January Jingles: My Baby Loves... CLOSED

At almost a year and a half old, my "baby" is not so much of a baby anymore. But it doesn't seem like that long ago, we were battling colic and buying any lullaby CD we could find to try and soothe our cranky little man. Thankfully, he grew out of it sometime around 3 months old, but we were left with the nightmares of incessant screaming and piles of useless, nerve-grating instrumental albums that we would likely never listen to again. We discovered the Rockabye Baby series, which we absolutely love and and still use for the occasional naptime or bedtime wind-down. But what if pop music is more your thing?

Then you're going to love the My Baby Loves... collection. Created by two young, music-minded parents-to-be who were disappointed with the predictability of infant lullabies, My Baby Loves... seeks to fill the gap and engage both parents and children with their instrumental renditions of pop classics.

I'm an 80's baby so I grew up with banana clips, leg warmers and a crimping iron (don't deny it - you know you had them too!) And since this 4-CD set contains all the monster hits from this era, I am swooning. Young parents in their twenties and early thirties will be able to identify with each album.

Track Listing:

1. Borderline
2. Crazy For You
3. True Blue
4. Papa Don't Preach
5. La Isla Bonita
6. Cherish
7. Material Girl
8. Holiday
9. Into The Groove
10. Little Star



Track Listing:

1. Man In The Mirror
2. Black Or White
3. Human Nature
4. The Way You Make Me Feel
5. Smooth Criminal
6. Billie Jean
7. Wanna Be Starting Something
8. Bad
9. Beat It
10. I Want You Back



If you're going to honor the 80's, you can't leave out the King and Queen of Pop. You just can't. Madonna and Michael Jackson are icons who may have gained fame in the 80's but their albums are timeless. Listening to these lullaby renditions brought me right back to my childhood. I could almost always identify the song without looking at its title, just by listening to the instrumentals. I found myself singing the lyrics as I listened. It was a soothing yet enjoyable experience. My favorite tracks from both albums were "Holiday", "Into The Groove", "Man In The Mirror", "Beat It" and "Human Nature".

I have to say I was a wee bit disappointed that the Madonna CD did not include "Lucky Star" or "Like A Virgin". Okay, I can maybe understand rejecting the latter due to the song's subject matter (even though mama loves it!) but the former would have been perfect for a lullaby! Or how about "Open Your Heart"? I would have liked to see another song or two on the album to consider it a complete tribute.

The song selection on the Michael Jackson album was better, in my opinion. But I would have loved to hear a lullaby version of Thriller, wouldn't you?! Guess I'll have to anxiously await that undertaking. However, this album would be a great posthumous addition to any M.J. fan's media library, and a fun way to share "Smooth Criminal" with your little one without frightening them.

Wait, that's not all! I also received the other two CD's in the My Baby Loves... collection to review:

Track Listing:

1. Eternal Flame
2. Flashdance (What A Feeling)
3. Don't Stop Believing
4. Axel F
5. Time After Time
6. Jessie's Girl
7. Livin' On A Prayer
8. 99 Red Balloons
9. Sweet Dreams
10. Down Under



Track Listing:

1. Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer
2. Jingle Bell Rock
3. Frosty The Snowman
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
5. Deck The Halls
6. Silent Night
7. Jingle Bells
8. Let It Snow
9. Little Drummer Boy
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus


As legendary as they may be, Madonna and Michael Jackson can't define pop music alone. There were so many other tunes from the past that us 80's babies can't resist. Well, the folks at My Baby Loves... have compiled an album full of all the chart-topping hits we love, including songs from artists like Cyndi Lauper to Bon Jovi. Did you ever think you'd hear "Axel F" from Beverly Hills Cop as a lullaby? Me neither! I have to admit that Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" stole my heart and were my favorite renditions from this CD.

The My Baby Loves...Christmas collection did not make me break out the rubber bracelets but it was a welcome addition nonetheless. As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I love Christmas music. The familiar melodies put me in the holiday spirit and naturally emit joy and warmth. So, I was thrilled to get this CD just in time to celebrate the winter season. The album captures the essence of Christmas and packages it in sweet lullaby fashion. Nate loves "Jingle Bells" and lights up everytime we sing it to him, so it was only natural that he wanted us to play that track over and over. I really liked "Jingle Bell Rock" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", but I thought all of the songs were well-done and would make the perfect soundtrack for a baby's first Christmas.

Bottom line: I think any lucky baby would fall in love with the My Baby Loves... collection. They should call it "My Family Loves..." because it's something parents and older children can enjoy too.

BUY IT: You can purchase any or all of the My Baby Loves... albums on Amazon (ARV $12.98-$15.98) or download them from iTunes. Look out for My Baby Loves...Motown and My Baby Loves...Hip Hop coming soon!

WIN IT: My Baby Loves... very generously gave me all four CD's to review but since we have such a large lullaby collection already, I'm going to give away my copy of the My Baby Loves...The 80's CD at my own expense! (Please keep in mind that this CD has been opened and played once, but has been lovingly cared for and is free of scratches or smudges.)

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me your favorite 80's song. It doesn't have to be included on the CD - I just want to reminisce! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

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4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)



Giveaway will end on January 26, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above four My Baby Loves... CD's from MaryLenore at BopStar P.R. to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely my own, and your experience may differ.