The eight album from veteran children’s recording artist, Dana, “Wonder FULL” celebrates the myriad questions and endless curiosity that fill the minds of young children. Each song title is a question word, cleverly covering topics such as spreading kindness in “HOW (Can I Make Someone’s Day)”, helping to save the planet in “WHAT (Can We Do)”, learning about the seasons in “WHEN (Does it Happen)” and the relatable, “WHY (Do I Have to Wait)”.
Evaluation comments:
“Dana’s eighth album is full of wonderful music. The Pacific Northwest-based musician serves up a cute concept on Wonder FULL, by basing her songs around the 5Ws (WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY), also here augmented with “WHICH” and “HOW”. The song-cycle taps terrifically into kids’ natural inquisitiveness. The leadoff track, “WHY WHAT WHERE WHO,” is a new, 30th anniversary version of one of Dana’s long-time favorites; the buoyant folk-rocker launches listeners into a musical world of questions. “WHO (Are My People)” is a lovely tune about families while the driving rock number, “WHICH (One Will I Choose),” concerns a child having to pick a green vegetable to eat. Set to a disco-y beat, “WHAT (Can We Do)” holds a positive message to helping the environment. The sweet “HOW (Can I Make Someone’s Day)” addresses the importance of bringing happiness into a person’s life. Dana’s excellent, and versatile, vocals shine throughout the album, and they are set amidst impressively played arrangements covering a variety of genres. A bossa nova vibe enlivens “WHEN (Does It Happen),” a tune about the seasons. The twangy “WHERE (Can It Be)” is an amusing tale of searching for lost things, and the bluesy rocker “WHY (Do I Have To Wait)” provides a lesson in patience. The title track and the closer number “ANSWERS” pair nicely as smooth classic pop tunes that address children’s constant curiosity and offer reassurance that “answers will come.” There is no question that Dana delivers a delightful album with Wonder FULL.”