10 Songs To Add To Your Kids' Playlist (That Won't Make You Go Crazy)

Finding great music to play for your little ones can be a tricky task. The songs have to be as fun to them as the kid-friendly (but usually, not-so-adult-friendly) songs they are used to hearing, the lyrics have to be safe, and if your child loves a song, they are going to want to listen to it over and over and over again. The project can seem impossible. Lucky for you, I did the work for you! So load up your Spotify/Itunes/Apple Music playlists with these tunes that will get your kids rocking and keep you sane!

1. Hoodoo Voodoo by Wilco and Billy Bragg - Mermaid Avenue

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In 1998, American band, Wilco teamed up with British folksinger, Billy Bragg to take previously unheard lyrics by Woody Guthrie and put music to them. They performed and recorded these songs for three albums titled "Mermaid Avenue". The song, "Hoodoo Voodoo" stands out among the songs. Its a fun and catchy song with silly lyrics. Every time I have played this song in my classroom, my students can't help but get up and dance.

2. Birdhouse In Your Soul by They Might Be Giants- Flood

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They Might Be Giants have released several albums made just for kids (Like, "NO!" and "Here Comes Science"), but even before then they were always kind of a children's band. Their songs are fun, catchy, and great to listen to with your little ones! "Birdhouse In Your Soul", which was released in 1990, is a great example of what this band is capable of. See if you can memorize all the lyrics and sing along!

3. Freckles by Natasha Bedingfield- Pocketful of Sunshine

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Pobody's nerfect, and Natasha Bedingfield reminds your child of that. "Freckles", which was released in 2008, reminds us to not only accept our imperfections, but embrace them. This is a catchy song that is sung beautifully by Bedingfield and I can't help but smile when I hear it.

4. Light and Day/ Reach For The Sun by The Polyphonic Spree- The Beginning Stages Of...The Polyphonic Spree

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I first heard this song while watching the TV show, "Scrubs" and have become obsessed with it ever since. The Polyphonic Spree, an energetic choral rock band that always dresses in robes, released "Light and Day" in 2002. This song is uplifting and energetic and makes your ear wander throughout the song as you listen to all the instruments that are being played.

5. Ocean Man by Ween - The Mollusk

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What's there to say about Ween? They are one of the strangest and most entertaining bands around. While I don't recommend listening to all of their songs with your kids, "Ocean Man" is a great tune to sing along to in the car with the whole family. The production is a bit strange, but is very fun!

6. Wonderful Everyday by Chance the Rapper Ft. The Social Experiment

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Arthur is the lovable aardvark who has his own book and television series. Perhaps you own a few books or watch the show with your child. Chance the Rapper took the theme song and did a jaw-dropping rendition of it. You just have to take a listen for yourself.

7. Band On The Run by Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run

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Last year there were many kids and tweens that were tweeting about Paul McCartney collaborating with Kanye West. Kids were tweeting how "this Paul McCartney guy" is going to be huge. Does anyone else find that a bit distrubing? It's most certainly a crime to not expose your children to the music of the Beatles, let alone Paul McCartney (I could easily make a list of great Beatles songs for your kids, but we will save that for another time). "Band On The Run" is a great mix of big instrumentals, sing along lyrics, and bouncy rhythms. This song is a must- have for your playlist!

8. When The Stars Go Blue by Ryan Adams - Gold

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Ryan Adams is one of the most prolific songwriters of our generation. "When The Stars Go Blue" which was released in 2001, has been covered by tons of artists such as Tim Mcgraw and The Corrs. This is a great song to put on your playlist to start winding your kids down.

9. Magic Bus by The Who

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The Who have had a deep impact on Rock and Roll since the 60's. Released in 1968, "Magic Bus", has become a staple for this British band. This song has had a huge influence on my music and songwriting. The fun lyrics and clave- rhythms hooked me when I was young and will get your child's attention as well!

10. The Monkey Song by Jesse Friedberg - Jesse's Jukebox

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I guess I'm tooting my own horn here (beep beep), but I'm proud of my work! I take pride in writing and recording songs that are fun for both kids and adults. The Monkey Song is one of my most popular songs. If you like what you hear, check out the rest of the album at www.jessefriedberg.bandcamp.com!

So there you have it! A few songs to get your child started on their musical adventure while you avoid a mental breakdown! Like the list? Want more? Have other suggestions? Leave a comment!

While I wrap up my second album, you can download the first one for free at www.jessefriedberg.bandcamp.com. Also make sure to like our facebook page : www.facebook.com/jessesjukebox

ROCK ON!