Just when you thought you'd lined your CD shelf with enough lullaby collections to render your kid Rip Van Winkle comatose, along comes Sherry Goffin Kondor and conks you over the head with her credentials. Not only is she... more » a mom and the founder of a kids' music label, she's Carole King's daughter--this last bearing special significance because the same music-as-comfort-food sensibility that informed the Hall of Famer's best songs has seeped, through some genetic magic, into Kondor's vocal chords. Standbys like "Brahms Lullaby," "Rockabye Baby," and "Over the Rainbow" sound several degrees warmer than even your most groove-worn renditions, and gentle covers of "Betcha by Golly Wow," "Child of Mine," and "Never Never Land" come off as custom-made for Kondor ("Child" was, actually--King and husband Gerry Goffin wrote it for their daughter when she was a tot). Raising this record's reel-you-in factor are the King-Kondor collaboration "Island of Dreams," on which King contributes background vocals, and the drifting, reassuring "With You in Your Dreams," penned by King with Greg Wells and Dean Miller. Once Kondor's 13 tracks run their course, up-instrumental versions of each song follow, with complete lyrics listed in the liner notes, so your child can hear how you stack up against a pedigreed pro. But don't let the pressure get to you. Should your inner songbird fly her coop, simply heap on the teddies, hit the nightlight, and hightail it out the door. --Tammy La Gorce« less
Just when you thought you'd lined your CD shelf with enough lullaby collections to render your kid Rip Van Winkle comatose, along comes Sherry Goffin Kondor and conks you over the head with her credentials. Not only is she a mom and the founder of a kids' music label, she's Carole King's daughter--this last bearing special significance because the same music-as-comfort-food sensibility that informed the Hall of Famer's best songs has seeped, through some genetic magic, into Kondor's vocal chords. Standbys like "Brahms Lullaby," "Rockabye Baby," and "Over the Rainbow" sound several degrees warmer than even your most groove-worn renditions, and gentle covers of "Betcha by Golly Wow," "Child of Mine," and "Never Never Land" come off as custom-made for Kondor ("Child" was, actually--King and husband Gerry Goffin wrote it for their daughter when she was a tot). Raising this record's reel-you-in factor are the King-Kondor collaboration "Island of Dreams," on which King contributes background vocals, and the drifting, reassuring "With You in Your Dreams," penned by King with Greg Wells and Dean Miller. Once Kondor's 13 tracks run their course, up-instrumental versions of each song follow, with complete lyrics listed in the liner notes, so your child can hear how you stack up against a pedigreed pro. But don't let the pressure get to you. Should your inner songbird fly her coop, simply heap on the teddies, hit the nightlight, and hightail it out the door. --Tammy La Gorce
CD Reviews
Amazing!
08/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you only buy one CD for listening to with your newborn, this is it! My baby is just 11 weeks old and we listen to "Mellow my baby" over and over again every day. My husband, who is not too into lullabys, catches himself singing the songs even when the CD isn't playing! It's been wonderful and I know we will continue to listen to it while our daughter grows and can sing the songs herself. This would be a perfect gift for all new mothers, and it's what my friends will be receiving for their new babies."
Mellow my Baby: Soothing Songs & Lullabies
Jyl Mayall | Jupiter, Fl United States | 06/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My 2 year old loves this CD. When we go in at night to read before bed, he turns on the CD player. The songs are beautiful and soothing and the tempo is relaxing. I only wish it had been available when he was first born."
The Perfect Voice for Lullabies
Jyl Mayall | 06/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautiful lyrics, luscious songs, sensitive production, and a warm, glowing voice to mellow your baby to sleep. I have never enjoyed a Lullaby collection this much, and neither has my daughter. I find myself listening even after she drifts off. This CD is a winner.."
SWEET... Dreams
Jyl Mayall | 06/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oh, how I wish I'd owned this CD when my child was a baby! Sherry Goffin Kondor's beautiful voice is sweet, soulful and soothing. The selection of songs ranges from traditional ("Rockabye Baby", "Golden Slumbers") to originals ("With You In your Dreams", "Island of Dreams").
When Sherry is done singing, it's your turn - a brilliant idea to add instrumental versions - because your baby loves the sound of your voice (even if you don't). My favorites are "Child of Mine", "Inchworm", "Betcha By Golly Wow" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". I will be giving this to all my friend with babies."
A True Bedtime Savior!!!
Jyl Mayall | 02/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On a whim, my wife got this CD for our 2 1/2 year-old daughter. Before it, getting her to bed was a 2-hour process of frustration. Now we're down to about 20 minutes. It goes, storytime, good night to her stuffed animals then Lullaby Time. No crying, no repeated requests to "Please go to sleep" -- she hits Play on the CD player and listens peacefully until she falls to sleep. A great, great CD that I have to admit, I find myself singing from time to time."
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1