Since 2004 Sonshine and Broccoli have been making music for children and families with immense verve and vitality. Hailing from Toronto in Canada the duo have released three albums to date, with the new album It’s a Beautiful Day, arguably their best yet. The album features twelve original songs designed to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes because it truly is a beautiful day.
The album kicks off with the title track, a wacky weird and
wonderful song, with vocals that reminded me a little of Lena Lovich in her
prime, if anyone remembers her! The tune
is infectious and is complemented by a gentle rhythm, which enables the chorus
to take off like a rocket. “Wave Hello”
is more up-tempo and has a funkier feel, although lyrically it is very much an
action song, with the vocals delivering the specific actions required throughout. The song also gives the listener an early hint of the vocal duets on display, which are used very effectively
throughout the album.
“Sing It Out” remains true to its title and further benefits
from some hypnotic piano playing, and a two-chord verse pattern creating the
necessary space to let the chorus really explode. The chorus also utilises a
very percussive lyrical delivery with soaring harmonies bringing up the rear. The
middle eight sounds quite ethereal, leaving one with the impression that they
are floating along to the music. “A Good
Night” opens with a dramatic dance rhythm and a guitar riff that Alex Van Halen
would have been proud of. Clearly there
is nothing off the table here, with all musical genres up for grabs and eagerly
seized on by the band. Again the lyrics are a call to action, as the band
guides the children through a number of simple movements.
“High Five” has a more electronic feel with a self-explanatory
title that features predictably on the chorus. The combination of electronic
keyboards, a dance beat and vocals that mutate at times into a slightly rap
delivery provides another interesting combination of musical styles. “The Painter” takes us into blues territory,
and is complemented throughout by an acoustic guitar and what sounds like a Hammond
organ. The song recites the story of a boy who loves painting, and then
describes the different types of imagery that appeal to him. There is a real upbeat feel to this track, as
we follow the boy on a cathartic journey where he learns to ‘paint his blues
away’
“Makin’ A Fort” begins with backing vocals that could sit
quite comfortably on a Beach Boys album, before the song reveals its country
roots, with what sounds like a banjo and a fiddle playing off each other with
great expertise. This is true country
style music with superb harmonies and a lively upbeat feel. “You Got Me” is
more contemporary in style, with an infectious tune, and a groove that really
hits the target. The lyrics emphasise
the importance of friendship, delivered with authentic vocals, which sounds
both pure and sincere. The song finishes
with a lively electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on an Isley
Brothers album.
“Rock Paper Scissors” reminded me a little of the B52s with
its upbeat delivery, potent electric guitar and lyrics that emphasise the
importance of finding alternative forms of entertainment. “Time Travel” really rocks, with a driving
bass line and powerful guitar penetrating the sound in almost Pixies fashion. The
lyrics then take the listener on a musical journey in time, from the dinosaur
age to fifties beach parties.
‘Try Something New” introduces a noticeable change of pace;
with a groove that reminded me a little of “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. The song
reflects on some painful childhood memories including an ice-skating trip, and
an introductory yoga class. Although the lyrics describe the fear and
uncertainty involved, the outcome is optimistic emphasising the importance in
trying something new which gets ‘a little better every day’. “Music Makes The
World Go Round” is sparser, and informative with a driving bass line and a somewhat
didactic lyric, which celebrates the importance of music. We even have time for some musical solos at
the end, played with the kind of flourish that should keep the kids bopping
till they drop.
This album is energetic engaging and great fun. The musicianship is first rate and although
the arrangements are complex at times, they are not too complex to confuse
younger listeners. The vocal duets are
equally strong and complement each other perfectly. The music is quite difficult to categorise,
because as soon as you hear a style emerging, it quickly changes into something
different, sometimes even during the same song. The music appears to always be
one step ahead of the listener, moving through different musical genres
effortlessly. The vitality of the album
lies in the way the band manage to blend a variety of musical influences, yet retain
an overall uniqueness of sound. Perhaps
most importantly this is a feel good album, which is great to dance to and is
sure to engage the kids throughout.
Sonshine & Broccoli - It’s A Beautiful Day – harmony in motion.