Create My Own World
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
It’s hard to believe that this Greg Lato’s first children’s album, cause the throwback pop artist sure knows how to pen a tune for the young ears, and that parents who grew up on ‘70s and ‘80s sounds will be drawn to as well.
“I Like Sprinkles” starts the listen spacey and upbeat with an infectious beat as Lato discusses all the sprinkle options in the EDM climate, and the first of three spoken word pieces follows as Lato’s playful storytelling makes up the appropriately titled “Imaginary Friend”.
Further on, the full band sounds and bright horns of “I Can’t Find My Sock!” makes this one of the more anthemic moments that we can all relate to, while the spoken word “Snow Day” is about one of the benefits of snowstorms when you’re a kid. “Try”, the standout track, then places breezy reggae into Lato’s fun formula that’s as varied as it is infectious.
Closer to the end, “Share My Stuff” recruits a soulful spirit to the lively rocker, and the acoustic ballad “What Daddies Do (I Will Be With You)” exits the listen with some folksy jangle that illustrates even more depth to Lato’s arsenal of sounds.
Lato has had an impressive career after getting hooked on songwriting at the ripe age of 8 that includes music for film, TV and plenty of others artists, and the personal appeal of his spoken word pieces and cameo from Grammy Winner Bill Harley really adds to the multifaceted pop adventure that is Create My Own World.
Travels well with: Mr. Jon & Friends- Rock & Rhyme; Mister G- Fireflies