Justin Fletcher is hot property.  He is pioneering in children’s TV, with his incredibly engaging Something Special, his intelligent humour for pre-schoolers, and most recently with his eponymous TV show being the first ever CBeebies programme recorded in front of a live studio audience of pre-schoolers.  Today, March 5th, see’s the launch of his first album “Hands Up”.

When I reviewed the title track which was released back in November I was surprised by its Ibiza club vibe when I had been expecting something traditional and safe.  The single was authentic in this style while still hitting many of the typical elements for music that young children respond and engage with, and it wasn’t a one off, the album continues within this style throughout giving it a great continuity and playability as you transition from one song to another.

The album begins with the single Hands Up, an original by Justin, and is followed by an eclectic mix of children’s songs and nursery rhymes.  It then concludes with another original called Justin’s Lullaby.  You will not be disappointed with the selection of tracks, with every favourite from Wheels on the Bus and Old MacDonald, through to tracks like Nellie the Elephant, and Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf which are less often found on children’s albums these days.  I am absolutely delighted that Justin has included some really classic numbers like The Laughing Policeman, which was highly popular with children in the 1950′s and I would hazard a guess this is probably the first time it has been recorded this century.  (OK, so that is probably slightly exaggerated, but I’m pretty certain no-one has ever given it clubland production before).  Justin has been confident enough to not try and recreate the original laughter from this, and yet you still can’t help but raise a chuckle when you hear it – well done Justin!

You’ll be pleased to know that Justin’s talent for voices is utilised in this album. For example Incy Wincy takes a chorus himself at Justin’s request, and in The Teddy Bear’s Picnic it sounds like Mr Tumble is wandering around in the woods.  The tunes that you are required to sing 20 times a day by some tenacious toddlers (particularly my 18 month old) are all slightly different, for example Wheels On A Bus has an almost African feel under it with the Marimba samples heard at the opening.  NB – Justin has fulfilled all our expectations on this number by providing the vocalised squeezy clowns horn sound on beep beep beep – you’ll know what I mean when you hear it, and it so belongs there! Frére Jacques is sung in French and English.

One slight disappointment was in the arrangement of The Music Man.  There is an abundance of funky synth sound, but no piano or bass drum samples in sight to follow up on the lyrical cues, and I feel are noticeable in their absence.  It could be said that they do not fit in with the style, but then marching snares and flutes are also not stylistically accurate and yet are included to give characterisation on The Grand Old Duke Of York.

With the more obvious tracks like Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes, and Old MacDonald it is very comforting to hear Justin talking to the listener for example directing them through which words to omit when, or discussing the animals.  This is one of Justin’s absolute talents, he can reach out across the screen (or in this case the speakers) and really engage with youngsters.  (I think it is something to do with his vocal tone when speaking, and interestingly I’ve noticed recently it is a very similar vocal tone to Adam Ocklefords (teacher of musical savant Derek Paravicini), but that is a whole other blog post).  All the expected musical devices appear at the right places too – little tempo changes, and key changes for the last chorus etc.

There are two sea related songs on the album.  The first – Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside – opens with that sound which can only be described as a “seaside organ”.  I don’t think you could ever imagine this song without it.  However in this case the production sees it morph into something reminded me of Danish eurodance group Aqua  - in particular their late 90′s “Barbie” song.  Its a feat of production I certainly couldn’t achieve!  The second sea related song on the album is the penultimate track called Sailors Lament.  I was not familiar with this song, and it is a delightful find tucked away there.  It is sung as a round, is very simple and creates some lovely harmony lines.  Good choice.

This album cannot be put on as background music, and wasn’t intended for that.  If you are looking for an album to entertain your child, or better still a room full of children at a party then you’ve found it.  It is nicely paced to give rise and fall, and keep little ones dancing, doing actions, singing along, and if they’ve been near any sugary party food then probably running around and squealing with excitement and delight.  This usually brings us to the end of the party, and time to wind down for home. And so to the last song on the album – Justin’s Lullaby.  This song isn’t in the Ibiza style, and is the only one on the album that isn’t.  It is sung well by Justin, who is very musical, and it is stripped back of all the production so is just solo voice and the twinkly sound you usually hear in a baby’s mobile.  Just right for triggering a little calm back into the situation, an appropriate ending for such a lively album.

So in summary this album has something for everyone –  Action songs, group party songs, singalong songs, and easy songs for younger listeners all tied together by the Ibiza production for the parents of that generation.  Justin’s voice is recognisable instantly by the little ones, and as such is captivating.   Stylistically this isn’t something I would normally select. However the end result is an album full of pumping beats and exciting sounds which certainly got my children jumping and dancing.  The variety meant they sustained their interest right to the end.

Our favourite tracks: Me – Justin’s Lullaby, 3 yr Old – Ten In A Bed, 1 yr Old – Incy Wincy Spider

Hands Up by Justin Fletcher is available from Amazon

The full track list is:

1 – Hands Up                                                               

2 – The Hokey Cokey                                                 

3 – Music Man                                                              

4 – The Sun Has Got His Hat On                           

5 – The Grand Old Duke Of York                             

6 – The Teddy Bear’s Picnic                                      

7 – Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes                   

8 – Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf                  

9 – The Laughing Policeman                                   

10 – Old MacDonald                                                  

11 – Nellie The Elephant

12 – Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

13 – Incy Wincy Spider

14 – The Wheels On The Bus

15 – If You’re Happy And You Know It

16 – Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush

17 – Ten In A Bed

18 – Frére Jacques

19 – The Sailors Lament

20 – Justin’s Lullaby 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by: karen