Kelli Welli

Robots Don’t Tell Jokes

8 Pound Gorilla, 2022

8/10

Listen to Robots Don’t Tell Jokes

The 3rd album from the very diverse singer-songwriter Kelli Welli, Robots Don’t Tell Jokes hosts many esteemed guests, and the creativity of the many minds helps make for a family record that’s a bit pop, a little country, a smidge opera and even with some Irish punk to add some flavor.

“Rainbow Love Song” starts the listen with much warm vocal harmonizing as punchy drums and smooth guitars enter the sing-along, and “Ezra’s Frickle Song” follows with a carnival-esque feeling that’s a bit quirky and upbeat amid an infectious energy.

Elsewhere, hilarious “Stinky Shoe” is a more bare offering initially before building into a busy, festive rocker that embraces accordion and flute, while “I Love You Echo Song” recruits Kira Segelken and Ryan Segelken for the lullaby friendly display that’s just so cute and heartfelt.

Further along, “Five Little Ducks” unfolds like a country tune that’s got rural rhythm, and Welli’s version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” puts a cultured spin on the classic with a verse in Japanese and some mandolin moments.

Luminaries like Joanie Leeds, Flor Bromley and Timothy James Uecker lend their talents here, and Welli’s resume is quite impressive, too, as she won the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Her Americana adult album, Wandering Hearts, is due quite soon, and in the meantime this clever, funny and wise family album is a great listen.

Travels well with: Jenn Cleary- Happy Day; Eric Herman And The Puppy Dogs- Magic Beans