Ashleigh Mills Monaghan is an award-winning children's author and musician. I first discovered her music back in 2020, when I reviewed the innovative single "Wiggles". The track is also included on her latest album Good Times. A superb collection of songs guaranteed to brighten up the darkest of days.
The album actually opens with the title track "Good Times"; a gentle ballad, which gradually builds in intensity, assisted by some breathtaking harmonies throughout. The band eventually join in, and really 'let the good times roll', courtesy of a shuffle beat, and a sparse bass competing for space. The song also includes some tasteful acoustic guitar work which floats around the track adding both melody and atmosphere.
"Let's Make Cookies" is more upbeat, with lyrics that describe the fun we might experience when we get together to bake cookies. The recipe and the process is described in considerable detail, with helpful suggestions enthusiastically exclaimed in the background. The song has a lively groove and a catchy refrain, but its main strength lies in its raw simplicity, where minimalism is the order of the day.
"Our Garden Grows" has a noticeable reggae feel, and reminded me a little of Jason Mraz, where a percussive guitar and a wistful vocal dominate the sound. The song ultimately celebrates nature, and the astonishing way our garden grows from the tiniest seed to the most spectacular scene. The song also boasts a superb vocal melody, with a real singalong chorus where we are encouraged to watch this magical transformation take place.
"All of You" has more of a swing feel, and is lively 'infectious and contagious'. The song describes the many attributes of a young child, with rapturous praise, revelling in delight at this beautiful soul. The shuffle drum beat creates the space for a wandering bass line to brighten up the track, which further benefits from a quite ethereal electric guitar bringing up the rear.
"The Color Song" is more funky and has a slight Carly Simon vibe, assisted by a slap bass and some minimalist drumming, alongside a clinical guitar rhythm that reminded me a little of Chic. The song transports the listener back to the seventies, and despite the noticeable influences still comes up swimming in originality.
"Happy Feet" is essentially a freeze song, perfect for a game of musical statues, where the children are encouraged to use their happy feet in a variety of ways. The artist is joined by Music with Michal and Uncle Dox, who add their own inimitable style to the proceedings. The song would no doubt be perfect for teachers looking for a fun activity to do in the classroom. The song exudes warmth and charm throughout, and the vocal blend is quite superb.
"If I Tell Myself I Can" is a song about self-belief and individual empowerment, where everything we attempt is achievable if we tell ourselves ''I can'. The song has a wonderful jaunty vibe which makes it easy to dance to. The bass and drums experiment with a cool vibe, as the sparse keyboards floats in and out adding additional tone and melody.
"I Belong Mantra" is a somewhat dreamy ballad, featuring empowering lyric, expressed over a compelling arrangement that gradually builds in intensity. The lyrics express a series of positive affirmations, providing a great message to the kids in this uncertain age. Here, amongst other attributes we discover that 'I am patient, I am strong, I am happy, I belong'. A song that deserves to be sung at every school around the world.
This album contains a terrific selection of songs from an exciting artist who writes inspiring music that is lively, melodic and easy to dance to. Here, empowering lyrics meet scintillating melodies, enabling the listener to dream of a brighter future, where individual and collective empowerment bring a hint of joy to life, creating a better world for all of us.
Ashley Mills Monaghan - let the good times roll.
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