There’s a lot to like on Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans’ new kids album, “Sugar Buzz” .   The kick-off song, “When You Open a Book” has just about the most infectious “Na Na Nas” of any song since “Hey Jude”.  Throughout the album, Jeanie’s vocals are warm and fresh – you can almost hear her voice smiling.

Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans' new album, "Sugar Buzz"

The album’s title track “Sugar Buzz” is downright infectious.  What I like most about it are the changes in dynamics.  Jeanie’s throaty growl (soft growl) is, well, kind of what a sugar buzz feels like, and when she softens to a slightly mournful  croon at the end, she evokes the sugar buzz aftermath.

I’m a sucker for the creative and unpredictable rhyme (a la The Alphabeticians), and “Sugar Buzz” has some great ones.   Turbinado / tornado & sucralose / overdose are my faves.   (Nota bene: My own suggestion for Jeanie’s rhyming extravaganza: “The come-down from a sugar buzz can kinda make you lachrymose”).

Topically, the album doesn’t take many chances, and sometimes is a bit too earnest for my taste (e.g. the importance of exercise, the joy of reading).   I would have liked more off-beat songs like “Please Don’t Pick Your Nose” and “Five Pieces of Bubble Gum” (which my son, Rowan absolutely loves).    But those are small quibbles with what is a very enjoyable and joyful album.    Nice work, Jeanie B!