'Popcorn Bopping' CD jazzes up Primary songs

"POPCORN BOPPING," various artists, Shadow Mountain Records, $13.98

A cappella groups have been doing it for the past few years — taking Primary songs and making them faster and spunkier.

"Popcorn Bopping: Dance-Along Mixes of Favorite Kids' Songs" takes 13 Primary songs, from "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" to "Follow the Prophet" and "Popcorn Popping," and jazzes them up. "Popcorn Bopping," produced by Aaron Edson, also includes "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" and "The Handcart Song."

Described as "dance-along mixes," the songs are upbeat and can be easily danced to or clapped along with, and some of the songs are ones that would ordinarily invite movement in any setting.

A few of the songs are medleys, with "I Have Two Little Hands" combined with "Hinges" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." The "Hello Song" joins up with "Fun to Do," and "If You're Happy" with "Do As I'm Doing." Even better, parents won't be accused of trying to play church music during the week.

Unlike the a cappella renditions, children sing these cheery songs on "Popcorn Bopping." They are faster than their counterparts in the "Children's Songbook." Just be careful that they don't try to sing that fast for the sacrament program.

Email: rappleye@desnews.com