VA - The Proud Family Soundtrack (2004)

There may be dysfunction to spare on the Disney Channel show, but you won't find a shred of it on Songs from the Hit TV Series. Here is a CD as well-rounded as a multi-generational reunion shindig: Aretha Franklin, the O'Jays, Lou Rawls, and Smokey Robinson step up for the old school, providing a neat opportunity to introduce kids to the timeless joys of songs like "Respect." Chic sends a shout-out to Mom's in-the-middle generation with "Good Times," and Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Solange featuring Destiny's Child, Lil' Romeo, and others reach R&B tastemakers of today with a rap-tinged hit list anybody will want to hop to. Whether the cartoon Proud clan has the same soul or staying power as this soundtrack remains to be seen, but count on families who play it together staying together--at least until the last song is happily spun. -Tammy La Gorce