Raffi is one of the world’s most beloved children’s entertainers. For over 30 years he has been penning songs, recording albums and performing live for little ones everywhere, encouraging them to help him fix that little green wagon. Like many in my generation, I grew up listening to him and am eager to share his unique talent with my own children. However, there are some things I didn’t know about Raffi until I received this CD for review.
His last name is Cavoukian (really, I didn’t know!) and in these twilight years of his career he has been busy promoting a pluralistic, New Age worldview in his music. Songs of our World is the clearest example of this tendency with the selection of songs serving up a mish-mash of spiritual beliefs ranging the gamut from “child of the universe” to “God,” Native American beliefs and hints of deep ecology. I must have been asleep at the switch, jumping back into Raffi-land following the birth of my children after a long absence.
The CD pulls from songs throughout Raffi’s career; one title hails from 1969, while several classics are included from my own childhood in the ‘80s, yet the most preachy songs were written in the ‘90s. Oh Raffi – give us back “Down by the Bay!” (Thankfully he has done so in another 2008 compendium, Animal Songs.)
Raffi’s infectious lyrics remain terribly catchy. Paired with simple, acoustic instrumentation, the words are as easy to pick up and sing as they ever have been. While the overall message of the album is one I don’t want to impress upon my children, there are treasures to be found here. And while I’m unimpressed by the vague and borderless spirituality implied by this collection, I’m all for celebrating children, multiculturalism and care for the earth – the other strong values that Raffi expresses throughout his compositions.
Several tracks are presented in languages that our family doesn’t understand; Spanish - we can pick out a few words on "De Colores," and it’s always a winner; French - as a fellow Canadian I should be able to pick out more of the lyrics of "Fais Dodo," but my comprehension is rather pathetic; Japanese on "Haru Ga Kita" – I have no chance on this one; and "Tsetang Gangla" in Tibetan – if you download the lyrics you’ll at least get a bit of translation on this one. These tunes make up the traditional songs included on the album.
Article comments
1 - Pico
Yep, Raffi turned into an "eco-troubadour" about twenty years ago, but his undeniable charm remains. How can not like Raffi?
He may make singable songs for the very young, but by golly, I like "Robin In The Rain," too.
2 - Pico
Forgot to mention: great review, Jennifer.
3 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Thanks Pico :). I agree - "Robin in the Rain" is terribly addictive. It's a big hit at our house. It drives my husband crazy when he can't quite remember all of the lyrics, as it often becomes stuck in his mind.