Developing a list of my 30 favorite songs from the past year is probably the most foolish ranking I attempt here every year. The number of albums to consider is large, but it is finite. Multiply that number of albums by 10 or 12, however, to consider the number of songs, and we're talking thousands of songs to consider. And, as I noted last year, a list ranking favorite songs is "ephemeral, subject to the whims of a particular moment. More than that, it probably tends toward the poppy, upbeat, and lively." I feel confident, though, these 30 songs, listed alphabetically, are among the best that kids music offered us in the past year. ("Year," as always, defined as Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015, though with particular songs no doubt that range should be considered more guideline than firm window.)
Anyway, I've combined these into a handy Spotify playlist found at the bottom of this list (click here if you're already in Spotify). Enjoy!
"If a Sandwich Was a Sandwich” - Turkey Andersen
"Grapes" - Andrew & Polly
"Use a Contraction" - The Bazillions
“Owl” - Big Block Singsong
"Sad Baby” - Caspar Babypants
“La Golondrina” - Sonia De Los Santos
"Cuantos Tacos (The Taco Song)” - Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
“Loving Cup” - Cat Doorman
"Kitty Wampus" - Duke Otherwise
"Action, Friends, Action" - Funky Mama
"Tomorrow Is a Chance to Start Over" - Hilary Grist
"Cakenstein" - Gustafer Yellowgold
“It’s Gotta Rain (If You Want a Rainbow)” - The Harmonica Pocket
“If I Were a Bird” - Charlie Hope
"Sloop John B. (feat. Jesse Wagner)" - Josh and the Jamtones
"Breakfast Club (feat. Carly Ciaricchio)" - Tim Kubart
“To the Woods” - Molly Ledford & Billy Kelly
"Hello, Goodbye, Shalom" - Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights
"The Start of Things” - Alison Faith Levy
"Refreshments On Neptune” - Todd McHatton
"The Way We Gets Down” - Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
“Together” - Moona Luna (feat. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo)
"Give Some, Get Some” - Papa Crow
“Indoor Picnic” - The Pop Ups
"Turkey in the Straw" - Red Yarn
"You Were Meant To Be" - Renee and Friends (feat. Glen Phillips)
"I Like to Ride My Bike” - Rock 'n' Rainbow
"Minnesota" - Rocknoceros
“All I Want” - Vered
"Get Happy" - The Verve Pipe
