Latest 5 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast)
"Fantastic!!! "
2008-08-28
- Reviewed By User: A17H0RXWBALK5W
This was my favorite album when I was growing up in the 70's. I rented the dvd a few months ago from netflix and watched it w/my girls. They loved the baby puppets!!! I ordered the cd so we could listen in the van and am ordering dvd for xmas. Yes, some of the songs are a little dated, but no more than everything else that's coming back from yesteryear. It is nice to share something from my childhood that my kids will actually admit to liking and not being too cool for mom's stuff.
"One of My Families Favorites since 1975"
2008-07-15
- Reviewed By User: A3UR66AI3H2W2U
I recently ordered this "album" for my grand daughters. It was my son and daughter's favorite in the '70's. We saw Marlo Thomas in person sing these songs in New York and have loved them ever since. It is a GREAT story line for all kids with a very feel good message for confidence.
"Share this with your children...and your children's children..."
2007-07-19
- Reviewed By User: A12EFZ0CYNHZA4
I was born in 1983, but this album was a staple of my childhood. Born into a family of strong, Irish women who were, at that point, pretty much doing it on thier own, this album was relished at family gatherings. My mother and aunts wanted all of us (and by all of us I mean some of born in the 70's and some in 80's) to understand that just because we were girls didn't mean we had to be teachers or ballerina dancers, and just because we were boys we didn't had to be firemen or police officers. This album preaches absolutely wonderful values to both the young and the young at heart. At 24, I still know every lyric and love to sing all the songs at the top of my lungs. God bless Marlo Thomas and friends for creating such a classic. I can't wait to pass this music on to my children the same way it was passed on to me!
Free To Be...You And Me emerged as one of the first and most successful mainstream efforts to teach children that they could grow up to be what they wanted to be regardless of their gender. This CD replicates the 1972 original cast album chock full of celebrities encouraging children through words and music to be truthful to themselves and others about their likes, dislikes and their hopes for the future. Girls were no longer to be restricted to working as housewives and boys could enjoy dolls as one way to prepare themselves for the real life challenges of being a good father.
The CD starts out with the folk-style song entitled "Free To Be...You And Me" sung by The New Seekers. They harmonize beautifully and the musical arrangement makes great use of the guitar and piano. This song makes it clear that children can and should grow up to be the person they truly want to be. This optimistic message with its infectiously catchy melody provides the album with a very strong start.
The CD continues with a very amusing dialogue between two newborn infants in a hospital nursery. Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas perform the voices of the babies; and they manage to conclude that Mel is a baby girl and Marlo must be a baby boy. Imagine their surprise when they find out that using traditional stereotypes for the physical attributes for grown men and women don't go with the way they see themselves!
Other great tracks include Diana Ross singing "When We Grow Up;" this number sends the message that looks don't matter as long as you like yourself and the way you look. The great Harry Belafonte and Marlo Thomas sing "Parents Are People" to teach children that mommies and daddies can work any job they wish. Moreover, there's the awesome song "It's All Right To Cry" sung by football star Rosey Grier. I remember how surprised we all were when Rosey Grier, a tough guy football star expected by old conventions to hide his feelings, actually sang this song; and he performed it well on TV, too.
"William's Doll" tells children that kids of both genders can make good use of dolls as toys. At first blush it might be surprising or disappointing that a boy would want a doll; but his grandmother has the good wisdom to give him a doll so that he can practice being a good father. "William's Doll" is a very sweet song performed very well by Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas. Similarly, "Atalanta" discusses in story form the fact that not every girl wants to marry--at least not right away. Atalanta wants to see the world before she even considers marriage; and this story is told so well you truly have lots of understanding for Atalanta.
The CD concludes with a brief reprise of "Free To Be...You And Me." This final track reinforces the message that every child can grow up to be his or her own person.
The liner notes give all the song credits and it's truly a pleasure to hear all these very talented artists and actors performing on this album. The sound quality could be a little better but the high quality control of the content makes me give this CD five stars anyway.
I highly recommend this for every parent who wishes to communicate to their children in a fun, meaningful and inspiring way that they can truly become the person they wish to be. Children can become adults who make meaningful contributions to society even in the most unconventional of roles. Girls can grow up to be brain surgeons and members of the presidential cabinet; and boys can aspire to be nurses who share the household chores with their wives or girlfriends. It was a powerful and relevant message in 1972 and these lessons remain very important today in these times.
"A message that still needs to be heard"
2006-03-07
- Reviewed By User: A2MN5V63AA9YRG
I listened to this when I was a kid and loved it. I bought it for my children and although they are still pretty young, I am hoping the messages contained therein seep into their little heads. This should be required listening for everyone! It is just as relevant today as it was in 1972! A little groovey- a little folksy but just great.
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