Never Mind the Blocks, Here’s Jumpin’ Jamie Performed by Jumpin’ Jamie

In this follow-up to his debut album, Kookie, Jumpin’ Jamie turns his kindie rock style up a few notches with a punk sound that parents will find reminiscent of Green Day, Blink-182, and most recently, Fall Out Boy. On his sophomore effort, Jamie takes on the theme of activism with even the youngest listener in mind. Children activists of today (Greta Thunburg) and yesteryear (Susan B. Anthony) are celebrated in their own songs while  listeners are encouraged to fight for freedom and against injustice in “Stand Up.” 

Jumpin’ Jamie also takes the time to encourage children to practice everyday activism by emphasizing the importance of gratitude in “Grateful,” how showing a little kindness can make a big difference in “Lonely Lisa” and the importance of being honest and not cheating in “Honesty’s the Policy,” With Never Mind the Blocks, Here’s Jumpin’ Jamie debuting on Earth Day, it seems only fitting that Jamie takes on a topic that is rare in children’s music – veganism. In the country-tinged “Same As You And Me” listeners are encouraged to let baby cows stay with their mothers and choose alternatives to milk, cheese, and meat. Like all of the songs on the album, this is a fun one to listen to, yet full of information that may lead to good conversations started by inquiring young minds. After eleven energy-filled songs, Jamie closes out the album with “Great To Know You,” a celebration of friendship that features his solo voice and guitar.

Never Mind the Blocks, Here’s Jumpin’ Jamie is a good choice for anyone looking for an alternative to kindie pop that is filled with solid messages that are easy to understand but never overwhelm the music. For a preview of some of the fun to be had with Jumpin’ Jamie, check out the first video from the new album, “I Don’t Wanna Dance (Just Like Everyone).”