Let’s Go!
Two Tomatoes, 2021
10/10
The always impressive Laurie Berkner returns with her 14th album, where her kids’ oriented song craft is just as wise, entertaining and educational as ever. Her usual bandmates, Susie Lampert (keys), Brady Rymer (bass) and Bob Golden (drums/percussion) are present, and guests like Lucas Stratmann (violin), David Mann (sax), Trevor Neumann (horns) and A.T.N. Stadwijk (organ) add much to the textured and rich listen.
Berkner starts the listen with the brief and punchy title track, where a bouncy and snappy delivery immediately draws us in to the ensuing fun, and “When It’s Cold” follows with an initially slower pace that’s no less exciting as Berkner gets soulful, before bursting into a Latin flavored rocker.
Like most Berkner records, there’s many songs, but most don’t surpass 3 minutes as she constantly shifts subject matter, tone and genre. Near the middle, “I’m On Vacation” is a summery, upbeat display of ‘60s vibes, while the dreamy “Listen To The Sounds” is a sublime tune where Berkner encourages us to appreciate the magic of seemingly minor actions like breathing and your heart beating. “Jumping Jack”, a particularly playful song, then benefits from Stadwijk’s organ and will get your body moving as you sing-along to the liveliness.
As we near the end, “Happy New Year” recruits Neumann’s horn on the Latin folk rhythms that will leave you smiling wide, and “Beautiful Light” finishes the formal portion of the album with Lampert’s graceful keys alongside much intimacy. “The Superhero Mask Song”, the bonus track, is just Berkner’s pipes and acoustic guitar that addresses the benefits of masks during this very appropriate time.
Berkner’s career has included millions of albums, songs and DVDs sold, and she’s even the first children’s artist to reach the Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Most importantly, though, she’s an ideal role model for our children, and she plays energetic, inspiring and thoughtful music that the world needs now more than ever.
Travels well with: Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen; Andrew & Polly- Go For The Moon