David Tobocman

I have to admit, when I saw the title of this CD, "I Count to Ten and other Very Helpful Songs," I lowered my expectations a bit. I've heard enough children's music purporting to "help" our children learn how to do the everyday things like get dressed and tie our shoes and make our beds, and usually they are nothing more than sing-song-y talking with a little tambourine or piano thrown in for good musical measure. Well, I must offer my sincere apologies to David Tobocman for making such a rash judgment, because he has blown the lid off that stereotype with this album.

His 20-year composing career seems to have led him to this moment, when the first few notes of the first song on this album catch our attention and make us want to hear more. His music degree in Jazz Studies certainly adds credibility to the style of this CD, with its catchy rhythm and wide instrumental variety. The content of each song is simple enough for a toddler to understand, if even just to pick up the key words and appreciate the more fun, musical approach to getting them to brush their teeth, as opposed to the normal (at least at our house) "come HERE and brush your teeth! Stop sucking all the toothpaste off. Here- Mommy's going to do it FOR you." Even older children can enjoy the great melodies and fun lyrics of almost all the songs on this CD, and every child will find comfort in the slow, feel-good ballads like "Home," and "To Love You."

Now here is where I award stars!

Originality/Creativity: I was torn here. The jazz element to children's music has been done many times, as well as the the idea of teaching elementary tasks through music, but David created a combination style that brings a new element of excitement to watching your children learn these concepts, because they'll learn to love music at the same time. This is more like 9/10 of a star, not half.

Propriety: Clean and age-appropriate for all young children.

Appeal to children: Definitely! My two children (ages 2 1/2 and 1) both danced along with me, and my son even kept the beat. The older one was also able to count along with the number song, and as I said above, picked up key words in other songs like, "brush," "jammies," "love," and more.

Appeal to parents: Positively easy on the ears. Some songs are even enjoyable to listen to when not catering to my children!

Total album likability: I honestly loved most songs on this CD, but there were two or three I didn't love. They were still nice songs, but just not enough for a full star. But not everyone shares my taste, so make sure to listen and decide for yourself!

To listen to clips, visit David's website. Also, here is a YouTube video for "Home," one of the best songs on the album in my opinion.