Motown for Kids - Various Artists

Original hits are friendly, refreshing, retro fun.

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About Our Ratings

Common Sense rates it

Heard the music?

Music details

Artist(s): Various Artists
Genre: Children's Music
Label: Motown / Universal
Parental Advisory: No
Edited Version: No
Release Date: 08/19/2008

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this family-friendly collection of original Motown hits is also earth-friendly, with an entirely recyclable package. Artists include Stevie Wonder, The Contours, Four Tops, The Temptations, and more.

Families can talk about "Mickey's Monkey." Can you make up a dance to go with it? Are there other animals that make you think of funny ways to move and dance? "Please Mr. Postman" describes waiting for a letter from the singer's sweetheart. Have you ever longed for a letter or email from someone special?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Respects young children's intelligence by giving them the real thing, rather than a watered-down "kids" version of some great songs.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

Motown producers and artists were geniuses at sounding sexy and flirty without ever getting explicit.

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Motown, Berry Gordy's legendary record company, produced a rich musical legacy that changed the direction of American pop culture in the 1960s; many parents and grandparents still love hit records by the label's phenomenal artists. MOTOWN FOR KIDS delivers 14 of Motown's most beloved singles, not as warmed-over, dumbed-down "children's music," but as the real thing.

Is it any good?

Families can use the lyrics of these songs as jumping-off points for discussion ("Mr. Postman"), creative choreography ("Mickey's Monkey"), or just good-time, dance-party fun (just about every track). Older siblings in bands should pay special attention to Motown's famous rhythm section; singers will love harmonizing with the background vocals. Most important, everyone in the family can enjoy some of the best popular music ever produced in the 20th century, and environmentally-conscious families can recycle the entire package.