Album Review: 123 Favorite Kids Songs by Unknown Artist
Released in 2008, 123 Favorite Kids Songs is a treasure trove of classic nursery rhymes and educational tunes that has become a staple for families across the US. With its diverse range of styles—covering everything from sing-alongs to lighthearted ditties—this album offers something for every child (and let’s be real, their parents too). Produced under labels like Genius Entertainment and Pacific Entertainment, this collection brings together timeless favorites with polished production, thanks to credits like executive producer Steven C. Anderson and mastering wizard John Chase.
The sheer variety of tracks is staggering, clocking in at over 150 songs. It’s almost overwhelming, but hey, who doesn’t love options? From “Old McDonald” to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” these are the kinds of melodies you’ll catch yourself humming while folding laundry or stuck in traffic. Two tracks, however, stood out to me personally—the kind that stick in your brain like peanut butter on the roof of your mouth.
First up: “Found A Peanut.” This quirky little tune might seem simple, but it’s got layers! The playful storytelling about finding a peanut and eating it raw gives way to an unexpected twist—spoiler alert: someone gets sick. Ha! Kids eat this stuff up because, well, gross-out humor never goes out of style. Plus, the repetitive structure makes it easy to memorize, which means you'll hear your toddler belting it out at random moments. Trust me, it’s equal parts adorable and maddening.
Another standout track is “There’s A Hole In My Bucket.” This one feels like a musical tennis match between two characters trying to solve a problem. It’s clever, funny, and oddly satisfying when they finally figure things out—or do they? Spoiler again: probably not. What I love most is how interactive it feels. Whether you’re singing along as Henry or Liza, there’s room for everyone to join in. And honestly, isn’t that what kids’ music should be all about?
One thing worth noting is the collaborative effort behind the scenes. With music crafted by talents like Scooter Nelson and Michael Christopher, and illustrations provided by Marianne Richmond, the project feels cohesive despite its massive scope. Even though no single artist takes center stage, the care put into each track shines through.
Looking back on 123 Favorite Kids Songs, it’s clear why it remains a go-to choice for family playlists. Sure, some songs repeat—a lot—but repetition is key for young ears. If anything, the redundancy adds charm rather than annoyance. And yes, you may find yourself dreaming of peanut-related mishaps or buckets with holes, but that’s just part of the experience.
In the end, this album reminds us of the power of simplicity. These aren’t complex symphonies or chart-topping hits; they’re humble tunes designed to spark joy, teach lessons, and create memories. So next time you're looking for background noise during playtime—or maybe just need a break from Paw Patrol—give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” becomes your new earworm.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Final thought: Who knew a hole in a bucket could sound so good?
Genius Entertainment, Genius Products, Inc, Minnesota Public Radio
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Formats
3 × CD
Compilation
Box Set
Companies
Role
Company
Copyright (c)
Pacific Entertainment Corporation
Distributed By
Pacific Entertainment Corporation
Credits
Role
Credit
Executive-Producer
Steven C. Anderson
Illustration
Marianne Richmond
Mastered By
John Chase
Producer
Aimée Fischer, David Jacobi
Executive Producer
Steven C. Anderson
Music By
Scooter Nelson, Michael Christopher, Mogul Music
Notes
Running time: approximately 70 minutes each CD
Barcodes
Barcode (Disc 1): 7 96019 32272 2
Barcode (Disc 2): 7 96019 32272 1
Barcode (Disc 3): 7 96019 32272 0
Barcode (Back of Box): 7 96019 32242 3
Barcode (Disc 1): 7 96019 32252 2
Barcode (Disc 2): 7 96019 32262 1
Interesting fact about Album
Here’s something cool: the album *123 Favorite Kids Songs* isn’t just a random collection of nursery rhymes. It was meticulously put together by a team of talented people, including music producer Scooter Nelson and executive producer Steven C. Anderson. What’s wild is how many classic songs they managed to fit—over 120 tracks! It’s like a mega-pack of childhood memories wrapped into one album. Plus, with its educational twist, it’s not just fun but also secretly teaching kids while they sing along to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Old McDonald." Kind of genius, right?
