Audio Remasterer: Stephen Marcussen.

Personnel: Ross Rice (guitar, accordion, piano, keyboards, drum programming); Gary Philips (guitar, keyboards, percussion, drum programming); John Deaderick (piano, keyboards, drum programming).
Audio Mixer: Gary Philips.

Personnel: Todd Haberman, Gary Philips (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Alexander Almgren (keyboards, drum programming).
Audio Mixer: Gary Philips.
Kidz Bop Dance Party! collects some of the most memorable and danceable songs the Kidz Bop Kids have covered over the years, from the ringtone-turned-hit-song "Axel F (The Frog Song)" to Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music." The appropriateness of letting kids listen to, much less sing, songs (albeit cleaned-up versions of them) about getting drunk and partying aside, this set does a good job mixing tracks by pop heavy-hitters with tracks by passing fancies. Versions of Webstar's 2006 single "Chicken Noodle Soup" and the Shop Boyz's 2007 song "Party Like a Rock Star" get equal time with bigger hits like "Party in the USA" and "Hot n Cold." Undeniably energetic, this dance party lives up to its name. ~ Heather Phares

Audio Mixer: Joel Someillan.

Personnel: Todd Haberman, Gary Philips (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); John Deley (piano, keyboards); John Deaderick (piano); Alexander Almgren (keyboards, drum programming).
Kidz Bop 17 (performed by the Kids Bop Kidz) sounds like the other 16 releases in the series, pairing kids and studio musicians with contemporary pop hits. This time around, the "Kidz" take on the likes of Lady Gaga ("Paparazzi") and Miley Cyrus ("Party in the U.S.A." ) , infusing each track with the same karaoke glee that fueled previous installments. ~ James Christopher Monger

Audio Mixer: Gary Phillips.
Audio Remasterer: Elliott Federman.

Audio Mixers: David Gervai; Gary Philips.
Recording information: Tribeca Recording.
Although the young singers of KIDZ BOP usually stick to contemporary pop, 80s GOLD finds the kids covering tunes of their parents' youth. While some songs might not benefit from the standard sing-along treatment (see Twisted Sister's "We're Not Going to Take It," Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer"), many others are enjoyable, particularly the lively rendition of Kenny Loggins's "Footloose."

A companion album to the hit Nick, Jr. animated TV show of the same, DORA THE EXPLORER follows the antics of the lovable title character and her friends as they embark on fun-filled adventures and sing lively songs. Not only endearing but educational, the record features Dora and her companions performing in both English and Spanish, as on "Reach Up & Catch the Stars!" where they sing "Stars! Estrellas!" or "Una Dia Especial," where they celebrate "a special day." The energetic tunes here are rarely much longer than one minute, making the album perfect for small children with easily diverted attention spans. For young fans of the television program, this disc is a must-have!

Additional personnel: Cyndi Lauper, Adam Pascal, Alicia Keys.

This SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS outing is presented in the format of an underwater radio show on Bikini Bottom's WH2O. On the 2006 collection, SpongeBob and his animated friends offer up a fun and eclectic set of tunes, including the Beach Boys-influenced title track, the Rolling Stones-inspired "Under My Rock," and the Tom Waits-like "Fishin' for Money," ensuring that the album will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

Targeted at the children's market, SOULVILLE is a collection of classic R&B songs sung by the Little Monsters, a children's chorus, and a host of guest artists including Ray Frazier, Tabitha Fair, and Chocolate Genius. Alongside "Dancing in the Street," "Express Yourself," and "Lean on Me" are other energetic vintage soul tunes that will have kids of all ages jumping up and getting down. The enclosed booklet features art by elementary school kids, and facts about the history of soul and R&B music. This is a fine, fun way for children to get acquainted with soul power.