Make It Happen
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Boston family musician, Stacey Peasley is back with her 5th kids’ record, where themes of empowerment, courage and strength surround her very diverse and infectious songwriting.
Peasley starts the listen with the vocally strong and buzzing fun of the title track, where playful percussion adds much to the dance friendly opening, and the highly melodic and rock’n’roll spirit of “Boo Boo” follows and carries an anthemic quality you can’t help but sing along to.
Elsewhere, “Choo Choo”, a song about trains, recruits lively piano and frisky drums in an energetic delivery, while “At The Parade” brings horns amid a festive approach to the rhythmic setting. “Play The Game”, a stand out track, then unfolds like the kid’s version of “We Will Rock You” with its soaring and triumphant demeanor.
Near the end, “Happy Tears” brings a nostalgic climate where saxophone contributes to the soulfulness, and “Soapy Bubbles 2020” exits the listen quirky, memorable and with some ska flavor you can’t help but enjoy.
An effort that might remind you of legends like Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette or even Aretha Franklin, Peasley actually began her career as a teenager in the girl group The Chiclettes. And while making music for kids and families may seem like a big leap from those roots, the songstress is making the most important work of her career, and let’s hope it was as much fun to make as it is to listen to.
Travels well with: The Laurie Berkner Band- Waiting For The Elevator; Andrew & Polly- Go For The Moon