Husband-wife duo and Gen X parents Kevin and Marty Long, a.k.a. Preschool Rockstar, are shaking up the children’s music scene with their debut ten-track album Tiny Humans, Big World.
We know listening to children’s music can sometimes be a fast track to insanity. But Preschool Rockstar serves its songs with an ultra-unique concept that almost any adult will adore. Aimed at parents who grew up spinning 70s, 80s and 90s rock vinyls, Preschool Rockstar “delivers a soundtrack for playtime that’s as fun for grownups as it is for little ones,” as the band put it themselves, “packed with big riffs, catchy hooks, and plenty of heart,” making “music the whole family can turn up to eleven.”
And it’s destined to plaster a smile over your face, never mind the kids! Album-opener “New Shoes” sweetens up its simple concept with list-like lyrics and an easy-to-sing chorus, before unleashing its epic synth solo, which oddly reminds this reviewer of Nyan Cat. Irritating? More like instantly uplifting. And, unlike some children’s music out there today (not looking at you, Cocomelon), these songs come straight from the heart, padded with rich inspirations and pop-rock vibes. Preschool Rockstar don’t add to the bulk of annoyingly simple, brain-dead kids’ music with lyrics that repeat until they’re seared achingly into your brain – instead, Tiny Humans, Big World collects fully-formed songs flocked with vibrant creativity and wholesome messages, designed with parents in mind as much as the kids!
Underlying each track is an educational perk; each tune allowing children to explore a different corner of the world and life’s experiences through memorable music. “Feelings” encourages young listeners to recognise and replicate emotions against its indie-pop soundscape. The world-building ad libs of “Racecar” transform into a high-speed bluesy rock jam with a dark edge, bringing the hard rock atmosphere of motorsports to life through its astoundingly catchy grooves. “Garbage Truck” plants its grimy subject against a pure grunge backdrop, creating the first punk song your kids will ever fall in love with (and, with any hope, you will too!). And, just as you think things couldn’t stray further from the norms of children’s music, “Chocolate Milk” descends with its eerie, vintage girl-group harmonies, jazz chords and sugar-sweet lyrics. “Family” even celebrates LGBT and atypical family structures, showing how two-dad, two-mom and single-parent households are as strong, loving and valid as any other.
We’ve never heard a children’s album like it, and doubt you will have either.
Our verdict: Highly recommended.
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Listen to Preschool Rockstar and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora and more. Please support Preschool Rockstar by visiting their website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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