Multi award-winning artist JUSTIN ROBERTS releases his newest collection of tunes, Not Naptime. Zippy lyrics and smart musical arrangements make Not Naptime a treat for grownups and kids alike. Justin explores the world w... more »ith a fresh eye - from the importance of installing a "Night Light" to the exquisite pleasures of a summer night. Don't get caught when "Brontosaurus Got a Sweet Tooth" or when Mom wants you to take a bath after only "Three Days" of glorious griminess. While most of Not Naptime is pure fun, some of the lyrics offer solace and inspiration for facing everyday problems - the school bully or the prospect of moving to a new home. And every kid will recognize serious the powers of persuasion employed when a kid asks his parents for a new "D-O-G." "These songs speak to issues I remember were important when I was growing up, " explains Justin. "I want to make music that's fun but also write songs that speak to the whole of a child's experience." While all of the messages are positive and wholesome for children, the music is sophisticated and catchy enough for a grownup audience. "Some of my biggest fans are in their 20s," Roberts quips. Justin Roberts is an acclaimed folk-pop singer-songwriter with a gentle and youthful voice. Formerly with the Minneapolis band Pimentos for Gus, Roberts also recorded a solo release for adults called Bright Becomes Blue. His career as a children's musician began a few years ago when he was a Montessori preschool teacher and music director, writing original songs related to monthly themes in the school curriculum. The song "Apple Tree" written during this time became one of the highlights of Roberts' first family recording, Great Big Sun. Roberts' second family release Yellow Bus won national acclaim and awards, including Gold Awards from both Parents' Choice and the National Association of Parenting Publications. It also was selected as one of Amazon.com's "Top 10 Children's CDs of 2001."« less
Multi award-winning artist JUSTIN ROBERTS releases his newest collection of tunes, Not Naptime. Zippy lyrics and smart musical arrangements make Not Naptime a treat for grownups and kids alike. Justin explores the world with a fresh eye - from the importance of installing a "Night Light" to the exquisite pleasures of a summer night. Don't get caught when "Brontosaurus Got a Sweet Tooth" or when Mom wants you to take a bath after only "Three Days" of glorious griminess. While most of Not Naptime is pure fun, some of the lyrics offer solace and inspiration for facing everyday problems - the school bully or the prospect of moving to a new home. And every kid will recognize serious the powers of persuasion employed when a kid asks his parents for a new "D-O-G." "These songs speak to issues I remember were important when I was growing up, " explains Justin. "I want to make music that's fun but also write songs that speak to the whole of a child's experience." While all of the messages are positive and wholesome for children, the music is sophisticated and catchy enough for a grownup audience. "Some of my biggest fans are in their 20s," Roberts quips. Justin Roberts is an acclaimed folk-pop singer-songwriter with a gentle and youthful voice. Formerly with the Minneapolis band Pimentos for Gus, Roberts also recorded a solo release for adults called Bright Becomes Blue. His career as a children's musician began a few years ago when he was a Montessori preschool teacher and music director, writing original songs related to monthly themes in the school curriculum. The song "Apple Tree" written during this time became one of the highlights of Roberts' first family recording, Great Big Sun. Roberts' second family release Yellow Bus won national acclaim and awards, including Gold Awards from both Parents' Choice and the National Association of Parenting Publications. It also was selected as one of Amazon.com's "Top 10 Children's CDs of 2001."
Justin Roberts encourages meditation and conversation
Bonnie Black-Shockey | Los Angeles, CA | 01/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many of these reviews have mentioned how much adults like Justin Roberts as much as - or more than- their children. So much of what is available for children today is frenetic and nonsensical, and everything has its place. But as a high school teacher I see less and less introspection and more MTV mentality: make it fast, make it flash, forget about the depth. Justin's music allows quietness to enter the car, and encourages families to talk about the import of the song.
"Moving" in particular, struck a chord with my husband as his family moved frequently. We were able to talk with our daughter about the stability of our home, and how objects around us gain significance.
Throughout this album are kernals of parent-child time, rich with memories of moments spent alone with parents under the stars, on a camping trip, or just in the house.
I cannot recommend this album more, if not for a child, then for the child in you."
Great Music for When its Not Naptime
Joshua Koppel | Chicago, IL United States | 06/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this one at a Justin Roberts concert and I was not disappointed.Justin covers a wide range of topics common to childhood from pretending to be sick to get out of school, to bullies, to fear of the dark and more.Justin's music style also covers a wide range, jazz, R&B, Rock (in many forms), etc. This one is easy on adult ears and don't be surprised if you find yourself singing with your child.My daughter will spontaneously start singing songs from this CD and we will have to play it. Billy The Bully is a particular favorite of hers with its "one by one by one by one" chorus.Check out Justin's other music as well."
Tapping our toes after MANY listenings
anniewerks2 | North Hollywood, CA USA | 01/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The "conversation" at our house goes something like this:
2 year-old : "Mommy, play D-O-G-O song"
Mommy: Really? You just heard it.
2 year-old: "Yes. Play D-O-G-O song"
Mommy: Okay. One more time....
Song plays, Mommy & 2 year-old ROCK OUT!
Even after repeated (and repeated) playings, it's still funny, catchy, sweet, smart, funky, and hummable. Parents, we should be so thankful for Justin Roberts. He doesn't talk down to kids, he doesn't sugarcoat, he has a great sense of humor, and he makes grownups feel lucky to be included in the fun."
Justin Roberts scores again
David C Sima | Broadview, Illinois United States | 01/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, we had our fingers crossed. We loved Justin Roberts' first 2 kids' CDs so much, we thought there was no way he could do it a third time. However, he has amazed us once again; we are all wandering around the house humming different tracks from the disc. My 4 year old loves "Billy was a Bully", my 2 year old is partial to "brontosaurus has a sweet tooth", and my wife and I are torn between "nightlight" and "dad caught stars". It is presently the only CD my kids will listen to in the car. I can't believe my 4 year old can name all the planets, just from listening to the nine planets song! Justin Roberts is a great musician and songwriter, and I highly recommend his entire collection!"
Not just for kids
David C Sima | 01/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We have an 18 month old and a 3 1/2 year old who love dancing to this CD. More importantly, both Mom and Dad enjoy it as much as they do. Mom's favorites are "pick up the pears" and "not naptime". Dad's partial to "nightlight". I can't stand most kids CDs, but this one I'm recommending to all my friends."