Kids picks 4 in Children's Music

"Kids Picks Hit Mix, Vol. 4" (08/16/2005) Children's Various Artists, Capitol Records (USA)Personnel: Brandon Fraley (vocals, keyboards, programming); Charlene Ibrahim, Jamie Fraley, Nathan Gaddis, Lewis Lea, Curtis Zachary, Ruby Amanfu (vocals); Dave Cleveland (guitar); Ross Walters (saxophone); Matt Huesmann, Sal Oliveri (keyboards, programming); Tony Morra (drums, percussion). Recording information: Matinee Studio. Director: Dale Richardson. Like the KIDZ BOP series, the KIDS PICKS HIT MIX collections present children singing successful pop singles of the moment. HIT MIX 4 kicks off with a spirited take on Bowling for Soup's "1985," and it is thoroughly entertaining to hear the kids of 2005 wax nostalgic for two decades earlier. Other highlights include a rousing rendition of Gwen Stefani's amazingly catchy "Rich Girl" and an uplifting version of Coldplay's "Speed of Sound," both of which work remarkably well with the enthusiastic voices of children.