Kids Music That Grown-Ups Won't Hate

Consider a few criteria when seeking great kids music: high-quality vocals, appropriate lyrics (bonus points for clever rhymes and original concepts), and enough musical variety from song to song to keep things interesting.

While many kids songs are, indeed, cringe-worthy there are plenty of diamonds in the rough. Download a few of these albums of music for children, and you may find yourself jamming along -- even when the kids are gone!

And be sure to check out our list of "Adult" Albums You Can Play Around Kids for more musical inspiration!

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    Family Time - Ziggy Marley

    Hannah Scott:  This reggae album balances beautifully on the line between "kid music" and "adult music" -- it's great for both groups! Upbeat and fun, this is the perfect feel-good music for moving and grooving. Listen for some guest appearances by artists like Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, and more.

    Feel What U Feel - Lisa Loeb

    Hannah Scott:  As any parent of young children knows, big feelings are hard for kiddos to process! Lisa Loeb tackles the concept of emotional processing in this charming album of songs all about feelings. Fun Fact: This was the 2018 Grammy Award winner for Best Children's Album, so it looks like a whole lot of grown-ups agree that it's worth a listen.

    More Songs From Pooh Corner - Kenny Loggins

    Hannah Scott:  When you hear Loggins' soothing voice on a background of lilting instruments, you'll be listening to a sound that is best described as shimmering magic. (Yes, that sounds cheesy, but you'll know what I mean when you take a listen!) The selection of songs includes a mixture of traditional favorites and less familiar tunes. This is a great choice to help your kiddos wind down before bed.

    Ultimate Disney - Various Artists

    Hannah Scott:  Introduce your kids to some of the Disney classics from your childhood with this 3-disc collection of songs from older Disney films. Forty-two songs in a range of styles from a wide variety of films should keep things from getting too repetitive!

    What's in the Bible: The Songs! - Phil Vischer

    Hannah Scott:  From the maker of Veggie Tales, the What's in the Bible series is a fun and educational tool for families who want to teach their kids about how the books of the Bible fit into the big picture. Parents will be interested to know that this collection of songs from the DVD series features performances by The Bentley Brothers......who just so happen to be the now-viral vloggers Rhett & Link! It's a small world after all.

    The Best of The Laurie Berkner Band

    Hannah Scott:  Fun, whimsical songs that keep kids engaged and moving around? Yes, please! Laurie's contagious energy shines through in her voice and guitar as she invites children to join her in various movements and directions through many of her original songs.

    It's A Doo Da Day - Wendy and DB

    Lisa R:  My family was introduced to Wendy and DB by chance at a live show more than a year ago and their music has been in heavy rotation in our house ever since. Much of the music could pass as upbeat oldies, at least until you listen to the words and realize that you're learning facts about flamingos.

    Rocket Ship Beach - Dan Zanes and Friends

    Lisa R:  Dan Zanes is a Grammy Award winning musician who incorporates a wide variety of musical guests and genres into his CDs. The majority of songs he covers are classic folk tunes played on acoustic instruments. The overall effect is pretty laid back and easy on the ears, but with enough upbeat and goofy elements to keep kids entertained. Plus, as a parent it's a blast to hear adult artists like Angelique Kidjo, Philip Glass, Suzanne Vega, and Sheryl Crow get in touch with their silly sides.

    Life's Little Lessons - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

    Hannah Scott:  If your child is a fan of the popular PBS cartoon Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, you'll want to check out this compilation of songs from the show! The tunes are catchy and the voices are pleasant, but the best part is the fantastic "life lesson" in the lyrics of each song. From dealing with angry feelings to helping friends, going potty right away to saying thank you, you might find yourself using these little ditties to guide your children through the day!

    Baby Beluga -Raffi

    Alexandra F.:  My parents missed out on the Raffi train when I was growing up so I only discovered him when I had my first baby, and have been a HUGE fan ever since! A quintessential "kid music" sound, I still find the songs enjoyable and easy to listen to, and if I am being honest, am singing along to them long after my toddler is finished. I think Baby Beluga is especially well known (I remember that episode of Full House when Michelle was obsessed with it!), but Singable Songs for the Very Young and The Corner Grocery Store are probably our favorites, and we listen to them constantly.

    Snack Time! - Barenaked Ladies

    Stephanie W.:  This CD is hilarious and full of cool kid songs! Your kids will love their funny take on the ABCs, and many more original songs meant for kids. Their unique and popular sound will be a blast to introduce to your kids, and you'll love listening too!

    The Merry Goes 'Round - Jewel

    Stephanie W.:  90s kids will love Jewel's children's music! She brings her beautiful and pleasant sound to a bunch of classics like And the Green Grass Grows All Around and Oh! Susanna, as well as some you may not know as well. You'll learn new tunes and revisit old ones, and get to introduce your kids to Jewel's acoustic perfection.

    When Bullfrogs Croak - Zak Morgan

    Hannah Scott:  Sick of sing-song tunes like "Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider"? Grammy-nominated Zak Morgan is a breath of fresh air with his clever story-telling lyrics! While this is definitely music written for kids, Zak doesn't shy away from interesting vocabulary words in his original, acoustic-guitar based tunes. The melodies are fun and the rhythms infectious -- let the dance parties begin!

    The Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes - Jim Gill

    Katie G.:  Jim Gill is a well-known children's singer often seen performing around the country at local libraries and community events. The Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes CD is one of his most popular albums that has been entertaining kids for over 20 years. Gill's catchy tunes and easy lyrics are inviting for the whole family to sing along to. You may even find yourself playing the album when the kids aren't even around.

    Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George - Jack Johnson and Friends

    Kelly R:  A happy and mellow album of Jack Johnson's music from the Curious George movie that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages.

Primary photo:   Will Francis on Unsplash

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