Marla Lewis
I Love to Talk to Plants

When I reviewed Marla Lewis’ first CD, “We All Laugh in the Same Language,” in April of 2005 for Walking Oliver I said the following,

“It has all the necessary elements to make a great children’s music album: lyrics that speak eloquently and entertainingly combined with melodies that are memorable and singable.”

This more than holds true for I Love to Talk to Plants, Marla’s terrific new CD release on PlumJuice Records.

Beginning with the wonderfully infectious In My Pocket, Marla’s pop sensibilities are in fine form and kids would have to be pretty jaded indeed not to find themselves moving their bodies and singing along. I might even say the same for their parents!

Following the winning formula of her first CD, Marla mixes the styles with Billy Joel-esque pop sitting very comfortably next to–––

Andrews Sister-style trio singing which in turn is followed by a very danceable samba number which is then torn up by a Cars-like rocker. Through it all Marla’s lovely melodies soar, the musicians play with a real understanding of style and musicality (special kudos here to guitarist and recording engineer Bob Stander!) and best of all Marla’s voice is a thing of beauty and expression, with an uncanny sense of intonation that many would envy.

All of the songs here are finely crafted and every kid will have his or her favorites but my personal stand-outs are Whenever Celia Sings, Sambas Swaying in the Trees, The Weirdest Dreams, Mighty Jackie, The Strikeout Queen (the alternate mix given as a bonus track) and The Boogey Woogey Man.

My only complaint–– and this is really not a complaint at all but just a selfish whim–– is that Marla’s singing is so well controlled and just once I’d like to hear her really let loose and belt something bluesy. Ah, well, I can dream, can’t I?

Paul Austin Kelly
Lewes, ENGLAND

Get Marla’s new CD here! [1]

Alternatively you can download it from iTunes!

You can also read my review of Marla's first CD, We All Laugh in the Same Language [2]