Raffi is back with Owl Singalong! Alert the 7 and under set

Raffi is not Zamfir. Before becoming a parent I confused the two. Having been a dad for several years now we know Raffi, still don’t know the master of the pan flute-but there’s still time for that. Both individuals have a specific niche that they cater to with a steadfast focus that makes Navy SEALS envious. For kids 7 and under there’s reason to gently celebrate, in a peaceful and mild mannered way, because the new CD from Raffi, Owl Singalong is available for young listeners.

Let’s be clear, Raffi is OG Kindie. He was arguably the person who started it back in the mid 70’s. Back then he was working as a heavy metal guitarist (just kidding…he was a folk musician) and he realized that the production values in music for children left much to be desired. Kudos to him because he was right as rain and the idea that he had then has been entertaining kids and keeping parents sane since the demise of disco.

Why is kindie important? Our wife took the kids out in her car the other weekend. Her car doesn’t have the kindie music. They were listening to the radio and kids heard a seemingly innocent top 40 song and now they can’t stop singing the chorus. It’s “Don’t go crying, to yo mamma” every time the kids feel like they need to get an eye roll from mom now.

Owl Singalong is clearly meant for kids 7 and under. It’s folk music, with a good variety of instruments, that explore shapes, the garden, being happy, fruit, nature, dogs on the bus and more.  This is better than average young kindie because it is genuine and makes you smile. If this release were done by a hipster with a ukulele it could’ve easily been seen as boring or listless.

It certainly helps that Raffi seems like a genuinely nice, gentle man. Look at any photo of him and he’s smiling. He always smiles and it shows in the tone of his music.

As it stands, Owl Singalong has a nice variety in the song lineup. There is one in French, one that is partially in Spanish, some that are silly, a couple standards with new lyrics and a couple that will make the kids take a nap.

Older kids will tire of Owl Singalong quickly. Our 6 year old doesn’t care for it, but our 4 year old likes it and kicks his feet back and forth in happy approval. Parents can be secure in the fact that this music will entertain the kids and have production values that respects their more refined ears.  This is kindie that treat kids like they have a brain. It’s dinosaur and pan flute free that allows them to think, explore, be creative and have fun.