[REVIEW] Bert Badger : "French Toast" (Album)

 Bert Badger’s Brand New Album “French Toast” 

"French Toast" is an album that skillfully combines a range of musical styles, making it an engaging and accessible introduction to music for kids aged 5 and up. It provides young listeners with songs that not only encourage physical activity and celebration of life but also promote important values like love, empathy, and compassion. These positive themes are woven throughout the album, ensuring that the music is both enjoyable and meaningful for its intended audience.

Although children’s music may not be my usual focus, I found myself intrigued by the fresh approach this album takes. It’s clear that "French Toast" offers more than just catchy tunes—it’s an immersive musical experience designed to entertain while subtly teaching life lessons.

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The title track, "French Toast," opens the album with a burst of energy, featuring upbeat, video game-inspired sounds paired with playful spirals of melody that are sure to bring a smile to listeners of all ages. While the topic is lighthearted and simple—centred around the beloved breakfast food—there’s an undeniable charm that makes the track enjoyable, even for adults. The bubbly and imaginative instrumental creates an irresistible sense of fun, setting a bright tone for the rest of the album.

Following this is "Fireworks," which leans into a more pop-punk style. This song introduces kids to the excitement and joy of fireworks, with energetic guitar riffs and driving rhythms that capture the thrilling experience of watching a dazzling fireworks display. The contrast in musical style from the first track helps maintain the album’s dynamic feel, keeping listeners engaged with its variety.

In a fun twist, "Raisins" stands in opposition to "French Toast." Here, the theme revolves around a common sentiment among kids: dislike for healthy foods. With a playful, hip-hop-inspired instrumental, the track humorously conveys the anti-raisin stance with vocals that express the relatable frustration of being served something less appealing. The lively beat and cheeky lyrics make it a standout, adding humour to the mix while staying true to the album’s overall lightheartedness.

One of the most energetic tracks, "Mac Attack," features fast-paced drums and a blend of drum-and-bass with hyperpop elements. The quick rhythms and vibrant sounds reflect the fun, hyperactive energy often associated with childhood, making it a track that’s likely to get kids moving. It adds yet another layer of musical diversity to the album, showing that kids' music can be just as eclectic and genre-bending as music made for older audiences.

“Cinnabons” shifts the album’s energy with a bold blend of electronic rock, introducing a high-octane, pulsing rhythm that contrasts the earlier tracks. Much like “French Toast,” this song revolves around delicious food, but it goes a step further by subtly weaving in a theme of healthy eating—an important message for its young audience, presented in a fun and engaging way. The electronic rock elements add a fresh, modern vibe to the album, expanding its stylistic range and keeping the listening experience exciting.

Track 6, “Cowboy Wannabe,” brings a delightful fusion of country and rock. This song paints a vivid picture of adventurous exploration, encouraging kids to embrace the spirit of fun and imagination. The upbeat tempo, combined with twangy guitars and a lively rhythm, captures the essence of a wild west adventure. The lyrics promote positive messages about doing good deeds and being kind while also celebrating the freedom to explore the world around you. It's an invitation to let loose, dream big, and enjoy life’s little adventures.

“Easy Going Day” shifts gears again, offering a slower, more relaxed feel that is reminiscent of “Best Day Ever” from SpongeBob SquarePants (2006). The laid-back melody and soothing vocals create a perfect soundtrack for unwinding and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. The lyrics convey a sense of mindfulness, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment and find joy in relaxation. It’s a track that stands out for its feel-good vibes, reinforcing the album’s diverse emotional range while offering a gentle reminder to take it easy.

As the album progresses, “Ghost Hunt” takes listeners on a spooky, Halloween-inspired adventure. The track features a darker, more mysterious tone while maintaining the upbeat, high-energy feel that runs throughout the album. With playful lyrics about busting ghosts, this song brings excitement and a touch of intrigue, perfect for kids who enjoy a little thrill. The music balances the eerie atmosphere with a fun, lively rhythm, ensuring it stays playful rather than scary, making it a great Halloween-themed track that kids can enjoy year-round.

"Grilled Cheese" continues the food-themed fun with an upbeat EDM style, combining catchy electronic beats with a playful energy that’s sure to get kids moving. The track has a simple but infectious rhythm that mirrors the joy of making and eating one of the most beloved comfort foods.

"Let’s Get Nuts" picks up the pace with a fast, energetic beat that feels perfect for an exercise break or a dance party. This quick song encourages kids to jump around and let loose, channelling their boundless energy into a fun, active experience. The track's lively tempo and zany lyrics make it a great addition to any kids’ playlist aimed at physical activity.

"PB&J" brings a hip-hop flair to the album, offering a modern rap sound without the usual themes found in today's mainstream rap. It’s a playful twist on a classic snack, combining rhythmic verses and fun lyrics in a way that’s both cool and kid-friendly.

"Cookie Raid" is a nostalgic ode to childhood mischief, capturing the excitement and sneaky fun of grabbing cookies from the jar without permission. The upbeat tempo and playful instrumental perfectly match the intensity of the “cookie heist,” making it a highlight of the album's midsection. It's a song that both kids and adults can relate to and enjoy.

"Churros" introduces a catchy 2010s pop sound that feels fresh yet nostalgic. Even though churros aren’t as common in the UK, the song makes listeners want to try one. Its upbeat, head-bobbing rhythm is irresistibly fun, bringing a sense of discovery and adventure.

"Lemonade Stand" takes a more practical turn, teaching kids a little about entrepreneurship and the value of hard work. It’s a summer anthem about setting up a lemonade stand, with a bouncy, cheerful tune that complements the themes of earning money and having fun in the sun.

Track 15, "Skybeam," stands out as one of the longer and more atmospheric tracks on the album. It has a sound reminiscent of classic racing video game soundtracks, with a driving dance beat that keeps the energy high. This track is a perfect soundtrack for imaginative play, especially for kids who love racing and adventure games.

"Sunshine" brings a laid-back, feel-good vibe to the album, celebrating the simple joy of spending time outdoors and enjoying the warmth of the sun. The track is perfect for lazy summer days or moments of relaxation, with its chill instrumental and positive lyrics.

Next, "Popsicle Drip" carries on the sunny theme, painting a vivid picture of a hot day and the inevitable melting of a popsicle. The song’s colourful imagery and playful sound make it a fun, light-hearted track that ties together the album’s celebration of simple pleasures and joyful moments. With its cool rhythms and bright energy, it’s a fitting end to the sun-soaked portion of the album.

"Dunk It In RANCH!" delivers a fun and clever message about making healthy food more exciting by adding some extra flavor. With its upbeat vibe, the track encourages kids to try different vegetables by making the experience playful and engaging. The energetic melody complements the lighthearted lyrics, making the idea of eating healthier seem like an adventure.

"Turn It Up!" brings another dose of rock to the album, capturing the pure joy of listening to great music and dancing without a care. The fast-paced guitar riffs and driving beat create an energetic anthem for music lovers, encouraging kids to turn up the volume and let loose. It’s a celebration of sound and rhythm, making it a perfect track for any party or dance session.

In "Unicorn Poo," the electronic beats and whimsical concept will surely capture kids' imaginations. The quirky title and theme center around a fantastical and silly idea, which kids are bound to find hilarious. The playful synths and upbeat tempo create a vibrant, fun sound that stands out, making it one of the most entertaining tracks on the album.

"Best Day Ever" takes the carefree vibe of "Easy Going Day" to the next level, promoting the idea of living life to its fullest. The track is a celebration of having fun, dancing, and enjoying every moment. Its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus make it impossible not to move to, spreading positivity and energy.

"Videogames" taps into kids' love for gaming, featuring authentic video game-inspired sounds. From the "level-up" and "coin-collecting" sound effects to the high-energy beats, the track immerses listeners in a video game world. Lyrically, it’s a fun ode to the excitement of playing games, being awesome, and having fun while "levelling up" in life. The inclusion of familiar sound effects adds an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement for young listeners.

As the album winds down, "You Moved" keeps the rock energy alive, focusing on themes of friendship, family, and making the most of every day. With a catchy guitar-driven sound, it continues to emphasize the importance of having fun and enjoying moments with loved ones. It’s a feel-good track that promotes connection and shared experiences.

The album wraps up with the whimsical and amusing "HippoCorn," a fantastical story about a unique creature—a mix of a hippopotamus and a unicorn named Kyle. As the longest track on the album, it takes listeners on a fun journey, with the quirky tale keeping kids engaged from start to finish. The song is filled with imaginative lyrics and playful storytelling, making it a perfect conclusion to the album's adventure-filled narrative. Despite its length, it maintains the playful energy and creativity that defines the entire album.

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Overall, French Toast is a vibrant, creative, and thoughtfully produced album that introduces young listeners to a wide range of musical styles while delivering uplifting messages and plenty of fun. It serves as a well-rounded introduction to music, encouraging kids to embrace life, express themselves freely, and explore their imaginations. With its diverse sounds and playful themes, the album offers something enjoyable for kids while also being entertaining and tolerable for adults.

As someone who isn't the target audience but has younger siblings, I can appreciate the album's appeal. It's a refreshing alternative to modern tracks filled with crude lyrics, offering wholesome, age-appropriate music that younger listeners can enjoy now and look back on fondly as they grow older. Each track bursts with energy and creativity, capturing the sense of fun that many contemporary songs in the charts often miss.

Bert Badger’s French Toast succeeds in creating an engaging musical journey that mixes electronic rock, country, hip-hop, and even Halloween-themed pop. These varied styles ensure the album remains dynamic and interesting, keeping young listeners excited with every new track. The album’s positive messages, from celebrating life to exploring new experiences, resonate throughout, making it an inspiring and uplifting listen.

Every song is short, easy to digest, and perfectly tailored for young audiences, but still holds a charm that adults can appreciate. Whether it’s the upbeat “French Toast” or the adventurous “Cowboy Wannabe,” the album sparks joy, inspires dancing, and keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. French Toast proves that children's music can be both entertaining and meaningful, leaving an impact on its audience long after the final track ends.

Listen to Bert Badger’s new album here: https://bertbadger.bandcamp.com/album/french-toast releasing on November 11th or available to hear now on Bandcamp! Also, check out Bert Badger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bertbadgerworld 

Social Media: @bertbadgerworld

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Although this is not usually the type of music I review, this is something that I was intrigued by and interested to get started. I will add, my little sister, although too young to understand the lyrics, enjoyed dancing to the music whilst listening by my side.

Written by Kole Cook

@Kolecookmusic