Waiting for the Elevator (Released Oct. 4 2019) is a compilation of songs about exploring and learning emotional, practical and life skills. Waiting can be difficult, but it’s more fun when there are things to do together while we wait, like in the song, “Waiting for the Elevator.” There are songs about feelings (I Missed You, I am Angry (Yes I Am!)), colors (Big Blue Box, Purple Bricks In The Sky), numbers (A Dollar, Do You Hear the Bells?), movement (This Mountain, Did You Go To Ohio?), letters and months (Look at all the Letters, 12 Months), newfound abilities (I Know How That Works, Come Out Come Out) and family relationships (I Love You Daddy, A Hug From My Mama). It’s an album of interactive songs that will follow children as they grow and give them new ways to learn, play and express themselves.
Evaluation comments from our Music Judge:
“The reason why Laurie Berkner is a children’s music superstar can be heard in the title track, which leads off the album. The main premise is as a counting song based around the floors of an elevator. She keeps alert, and amused, by adding in some surprises – the animals encountered change from the expected (like a dog and cat) to the unexpected (like an elephant and alligator) – as well as ramping up the melody (and upping the energy level) towards the tune’s end. Plus, there are the engaging interactive elements where kids join Berkner in singing and making animal noises. Berkner’s magical, effortless musical touches continue on the CD’s other 18 tracks where she visits a range of styles, and emotions, from dance-happy goofiness (“Chipmunk At The Gas Station”) to heartfelt odes to parents (“I Love You Daddy” and “A Hug For Mommy”). And it all ends with “Somos Los Dinosaurious,” a Spanish version of her beloved hit. Now I’m not saying all of these nice words because she sings that people from Ohio are nice (and I’m from Ohio). I’m saying it because Berkner has delivered yet another excellent album containing a wealth of expertly crafted, thoroughly entertaining songs.”
