Childrens Album

The Johnny Cash must be one of the oddest entries in the Cash Library. It is at the least a very different Cash than we get usually. Yet it seems to make perfect sense. This reissue allows us to get a more complete picture of the man. Like his son John Carter Cash writes in the liner notes; "I see the dark, foreboding figure of Johnny Cash far too much these days. This dark side of John R. Cash is real and significant, but there is another that is just as true, and for us, those who love the man, even more important to remember; The big kid".

There is a lot to enjoy on this record. The moods are endearing, moving and joyful. A side of Cash that usually under lit; although this is an album for children, adults will find their share here. The Children's Album is a true family album.

As a musician he was perfect for children songs. The rhythms are simple, the song structure plain and the stories imaginative. Hearing this album leaves you wondering why Cash didn't do more material for children. Though intended for children, the material is rich and layered. Songs like "Little Magic Glasses" and "Call of the Wild" have a mature undertone that will be wasted on most kids, and will almost move you to tears.

Adding this to your collection will give you a more real view and complete picture of Johnny Cash. The Children's Album is highly enjoyable for the casual listener and strangely essential for the Cash fan.

Very refreshing to hear such a whimsical childhood album that not only will entertain your kids but you as well. As thouroughly entertained as I was, I can't imagine any adult feeling less so. Really. I actually found myself listening to the album after my son had gone to bed. Like much of children's entertainment, there is a silver and simple profundity in the lining - a moral to the stories that Johnny Cash sings and an adult perspective that is framed by the simple honesty and goodness that is childhood. "There's a Bear in the Woods" contrasts the cynical skepticism of an adult as he seeks to discredit the imaginative truth of childhood. Yeah, maybe there wasn't an actual bear in the woods, but in spite of that fact the kid comes off as more honest than the adult who doubts him. Quite frankly I am astonished at the opinion of the reviewer who panned this album. Apparently they think raising a child should include inculcating some type of political message. Her comments about the song "Old Shep," are taken completely out of context. The song is a classic, sung by everyone from Elvis Presley to Dean Martin, and talks about the suffering of a poor boy who must "put down" his suffering and infirm dog. I remember hearing this song as a child and it made a lingering impact. After all there is nothing more affecting than "puppy" love as it always seems to stay with you througout your life. Who doesn't remember their first dog and his eventual death? This is comforting for children because most children have experienced the agony of a pet's loss. To say otherwise is to totally misunderstand the song. Bravo to Johnny Cash who didn't think kids entertainment had to simply be something quarantined to his childhood but rather realized that it was something perhaps that could teach lessons that they carry with them throughout their life. I am proud to have my son learn its moral of love, friendship and loss all in a simple children's tale. Isn't that what the best children's literature and music should do? Pick it up. I think you'll find yourself listening to it long after you've turned out the kid's light.

I really dislike most children's albums. I think they're so sterile & cheesy. That said, we love singing children songs together and doing all of the gestures. Some of our favorite albums are Curious George, Catch the Moon (Elizabeth Mitchell & Lisa Loeb), Songs to Grow on for Mother & Child (Woody Guthrie), & Leadbelly Sings for Children.
Johnny Cash's Children's Album is my boy's favorite- we especially love I Got a Boy and His Name is John and Grandfather's Clock. It's beautiful to hear the love in Johnny's voice for his kids- that's what makes this album extra special. He's not trying to sound kid-friendly or upbeat (hate that)- he's just singing from his beautiful heart. For people who want their children to have a rich and varied taste in music, this is a great bet.