Looking for tunes that will keep the whole family happy (without driving you crazy)? Here are some great options.
There’s a lot of music for kids out there that misses the mark, but there’s also plenty that’s truly wonderful and can stand the test of time, even after weeks, months, or years of constant play.
Thankfully, services like ABC Kids Listen have made it much easier to find quality music for our little ones.
But sometimes, you just need something that feels a bit more in line with your adult tastes, while still embracing the joy and creativity that comes with children’s music.
Here are a few albums that might strike the perfect balance.
Regurgitator’s Pogogo Show – The Really Really Really Really Boring Album (2019)
Hailing from Brisbane, sonic rebels Regurgitator made such boundary-pushing records in the ’90s that they came with bold content warnings.
Now, they’re turning their attention to creating music for children. And you should absolutely embrace it.
Their controversial nature was never without purpose – they’re hilarious, their songs are irresistibly catchy, and they’re incredibly sharp-witted – qualities that your kids will likely appreciate without even realizing it.
Still not sold? Let me hit you with nine words: ‘I Sucked A Lollipop to Get Where I Am’. It’s not on this album, but it’s a favorite they perform live.
No matter who they’re creating for, Regurgitator are pure genius.
Holly Throsby – See! (2009)
Holly Throsby’s signature quiet charm, whimsical spirit, and indie elegance shine through on this, her wonderfully unique “black sheep” children’s album.
The record feels raw and spontaneous, almost as if you’re caught in the middle of a lively kids’ party, filled with joy and boundless energy.
Featuring guest appearances from Darren Hanlon, Jack Ladder, J Walker, and Holly’s mother, Margaret Throsby, this album is a delightful, heartwarming experience.
Teeny Tiny Stevies – Helpful Songs For Little People (2018)
It’s a bold statement to call yourself “every parent’s favourite kids’ band,” but after speaking to any parent who’s recently discovered Teeny Tiny Stevies, you might start believing the band has some kind of magical touch.
The Melbourne sisters, who also form the heart of the well-loved folk group The Little Stevies, captured the hearts of both kids and parents with their 2015 album Useful Songs For Little People and followed it up with this equally delightful second kids’ album.
With tracks like “Friendly, Gentle, Sharing, Courageous” and “How To Apologise,” the messages are spot on, and the music is irresistibly charming.
They Might Be Giants – No! (2002)
“Hungary isn’t hungry and French fries aren’t from France”… who better than NYC’s favorite funsters, They Might Be Giants, to create a family album?
Their debut kids’ album is packed with quirky, upbeat fun, featuring lively accordion, strings, horns, and wild rhythms.
This album shows that lyrics can be both silly and clever, making it a perfect fit for younger children.
If you’re looking for more kid-friendly TMBG music, start with the Here Comes trilogy – it’s a great follow-up!
Big Kids – Dance Party (2020)
If you’ve tuned into triple j over the past few years, you’re likely familiar with the sounds of Mansionair and Vallis Alps. And here at Double J, we’re big fans of Sydney duo Breathe. Now, members of these groups have come together to create heartwarming music for the younger generation.
As they put it, they’re making “danceable, educational kids’ music with a social conscience for both parents and children,” and, as the kids say, we love to see it.
Their debut EP just dropped, and it’s fun, playful, and cleverly crafted with some fantastic modern production.
Caspar Babypants – This is Fun! (2010)
Caspar Babypants is the playful alter ego of Chris Ballew, the lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America.
He’s released a ton of kids’ music – including a 2010 cover of Nirvana’s ‘Sliver’ with Krist Novoselic – but his original tracks are just as much fun.
Various Artists – Saturday Morning: Cartoons’ Greatest Hits (1995)
Featuring favorites like the Ramones, Violent Femmes, Liz Phair, Frente!, and more, covering iconic cartoon theme songs.
The release also included a comic book and music videos hosted by Drew Barrymore.
Rabbit Island – Songs For Kids (2020)
Perth musician Amber Fresh creates beautiful, tranquil, and subtly psychedelic music under the name Rabbit Island. A few years ago, she wrote a collection of songs for her two-year-old niece and recorded them right in her kitchen.
The result is Songs For Kids, a gentle and personal album perfect for those moments when you and your little ones need something calm after the excitement has settled.
Songs For Kids will be released digitally and on 10″ vinyl at the end of April.
Saint Etienne – Up The Wooden Hills (2005)
UK indie band Saint Etienne set out to make children’s music more intelligent by incorporating samples on this bonus EP, which was released alongside their adult album Tales From Turnpike House.
Rhys Muldoon – I’m Not Singing (2011)
This album from beloved actor and Play School presenter Rhys Muldoon was co-written with Kram (of Spiderbait) and includes vocals from Tex Perkins.
Muldoon and Kram also teamed up for another children’s album in 2015, Perfect Is The Enemy Of Good.
Bunny Racket – Rock’n’Roll Animals (2016)
Not many kids’ bands begin in the Californian desert and feature members of Kyuss and The Doors, but Bunny Racket isn’t your typical band.
Led by the enigmatic King Bunny, the group aims to introduce our youngest listeners to the world of rock ‘n’ roll. With gritty guitars and rock mythology, Bunny Racket is perfect for when kids start moving beyond the polished, pop-centric sounds of other children’s music.
Barenaked Ladies – Snacktime! (2008)
You might recall their 1998 hit “One Week,” but Canadian pop-rock band Barenaked Ladies also released a solid children’s album.
It features a similar sound and clever lyrics (like “Pollywog In A Bog“) that could make you want to add it to your own playlist.
The album also references other great kids’ music, including more from They Might Be Giants (check out the Here Comes trilogy), Ziggy Marley’s Family Time, Dan Zanes, and Jack Johnson’s Curious George soundtrack.
Various Artists – Colours Are Brighter (2006)
An eclectic mix of fun kids’ songs from UK indie folk and electronic artists like Four Tet (“Go Go Ninja Dinosaur”), Franz Ferdinand (“Jackie Jackson”), and Snow Patrol (“I Am An Astronaut”).
You’ll enjoy discovering the lighter side of top indie bands while knowing the kids are getting a solid musical education too.
Kimya Dawson – Alphabutt (2007)
Kimya Dawson, formerly part of the New York anti-folk duo the Moldy Peaches, is best known for her beloved contributions to the Juno soundtrack.
Inspired by the birth of her daughter Panda, Kimya created this playful, fart-obsessed, warm, and engaging album at home, with the help of a bunch of little friends who contributed lyrics, sounds, and instruments.
The songs mostly revolve around everyday, seemingly trivial things (like using the potty), but Kimya and her collaborators turn them into something magical, delightful, and incredibly fun. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into their cozy world for chia, chai, and tunes, and you won’t want to leave.
There are also a few beautiful tracks that explore themes of social consciousness, being cool, and the essence of being human.
The album is worth it just for the title track, which takes you through the alphabet, assigning almost every letter to butts or farts. It’s cheeky, chaotic, and sure to make the kids (and their giggling parents) laugh.
Various Artists – ReWiggled: A Tribute To The Wiggles (2011)
Let’s be honest, there’s almost no way you’ll make it through the first five years of parenting without encountering Hot Potato or Big Red Car, courtesy of kids’ entertainment powerhouse The Wiggles.
But thanks to this album, featuring a stellar lineup of Australian music artists like The Living End, Washington, Jebediah, Sarah Blasko, Architecture In Helsinki, Spiderbait, Bluejuice, Frenzal Rhomb, Clare Bowditch, Busby Marou, Adalita, Papa vs Pretty, Oh Mercy, Angie Hart, and more, you might just find yourself getting hooked and singing along.
These artists each put their own spin on classic Wiggles tracks to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary. The result is a highly creative compilation that’s not only fun and full of energy but also full of delightful surprises.
Various Artists – See You On The Moon: Songs For Kids Of All Ages (2006)
Kids’ albums aren’t all about the laughs. If you believe music should stir both tears and smiles, play your children Broken Social Scene’s hauntingly beautiful version of Puff The Magic Dragon from this compilation. It’s a heart-wrenching track that takes center stage in this eclectic mix of indie bands creating kid-friendly tunes.
See You On The Moon features a blend of covers and mostly original tracks from artists like Sufjan Stevens, Hot Chip, and Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon).
There’s plenty of quirky charm to spark the imagination and leave the kids just a little bewildered. Take Under The Bed by The FemBots, for example – it clangs and clunks like Tom Waits circa Bone Machine – what’s not to love about that?
Laura Veirs – Tumblebee (2011)
If the thought of listening to traditional folk music for kids makes you reach for the volume control, relax – this album is sure to win you over just as much as the little ones.
US singer-songwriter Laura Veirs brings her unique touch to a collection of songs from legends like Woody Guthrie and Jimmy Rodgers. Her voice is pure, the renditions are playful and enchanting, and she’s joined by an impressive lineup of artists, including Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Colin Meloy (The Decemberists), and renowned banjo player Béla Fleck.
The Innocence Mission – Now The Day is Over (2004)
This soothing album, though occasionally a bit sentimental, is primarily a beautiful compilation of timeless songs reimagined as lullabies by The Innocence Mission.
Karin Peris sings as though she’s gently serenading you beside the crib, as this US duo takes a heartfelt journey through the American songbook, offering lovingly crafted bedtime ballads from standards, traditional, and classical tunes like Moon River, Edelweiss, and What A Wonderful World.
Her rendition of Over The Rainbow is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
All Together Now – Beatles Stuff for Kids of All Ages (2006)
Upbeat, joyful, and full of pop magic, this album is a fantastic way to introduce kids to The Beatles if the original albums aren’t capturing their attention.
It offers a curated selection of classic covers like Hello Goodbye, All You Need Is Love, and Here Comes The Sun, performed with flair by members of The Bangles, along with artists like Jason Lytle of Granddaddy and Marshall Crenshaw.
The children’s choir adds an extra layer of innocence and simplicity to the songs, staying true to the spirit of the originals without feeling overly sentimental.
Just be sure not to mention what The Beatles were up to when they created these tunes…