Queer and gender nonconforming artist Carrie Ferguson offers children and their grown-ups an album full of songs about accepting differences, getting in touch with one’s feelings, and being oneself—as well as silly ones that are simply fun to dance to. Clever and heartfelt lyrics and a variety of musical styles, from soothing ballads to more upbeat bluegrass, jazz, and rock, make this an album you won’t mind having on repeat.
“The Hope Parade,” in which Ferguson sings, “The people dressed in colors and they all carried flags,” feels like a reference to Pride, but also simply of community and, well, hope. While there’s little in the other songs that is specific to being a queer person or having queer parents, many messages will resonate. In “The Best Way to Be,” Ferguson sings, “I’m not afraid to be me/’Cause I’m the only one that I know how to be.” In “Lend Me Your Glasses,” they offer a clear call to see things from other people’s perspectives, noting, “Everybody sees the world in their own way/So many ways to be/Let’s share our glasses right away.”
The title track is about a magical place in which it’s okay to be grumpy, inspired by a creation of album producer Garrett Sawyer’s youngest daughter, Samara, when she was 6 years old. Samara, now 11, plays trombone throughout the album, according to a press release.
“Tavi’s Song” was written 19 years ago to honor the birth of a friend’s son. Tavi grew up to become a musician himself, and both he and his brother Aza sing harmonies with Ferguson for this album. And “Aza’s Song” offers the moving refrain, “You should know you were made from love.”
“The Puppy Song (You and I)” (which features Samara’s sister Ajika on electric bass), “Do It Again,” and “Up and Down,” are simply full of fun and enthusiasm, rounding out an album that should find many fans.
