EP Review: The Raging Idiots’ ‘The Raging Kidiots’

Can you relate to this? This week I made a 77 mile, one-way commute to work 4 times with my 2 and a half year old in the backseat requesting to listen to “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen on repeat. Well, parents rejoice! The Raging Idiots have provided us with an EP of fun, catchy tunes that will allow us to not have that dreaded feeling of having to listen to {insert any Disney song here} 42 times in a row in the car!

The Raging Idiots, comprised of radio personality Bobby Bones and his producer, Eddie Garcia, are known for their hilarious parodies, positivity, and generosity. Their brand new EP, The Raging Kidiots, really stresses these last two attributes.

The first track, “When I Grow Up,” is an instant earworm that will have you, and your children, singing along by the time the second chorus rolls around. The message that with good grades “I can be anything” – an astronaut, firefighter, zoologist – serves as a gentle reminder for kids to try hard in school. The pop melody of this one was the catchiest to me as I found myself humming it throughout the rest of the day.

“The Planet Song” sounds like if The Beastie Boys and The Lonely Island joined forces to teach your astronomy lesson. It’s a drastic sound change from the first song, but I guarantee you will know the order of the planets after a few listens. Considering Pluto was still a planet the last time I learned them, it is a nice refresher course for when your child comes home with that planet model they have to do for class.

I don’t know why, but kids love to spell out words in songs so “Be Nice” will be a hit with them. It’s a gentle reminder to kids and parents alike to remember their manners in everyday situations. I like that they wrote lyrics that both children and adults can relate to. It’s kind of like when you’re watching a children’s movie but there’s an adult joke that catches your attention.

The appeal to both children and parents continues with the funky melody of “People In America.” This one will probably inspire some inquiries from your little ones about the people listed, as it only gives a very brief description of each. Anything that sparks a history conversation is a plus in my book! From Elvis to the Minions, they cover a wide variety of “important” people that will soon have your children trying to see who can rattle off the names quicker.

The positivity and kindness that The Raging Idiots love to spread is really showcased in “The Ballad of Big Head Bobby.” Set to a traditional twang, they tell a story of a boy who was made fun of for the size of his cranium, until one day that cranium saved their town. Big Head Bobby chose to be the better person and forgive the townspeople. This lesson is an especially important one in today’s society, and while the lyrics are silly, they’re just silly enough that your child just might remember the story of Big Head Bobby the next time they think about bullying and/or forgiving their peers.

The last track on the album, “You’re Awesome,” is a personal message from Bobby Bones that would be a fantastic thing to listen to on the way to school. When I first listened to it, I thought to myself that on the days I don’t know how to tell my child how great she is, I will just play her that track as a reminder. His words are so heartfelt that it almost brought me to tears listening to it as he managed to put in to words some of the most important lessons I want my child to learn.

As a parent, The Raging Kidiots is a nice break from the princesses, chipmunks, etc. that are usually taking over my airwaves. This EP makes me want to dig out my School House Rock cassette tapes and somehow put them on to a playlist with it! And though my 2 ½ year old doesn’t quite understand all of the words, she loved listening to it. Don’t get me wrong, putting these 5 songs on repeat will probably burn you out on them eventually, but it would definitely make a great addition to your child’s playlist! Remember, all good things in moderation!