Over the past year, I’ve started seeing a increase in storytelling albums arriving for families. Taking a very theatrical approach, these albums tend to have a very “live” feel, and one of the latest to cross my desk is MYTHS OF ANCIENT GREECE by HELEN SLATER. It’s nearly impossible for me to avoid clarifying that yes, this is a family album by the Helen Slater, who I watched countless times as a kid in SUPERGIRL and THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS. That said, she’s been releasing music for over a decade, and this is her first album geared toward “children of all ages.”
Seamlessly mixing story and song, Slater speaks directly to the listener, spinning the tales of “Demeter & Persephone,” “Perseus & Medusa,” “Cupid & Psyche,” and more. The narration feels much like she’s reading, and thus lends itself to future expansion in the form of a companion book or perhaps an animated special – either of which would be a fantastic addition to MYTHS OF ANCIENT GREECE.
There’s lessons to be taught within these MYTHS, many of which are well-tailored toward younger kids, who are still learning the proper way to treat others with kindness and compassion. But as Slater says herself in closing the album, “These are just some of the tales told in Ancient Greece. And there are so many more to tell.”
Available now on iTunes or at HelenSlater.com
The Rock Father Rating: 4/5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: As has been the case for much of the history of the recorded music industry, a copy of this album was provided for possible review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn, with input from his children.
