Alley. CD. Approx. 35 min. Produced by Paul Reiser. 2017. $14.98.

            The award-winning Kid Pan Alley presents 10 songs in rock, jazz, pop, reggae and country musical styles. Guest vocalists include Jevon McGlory, Sweet Honey in the Rock members, Alison Rapetti, Jon Carroll, and Justin Hopkins. The backup instrumentalists give excellent performances on guitar, bass, piano, organ, mandolin, fiddle, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, harmonica, drums, and percussion. “We Need No Excuse for Dreaming” encourages listeners to break free from the chains inside. “Skin” exerts that everyone is of value, regardless of their skin color. “I Don’t Think So, You’re a Bully” takes bullies to task for hurtful words. “Best Friends” stand by your side and stand the test of time. “One Little Song Can Change the World” asks listeners to stand up and be heard. “Wake Up” predicts ecological disaster. “Don’t Put Me Down, Or My Dog” asks listeners to respect others’ pets. “No Doubt” explains that it is not necessary to fight over a disagreement. “I’ll Never Change the Way I Feel” about you. “True to Me” is all about being true to oneself. An impassioned album that helps listeners face up to different life situations.