For Our Children: 10th Anniversary Edition

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For Our Children launched in 1990 and in many ways inspired the bounty of celebrity-philanthropy records for kids in its wake. From Bob Dylan and Sting to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the roster on this cornucopia of great kid songs–and even greater interpretations–has donated all proceeds to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Although tilted toward baby-boomer parents, the tracks have a timeless, ageless appeal. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another five-star children’s recording this satisfying, including the follow-up effort, For Our Children, Too. Little Richard rocks “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” McCartney turns his sweet, melodic gifts toward “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and Bruce Springsteen makes a lively stew of “Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips.” Other noteworthy moments include Jackson Browne and Jennifer Warnes doing the Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers” and Carole King reprising the Disney Dumbo love theme, “Child of Mine.” But surely the crowning touch is Dylan’s unforgettable version of “This Old Man,” phrased and delivered as only Dylan can with his mercurial invention and powerful character. This belongs in your children’s collection. –Martin Keller