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Just how many times have you found yourself humming the tune of Baby Shark or the latest Cocomelon monstrosity while doing random chores around the house? Not anymore! I’ve got 15 charming children’s albums for you that are filled with tunes that will probably still get lodged in your brain, but they are so delightful, you won’t even mind.

Here’s what you’ll find in this musical guide:

Why Is Children’s Music Often Annoying?
Is There Any Benefit In Using Music Specifically Made For Children?
15 Charming Children’s Albums

Why Is Children’s Music Often Annoying?

Do I come across as “anti-lullabies and children’s songs”? Well, honestly I’m not, but if you spent 12 years teaching early childhood education like I did, you’d probably also have a gag reflex whenever you heard Wheels On The Bus, The Ants Go Marching On, and all the other cutsie, rhyme-y kids’ songs.

I guess it’s also worth noting that I can count on both hands the number of times I’ve sang Twinkle Twinkle to my baby boy. My home is not filled with traditional children’s music. There’s no particular reason for it. I guess I figure that I may as well play music for him that I enjoy as well, or I’d likely lose my mind, and no one wants that to happen, right?

There is a formula that works for children’s music, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good formula. It’s often filled with repetitive phrases, easy lyrics, and simple tunes. I’m not saying that traditional children’s music is bad or unhealthy for children. Not at all. I just don’t want it playing 24/7, and that’s why I’ve come to give you some alternative albums that both you and your little one will enjoy.

Is There Any Benefit In Using Music Specifically Made For Children?

So is there any real reason you should only listen to music labeled as children’s music?

No.

In my opinion, the only real benefit of listening to music made specifically for children is that you don’t have to worry so much about inappropriate lyrics. I’m not out here promoting unedited versions of Lil’ Kim or 50 Cent.

To be honest, I feel like it’s actually really beneficial for children to listen to more complicated music, but I have no scientific backing for that belief, so don’t go to the bank with that.

There are no rules. You are free to listen to anything. Heck, you can even choose to play Cocomelon all day long, although I will definitely judge you for that. (Wink)

15 Charming Children’s Albums

So let’s get to the good stuff already! While I don’t love the repetitive nursery rhyme type of children’s music, I do love music created for children that has more depth.

The following albums are some of my favorites, and I hope you love them, too. Most of them have a very indie vibe, which I’m super into. When my boy is a little older, I imagine listening to these albums while having a Saturday morning pancake party in a room full of colorful balloons. Music really is pure magic.

1. We’re All Young Together ~Walter Martin

Favorite track: We’re All Young Together

2. Rocket Ship Beach ~Dan Zanes

Favorite track: Bushel And A Peck

3. See! ~Holly Throsby

Favorite track: Hello Tiger

4. Sleep Tight ~Casper Babypants

Favorite track: Sleep Mister Sandman

5. Songs For Carmella: Lullabies & Sing-A-Longs ~Christina Perri

Favorite track: You Mean The Whole Wide World To Me

6. Songs For Rosie ~Christina Perri

Favorite track: Somewhere Out There

7. Rockabye Baby! (Every album!)

These are all amazing!! There are over 50 different albums, everything from Dolly Parton to Radiohead. It’s impossible to choose a favorite, but I’m currently loving Taylor Swift and Hamilton.