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What are some good pop songs that can also be "kid's songs"?

I'm having fun playing music to my new kid - some songs that are not made for kids have vibe that seems good for kids - I'm thinking "Here Comes the Sun" (Beatles), "Three Little Birds" (Bob Marley)...

I'm not sure what exactly makes a song fit into this category... They don't have to be G rated or anything. I guess just fun and light? Something like "Heroin" by Velvet Underground would probably not work.

I'm not super-well versed in music, so I'm seeking the help of Questionland. Any ideas?

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  • Dscn2923_small
    Reputation: 23

    Here's a free mixtape to get you on your way:

    http://funky16corners.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/funky16corners-radio-v-76-one-for-the-kids/

    Even better, it can all be enjoyed by adults as well. Good luck getting The Boo Boo Song out of your head.

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15 Other Answers

  • Img_0355_small
    Reputation: 1308

    We listen to a lot of this sort of music with our daughter. Some favorites include:

    Ben Fold/Ben Folds Five
    The Rolling Stones
    The Forest Gump Soundtrack
    Early Beatles
    Jackson 5
    The Beach Boys
    Jack Johnson
    Jonathan Coulton
    Old 97's
    They Might Be Giants

    As far as music intended for children, we have a blanket ban. I find it to be insipid at best and ear-gougingly terrible at worst. The one exception to this rule is Chris Ballew's (from POTUSA) albums as Caspar Babypants. Our daughter loves them and they're pretty catchy and don't make my ears bleed.

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  • Photo_on_2012-01-03_at_17
    Reputation: 628

    Kids love "I like big butts and I cannot lie...no other brotha' can deny..."

    I'm sorry, but they do love that song!!! lol

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  • N1145825313_7192_small
    Reputation: 24

    Kids love The Postal Service.

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  • 2959482589_d59a69c6e4_small
    Reputation: 281

    Mine loves "We Are the Champions". Anything by Queen.

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  • Medium_2868373187_b2c11c89cf_o_small
    Reputation: 2266
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  • Imgp0063_small
    Reputation: 348
    Moderator

    Someone already mentioned it, but I'd just like to repeat that They Might Be Giant's "Here Comes the..." albums are awesome AND educational.

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  • Img_0733_small
    Reputation: 105

    The late-great Sugar Minott's classic, Hi Hello, is one that I love singing to my baby girl. I just make up other words but keep the chorus of 'hi, hello, how are you' intact.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9KHnVRSDLo

    Saint Etienne - Hug My Soul is fun to sing to her too. The vocal is delivered silky smooth and can be sung softly. Again, I just make up lyrics but playing the original should be pleasant enough for your kid.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC9BGEg12Fw

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  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812

    Years ago, I was SO surprised to show up to videorecord a school talent show assembly, and when one of the acts started to play "Carribean Queen", the entire student body started singing the words by memory all around me. I was shocked that 3rd graders and younger would know the line "with painted on jeans", but when it came to the refrain, they were all mouthing the words.

    So, even though we might think some songs are not appropriate for kids, a catchy tune and easily accessable lyrics can imprint a song to kids easily!

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  • Tofu_oyako_small
    Reputation: 345

    How about OF MONTREAL? Particularly on their early albums like 'Cherry Peel' and 'The Gay Parade' the songs are very narrative and musically fun. I don't think there's much that would be flagrantly inappropriate.

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  • Froggyskull_3_small
    Reputation: 254

    Check out the CD's by Elizabeth Mitchell. She's 1/2 of the indie due known as IDA, and she's a former kindergarten teacher. Her CD's are for kids, and the ones that aren't old standards are things like "What Goes On" by Velvet Underground (speaking of that band). I think she does "Three Little Birds" on one of them, too.

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  • Sacri_ordines_by_charism_small
    Reputation: 3723

    the 5,6,7,8's
    Thriller/MJ
    Beatles
    Legends/Marley
    TMBG

    + just about any motown / 50's classics

    Don't forget mozart. He was the king of pop of his time ;)

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  • Messy_hair_small
    Reputation: 695

    Captain Bogg & Salty are from Portland and they rule in every way. Funny, clever, pirate-obsessed music that works for adults and kids.

    That said, "Kids music" is evil and should be avoided at all costs. It's the equivalent of feeding your kid chicken nuggets. Kids can handle all genres of music, all kinds of subject matter. And just like adults have different tastes, so do kids. Some kids will rejoice at AC/DC. Others want Amy Mann. My daughters both beg for Prince. (I'm happy to oblige.)
    Just please don't feed them crappy watered down music (I'm looking at YOU Dan Zanes) unless you want your children to grow up dumb.

    Oh snap!

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  • Img_2436_small
    Reputation: 0

    It depends on what type of music you're looking for (pop, country, classic) and how old your kid is!!! Is your kid a boy or a girl? Is she/he very young or getting older? (0-6 or 7-12?) Not trying to ask too many questions!!
    Here are some suggestions for if he/she is 7-12:

    Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, David Archuleta, Justin Bieber, Miley Cirus, Jet, Aerosmith, Cage the elephant, and the Beatles as you mentioned.
    Here are some suggestions for if your child is 0-6:

    Where is Thumpkin, Sally the Camel has 5 Humps(number can be changed), The name game, Clean up everybody clean up, or the beatles again. I would personally suggest Mozart or Beethoven, even though there are no words. I really hope I helped you and please type back!!!

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  • Bikeowl_small
    Reputation: 427

    Effervescing Elephant By Syd Barrett is a great song for children. If you've not heard it you ought to check it out.

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  • Locutus_small
    Reputation: 517

    "Baby Got Back"
    "Welcome to the Jungle"
    "Bat out of Hell"
    "Afternoon Delight"
    "I touch myself"

    Oh man there are just so many great pop songs appropriate for children.

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