Coming on the sparkling heels of four previously acclaimed recordings, Jessica Harper's Rhythm in My Shoes secures her place in kid-dom as one of its merriest minstrels. The actress and singer-songwriter turns in another d... more »elightful collection of original songs that moms and dads will be singing along to with their kids. Like the Roches, Harper possesses a lyrical wit, a wonderful ear, and a sunny voice that conveys a variety of kid-friendly subjects and embraces the everyday sounds of a kid's world, from nursery-school and rap rhythms to chants, tongue twisters, and great, old-fashioned song lyrics. Among the 13 cuts, the standouts are "A Crazy Machine," "Boy Meets Drums," "Girlquake," and "Too Much Snow in Tokyo." But truth be told, there really isn't a clunker in the bunch. Add the colorful musical backing that boasts enough rhythmic variation to make kids move and groove to the music and you've got a fantastic addition to Harper's strong catalog. --Martin Keller« less
Coming on the sparkling heels of four previously acclaimed recordings, Jessica Harper's Rhythm in My Shoes secures her place in kid-dom as one of its merriest minstrels. The actress and singer-songwriter turns in another delightful collection of original songs that moms and dads will be singing along to with their kids. Like the Roches, Harper possesses a lyrical wit, a wonderful ear, and a sunny voice that conveys a variety of kid-friendly subjects and embraces the everyday sounds of a kid's world, from nursery-school and rap rhythms to chants, tongue twisters, and great, old-fashioned song lyrics. Among the 13 cuts, the standouts are "A Crazy Machine," "Boy Meets Drums," "Girlquake," and "Too Much Snow in Tokyo." But truth be told, there really isn't a clunker in the bunch. Add the colorful musical backing that boasts enough rhythmic variation to make kids move and groove to the music and you've got a fantastic addition to Harper's strong catalog. --Martin Keller
"Parents will enjoy this one as much as the kids. Jessica is one of the best kids' music songwriters working today--and nobody understands and enjoys parenting better. Buy it for your friends!"
Not as good as her others
Jim Taylor | Seattle, WA USA | 01/20/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have to agree with "A music fan from Oklahoma" in two ways:1) there's too much spoken, rap-like stuff for my taste; 2) she's no Laurie Berkner -- she's better than Laurie Berkner: a better singer, a better composer, and a better lyricist. We tried Berkner, who is ok, but we were a bit disappointed.We have 3 Jessica Harper CDs. I would rate them in this order: It's A Wonderful Life (fantastic album for kids and adults), Nora's Room (very good), and Rythm In My Shoes (doesn't live up to the others; not nearly as fun, melodic, and varied)."
One of the best collections for children (and adults)
Ari Silver-Isenstadt | Baltimore, MD USA | 06/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My daughters, wife, and I love this collection. What a discovery. The variety of rhythms makes the whole album easy to dance to. I sent copies to many of my friends with children."
Family Favorite
Laura Humphrey | Boston, Massachusetts | 04/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Parents were bored with Raffi and Barney. Purchased on a wimb and were pleasnatly surprised. We listen in several times a day and our 10 month old loves to bop to the beat."
Music grownups can love
Jim Taylor | 09/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My family loves all of Jessica Harper's albums! She captures the magic of childhood, the intensity of a parent's love, and the fun of growing up -- all with clever lyrics and a variety of catchy tunes and beats. Plus, I love her rich voice & harmonies. This album is better for slightly older kids. "Crazy Machine" is lots of fun, "My Baby is a Genius" pokes fun at too-proud parents, while "Moving Day" takes a reassuring look at the ups and downs of moving far away. Great topics for kids set to great music.
I get tired of most kid's tapes pretty quickly, but I rushed to replace both the Jessica Harper CD's that my kids had scratched beyond repair. They are worth it."