Watch Kids' Reviews of
LIFE CIRCLES

Life Circles is a positive album with good background instruments and a unique set of songs. Singer / songwriter Carrie Higgins's album is geared towards families and features songs about everything from blood sugar, to an interesting connection with a robe, to a folk tale in song form. My favorite song is Rock-A-Bye. It's got a good rhythm and I appreciate that the repetition goes on just long enough to make it catchy without being annoying. I also like that the songs draw from a range of influences and styles from around the world, including Latin and African beats. My one criticism of this album is that there is no major shift in tone in the selection of songs. While these upbeat high-tempo tunes have a nice assortment of instruments, few songs stand out from the others.

Life Circles is a perfect CD for a road trip. It has 14 songs that will have you and your kids singing along. I also like that they use children's voices for some songs. Kids are more likely to enjoy it when they know that their peers contributed to the album. Overall, the songs are cheerful and easy to listen to. Younger kids and their families are sure to enjoy this fun CD. I recommend it for ages 3 to 9.

Like her song Sweet Potato Pie, Carrie Higgins' 'Life Circles' album is chock full of terrific musical ingredients that will bring a satisfied smile to your face and will keep you coming back for more. Her vocals and songwriting skills are terrific and her choice of subject matter skews well for her target audience. With the extra added baked-in pinch of love throughout, this CD is quite perfect for home, school and travel time! There are a lot of positive values, catchy tunes and variety in subject matter. The songs are well-produced and performed including stimulating musical styles and effects. It is very supportive with clear participatory call and response and overall gentleness and love. There are positive behaviors modeled: connection with the Earth, love for all people, appreciation of our differences and love of family. She never talks down to the children and keeps concepts understandable to her target audience. It is very well recorded. Carrie Higgins' voice is terrific! Well-played all around. It offers a plethora of pro social benefits from the importance of love and family, the boomerang effects from lying, the importance of healthy food and the idea that dreams and aspirations can be attained. I would hope that this album would be subject to repeated listening and instill a stronger sense of belonging and self-esteem in the children. I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 8. Reviewed by John Wood, KIDS FIRST! Juror.

This is a musical treasure trove that joyfully celebrates the common chord of the human family. From Celtic to Cajun, African to Mexican, Caribbean to American blues as well as jazz and that Bo Diddly beat, "Life Circles" takes the listener on a spirited musical journey!