Some years ago, Justin Roberts was a Montessori teacher and music director, composing songs to musically interpret the school's curriculum themes for the kids. From this he created his first children's recording, the critically acclaimed "Great Big Sun". This latest release, "Yellow Bus", should be headed down the same road.
That Roberts pays attention to the always-honest feedback from the kids who participate in his performances is evident - not even one of the recording's eleven tracks is weak. It's also apparent that Roberts has the heart of a child. Kids don't need any warming-up period to accept these fresh, honest tunes. Parents might, but only momentarily as they realign their expectations of what children's music is all about.
Roberts' music sounds like a cross between Paul Simon, Kenny Loggins, and the BareNaked Ladies. There's nothing sticky sweet in his lyrics to have parents running from the room (or wishing they could). The songs are put together in such a way to be immediately understandable to children, and thought-provoking and stirring for adults. The softer tracks are wonderfully honest - and honestly sweet. All Eyes on You helps put worries to rest, and reminds parents of the simple beauty of their children. Then there is Mama is Sad, a heart-wrenching song about a child whose parents have divorced, the helplessness he feels, and his desire to support his mother in the only ways he knows how. After all, he'd give her the moon but "it's way too high".
The title's many upbeat tracks feature playful animals, simple messages, and toe-tapping music. Willy the Whale entertains children not only with kid-pleasing alliteration, but also a funny main character who tries to be "wough and tough" and only discovers happiness when he is true to himself. In the Car is the one of the catchiest of the bunch, and is, not surprisingly, an ideal bopping-along-in-the-car song.
Yellow Bus was a joy to review, and it's even found its way into my CD-changer for listening on my own time. It makes me feel young again, which can only be good.
