I first heard that Jack Johnson was doing the soundtrack for the movie “Curious George” more than a year ago. That was before I’d heard anything about the movie itself, but as a huge Johnson fan, the film wasn’t what I was really excited for anyway. It wasn’t surprising that Johnson would come out with a children’s album – he is a new father – and he does not disappoint with his first attempt in the genre.
It’s so fitting that Johnson would be responsible for bringing a voice to a children’s character that doesn’t speak. Johnson easily bridges gaps between children and their parents, as illustrated by my three-year-old nieces Peyton, Lily, Madison and their parents, who have been fans of Johnson long before he even had radio success. Those girls – as well as their mom and dad – can’t get enough of this soundtrack, filled with upbeat sing-a-longs like “Upside Down” and “Questions,” and it appears that they’re not the only ones. “Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film
“Curious George” topped the charts last week, selling more than 163,000 copies.
“Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies” features some of Johnson’s friends as well, two of which are partially responsible for Johnson’s commercial success: G. Love and Ben Harper. G. Love collaborates with Johnson on the goofy “Jungle Gym” and Harper lends his talents in a duet with Johnson on “With My Own Two Hands,” a song fans will recall from Harper’s 2003 release “Diamonds on the Inside.” It is of course stripped down into a much simpler, quieter and more child-appealing version, but the inspiring lyrics remain the same. Also familiar to grown-ups is a cover of the White Stripes’ “We’re Going to be Friends,” a track that will leave listeners reminiscing about their first days at school. Although some songs on the album – “The Sharing Song” or “The 3 R’s” – are ones most college students could afford to skip, this release is a must for all Johnson fans, children, parents and grown-ups who are still young at heart.