Oh Happy Day!

I don't think I've ever heard a singer quite as happy as Roger Day. That's a good thing when it comes to children's music. You don't really want your kids bopping around the house to Morrissey and Elliott Smith. They can shoegaze during their teen years.

Roger Day's new CD, Dream Big!, is just so darn cheerful that you can't help but smile. Thankfully he's got more than just a sunny disposition going for him... His folksy voice is reminiscent of Ralph Covert (my son even asked if this was a new Ralph's World CD upon first listen) and his backing musicians are first-rate. The legendary Crickets play on "Roly Poly," the Buddy Holly-esque tribute to pillbugs, while percussionist extraordinaire Billy Jonas lends his unique sound to the cute "I Like Yaks."

On a recent car trip, my kids asked for multiple songs to be repeated. Most notably, "Hello Sunshine," "Zachary Hated Bumblebees," and the title track. Asking dad to hit the repeat button is high praise from my children. I join them in giving Dream Big! a huge recommendation. This is one of those kids' CDs that parents will find themselves playing even when the kids aren't around.

Listen: Roger Day - "Hello Sunshine"

Visit Roger's website here for more info and tunes.