My 10 Favorite Children’s Music Songs of 2023
In a year that brought so many powerful, fun, joyous songs to the children’s music sphere, here are ten of my favorites of 2023:
#10: Ants on a Log, “Make it Myself” (Listen here)
The title track from Ants on a Log’s third album inspires kids to face challenges with joy and justice.
#9: Todd ‘n’ Tina, “Jellyfish Chicken” (Listen here)
This rock n’ roll (and rap) earworm of a tune from the Minnesota family music duo Todd ‘n’ Tina is so silly it gets me every time. Clever lyrics and distorted guitars are my love language.
#8: Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats, “Music in My Head” (Listen here)
This theatrical song is a delightful celebration of music itself, featuring a host of classical and jazz players – including her cello-player son Darius!
#7 Claudia Robin Gunn, “Firefly” (Listen here)
This folksy tune by New Zealand children’s music artist and Dean Jones conjures visions of little ones dancing the day away!
#6: Uncle Jumbo, “Mama is so Beautiful” (Listen here)
This sweet, low-key, jazzy tune off Uncle Jumbo’s latest album – featuring Lucy Kalantari — is such a sweet tribute to mamas everywhere and warms my heart every time I hear it.
#5: Divinity Roxx, “Halloween” (Listen here)
This fun Halloween tune with its Beastie Boys vibes was actually on repeat in my car throughout the entire month of October. Save it on your playlist for 2024’s spooky season!
#4: FYÜTCH and Aaron Nigil Smith, “Good Vibes” (Listen here)
This sweet, uplifting soulful tune featuring two amazing lyricists is all about seizing the moments and loving life.
#3: Esther Crow, “Solar Power” (Listen here)
Climate Change activist and rockmommy Esther Crow’s “Solar Power” is an educational kindie rock song championing renewable energy. And it rocks! The video’s lots of fun too!
#2: Marsha and The Positrons, “Ghost Forest Investigators” (Listen here)
This ghoulishly fun surf-rock song is perfect for brainy kids who love science and singing along to catchy tunes. Listen once, and you’ll learn a lot about trees you probably didn’t know.
#1: Joanie Leeds, “Banned” (Listen here)
This song, a bittersweet and catchy anthem off Joanie Leeds’ timely new record ‘FREADOM’ celebrates independence over censorship. What happened the moment our little protagonist picked up a book? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out!
Marisa Torrieri is the editor and founder of Rockmommy.
