Regular Columnists

Artist: Raina Krangle
Album: Raina's Rainbow Party
Label: soundscape productions
Website: http://www.soundscapeproductions.com
Genre: Children's (ages 5-13)
Sounds Like: laurie berkner
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: tickle thyme, Decorating Grandma's face, Summer Vacation
CD Review: Raina Krangle has made a classic kids album, filled with familiar tunes to sing along to as well as some sharp originals that'll get stuck in your craw. Beginning with Crocodile Guy, she takes us on a journey and sings with a kid (her son?) in a way that's fresh, appealing, and inviting. As a family entertainer myself, I often wonder if I sing differently for kids, or why kids like my work as opposed to others. I think there are many reasons, and I don't think there's a vocal production technique that's targeted to children, but there's a certain quality of openness, of wonder, of discovery that I think is communicated through the voice, and Krangle's got it in spades. Her guitar playing, while not stellar, is adequate, and is the perfect accompaniment to her simple, heartfelt tunes.

Great renditions of You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle, and Wheels on the Bus, interspersed with tuneful, cute originals, my favorite being Summer Vacation. Anytime you can fit 'calamine lotion' into your lyric, you're all right by me! The album finishes off with an adorable rendition of the hit song 'Tomorrow' from Annie, first sung by the young (6ish) Raina with coaching help from her grandfather, which segues into a beautiful piano vocal rendition from the mature artist. Tho not too mature, I assure you!

Great freshman effort by this talented 'newcomer' (who has no doubt been playing for kids for many many years). This excellent cd should secure her many new fans and much work.