Pamela Kay Hawkins began writing children's music in the late 1990s. She'd just become a grandmother and singing lullabies to her granddaughter was just the beginning. Years later, her work as a musician has reached that all-important stage of a CD release. She retells the steps of this journey in her blog.
It would be a mistake to judge the quality of her music by the appearance of her blog, or the writing in it, because whilst Pamela might not be a blogger, she clearly is a musically gifted, loving parent and grandmother. She is also a devout Christian and highly driven, entrepreneurially-spirited woman who has worked hard to promote her CD, despite some early pitfalls.
The CD has ten songs, presented first as full versions sung by various artists and the second time as instrumentals. One of the artists, Joseph Tygart, is of an adorably young age and despite it, presents real blues-singer stagemanship on the track "Rocking-Horse Blues". Most of the songs feature the vocals of either Meredith Lee Easley (whose voice is good and clear, if somewhat school-matronly), or John Weller, whose strong but soothing tones exude a homely and comforting aura.
The titular track on Rockin' the Day Away feels like the theme tune to a children's programme on television or radio. It isn't particularly memorable in its own right, but opens the stage for what is yet to come. The whole collection could be summarised as "simple, fun and entertaining," which is surely not a bad thing when talking about music aimed at children and their parents, relatives, teachers and companions.
"Walkin' Around" has a simple melody and creates a strong visual of a mum, a dad, or a favourite auntie frog-marching an infant around the room on their tootsies. The unimaginative lyrics are a little disappointing: "We're walkin' around, to see what there is to see". It's the sort of song that any parent could have made up during the daily chores; perhaps a tip of the hat to the roots of Pamela's music creation.
Article comments
1 - Bonnie
Nukapai, great review. You really give a sense of what the product is, what its strengths are and where the weaknesses lie, along with conveying your personal "ymmv" reaction. I like your style!
2 - Anna
Well done! I like reviews that give me the low-down and aren't just another PR tool.
3 - Nukapai
Thank you Bonnie and Anna - encouraging feedback from both of you! Thank you, also, for taking the time to post a comment.
I try to be balanced, but ultimately, reviews are opinion pieces and highly subjective. Most people who end up following the work of a particular reviewer just use the end result as a yardstick (if reviewer X hates this, then I'll love it and so on).
4 - Dave Nalle
Perhaps it's not presented as Christian in theme specifically because they want non-Christians to pick it up for their kids and be exposed to the redeeming messages of the songs and embrace Jesus as a result. Basically a stealth conversion vehicle.
But I could just be paranoid. No good Christian has ever done something like that before.
Dave
5 - Nukapai
Oh Dave, you made me laugh. But I think I'll leave it at that. ;)
Except I think I need to tell you that "Nalle" means "teddybear" in Finnish.
6 - Grozdan Popov
So very tactful words and such a compassionate approach for somebody who had just demonstrated so poor manners does not only speak of a very understanding reviewer but of his chivalrous nature as well. Pressed the way you were I would have reneged on writing anything about a brat like Mrs Pamela Hopkins selfportrays herself.
Believe you me, this will be the best, the most exhaustive and most explanatory review her CD will ever get.
7 - Nukapai
Grozdan, thank you - but you know, I'm sure someone out there will give her the glowing review she wants.