As the name of the band confirms, Charity & the Jam Band is a band that jams…and is fronted by a singer named Charity. Aside from that the albums title can be left it interpretation, after all, not everyone on the planet has the same family values, or even value for life, as others do. Fortunately Charity & The Jam Band keep it simple in tackling the most obvious of topics such as world hunger, respecting one another, understanding and practicing the art of patience and all those other basic fundamentals that we, as humans, should promote, though some don’t. Even myself at times.

Family Values has the great distinction, that has of late become a staple in children’s music, of offering great messages for children but also rocking out so that when you, as the adult, are forced to listen to the songs repeatedly on long car trips or around the house, you won’t find yourself pulling your hair out. It’s mostly rock mixed with a splash of reggae here and piano ballads there, but all of it, maybe aside from the opening track, which I felt was a bit under par with the rest of the vocals on the album, is fantastic.

Like I said, the topics on the album range from serious, with a childish innocence (Green Beans Everywhere), to silly and infectious (Lemonade) to even the more traditional (You Are My Sunshine). Either way there is lots to enjoy by the whole family and issues discussed that should make any parent happy to introduce to their children. Definitely recommend. Enjoy.