Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Producer and keyboard player Clifford "Barney" Robertson has been doing kids albums for years and knows the formula backwards. A batch of songs (only seven per album - you get the same each side though they are recorded 'split track' for instant backing tracks if you so wish), a muso or two and a 'choir' of kids with some singing in tune and one or two with squeaky off-key voices for maximum cutesy appeal. The latter Barney apparently got from his own kiddywinkers (there's lots of Robertsons in the credits). That talking ark, Arky, though given plenty of billing on the sleeve, is hardly in evidence on these, it's largely down to the kids doing their "special sing-alongs for ages 12 months to four years" as the sleeve credit goes. Songwise there are some new things from the pens of Dave Spurr, Debbie McNeil, etc, with one or two Sunday school evergreens like "Jesus Loves The Little Children" and "This Little Light Of Mine". An effective resource in getting tiny tots singing about their Heavenly Father or cynical exploitation of the American family's love for all things corny? I know not. I care not.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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