Let's Wiggle

This U.S. collection of early Wiggles material offers up 22 sunny songs, the majority of which are under two minutes in length. Not a concept disc like most of the group's releases, Let's Wiggle nevertheless reflects many of the ideas that the children's music superstars from Australia would later expand on. Hence, you'll find bright original numbers for the tots to dance to, some traditional songs, and a dash of ethnic variety. Most of the numbers are cheery but there are also some more laid-back cuts, such as the peaceful "The Dreaming Song" (a reference to the legendary "dream time" of the Australian Aborigine people), complete with didgeridoo. The guys "sugar up" rock & roll, country, folk, and other musical forms as they deliver such goodies as the bouncy big-band number "Get Ready to Wiggle," the fiddle-riddled jig "Silver Bells (That Ring in the Night)," the traditional sea shanty "Bound for South Australia," and the extra-jolly marching song "I Look in the Mirror." From start to finish, it's clear that the Wiggles understand kids and how to regale and engage them. A swag of great songs with fun themes and positive messages.