Peppa Pig's 'My First Album' Review feat. Tamsyn Chandler

Will Peppa Pig's debut deliver some bangers?

Peppa Pig is the latest pop princess to hit the music scene, with her debut album My First Album hitting streaming services earlier today. In order to unpack the artistry within, I've teamed up with the incredible Tamsyn Chandler. Be sure to load the album and listen along with us as we dissect it track by track before offering our final thoughts.

It's Peppa Pig

"It’s Peppa Pig serves as both a remix to Peppa’s iconic theme song and as an introduction to the sonic venture that is ‘My First Album’. Mummy Pig almost steals the show with her guttural snort mid-way – the vibrato is apparently effortless – but Peppa brings it back with her melodic declarations and muddy puddle soundscape." JG

"Agreed! A potentially controversial opinion - the opening track It's Peppa Pig is a personal highlight. All of Peppa’s musical signatures are here - a chorus, magical chimes and Peppa joining in to introduce her family members with her unique vocal style! In using the signature opening tune from the hit TV show, Peppa welcomes old and new listeners alike to partake in her sonic adventures!" TC

Bing Bong Zoo

"Peppa takes the listener on an instantly exciting journey as we enter Bing Bong Zoo. The track feels slightly derivative of past hits – think In The Night Garden meets Nirvana - but the heart of the song (it’s anti-ecocide, pro-conservation undertone) shines none the less." JG

Let's Get Ready!

"This is where George really gets the chance to shine. This song, a dedication to the youngest pig, feels like Peppa’s audition for Queer Eye. Focusing on grooming and hygiene, Peppa uses her platform to teach young boys everywhere that cleanliness isn’t just hip – it’s trendy. Jonathan Van Ness eat your heart out." JG

Expert Daddy Pig

"Expert Daddy Pig has the potential to be the UK’s most successful male-female duet since Ed and Beyoncé’s Perfect nabbed the Christmas number one. Daddy takes us through his kitchen and blends the gorgeous notes of the xylophone with an almost ASMR-like pizza recipe walk-through. Put simply, it’s one of Peppa’s strongest bops yet." JG

"This is an instant classic! Is it a sly critique of the nuclear family? Or is it an ode to her lovable father? Both? Nuance? The possibilities are endless..." TC

Rainbow, Rainbow

"Rainbow, Rainbow is Peppa’s opportunity to advocate for LGBT rights. The release coincides with the recent progress of marriage equality in Northern Ireland, making it jubilant yet timely. In a pleasant surprise, Peppa here outs Mr Dinosaur as lesbian, making him the second animated animal to come out as gay this year (see Arthur’s Mr Ratburn)." JG

Super Potato's Theme

"Super Potato's Theme is a unique deviation from Peppa’s narrative, yet a vital message is expressed to the listener in a series of rhyming chants - wiggle your hips and do a jive, always remember to eat your five! A catchy, lyrical treat, we’re gobbling it up!" TC

Peppa and Friends

"Peppa transitions from an earlier song about gay love to a track about the more platonic variety. Suzie (who’s vocals are uncredited) makes a star turn here, although their undeniable chemistry sometimes sees the pair drift from the melodic structure of the song and engage in conversation. It’s still a joy to listen to, though, and I’d quite like to see Suzie branch out into the music business as a solo performer herself." JG

The Class of Madame Gazelle

"The Class of Madame Gazelle is a celebration of academia - or at least Peppa’s Utopian version of academia. Peppa chants over a marching drum beat about her friends and her daily life! This inspiring ode to school days is in line with the nostalgia of Peppa’s debut - but one can’t help but feel, with its repetitive themes and chants - that’s it a bit of a filler track!" TC

"What can I say, it’s a surprise that this made the album. I’m not one to pit women against each-other, but Madame Gazelle is no Miss Rabbit, and it shows." JG

Festival Fun! 

"Festival Fun! offers Peppa a space to recall her first festival experience. The budding pop princess captures the vibe perfectly, and listeners can be rest assured that (under the guidance of her teachers) Peppa will have a pleasant, drug-free romp." JG

Jumping in Muddy Puddles

"Jumping in Muddy Puddles isn’t my favourite on the album. It certainly feels like something I’ve heard before. Daddy Pig here returns to the proceedings, however, so it’s not an instant skip. I’ll wait for the remix." JG

Holidays!

"This summertime bop is an instant classic. A commentary on the bourgeoise, this satirical piece effortlessly captures the benign romanticism that shrouds summer travelling. Of course, as demonstrated by the song’s hollow message and repetitive structure, if you’re miserable at home you’ll likely feel miserable in Marbella too – maturely processing your emotions is the only true holiday we can go on, and Peppa knows it." JG

Traffic

"Traffic is set to haunt young parents for years to come. As irritating as a traffic jam itself, the onomatopoeic lyricism is grating and undesirable. At least Grandad Pig makes an appearance here, offering a highlight to the otherwise grim and gruesome song." JG

Balloon Ride

"It's Peppa’s unofficial audition into the world of female rap. Clearly inspired by Nicki Minaj’s Superbass, the song combines elongated vowel sounds with ad-libbed conversation to form a unique and genuinely enjoyable song that’s sure to take the clubbing scene by storm." JG

Busy Miss Rabbit

"Busy Miss Rabbit is a feminist anthem which fully embraces its sex appeal- erotica who? The outstanding production works seamlessly with the story of Miss Rabbit who, as you’ve guessed, is very busy! Radio friendly, energetic, a song of many layers - what can’t Miss Rabbit do?" TC

Peppa Party Time

"Busy leads into the disco orientated Peppa Party Time. Peppa throws off the shackles of daily life for a couple of minutes to get down with her friends - and I think you should too! An instant classic, relentlessly catchy, I found myself wanting to join the Peppa Party!" TC

Peppa's Lullaby

"Peppa’s Lullaby is a nostalgic ode to child hood, soaring string arrangements bring our journey to an end - and what a journey it was." TC

Final Thoughts

"After listening to 'My First Album' I feel it's best comparison to be Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues (1967). It's a narrative adventure aimed at a youthful cohort desperately seeking optimism as well as a nostalgic look back at the past. A concept album of medium proportions, 'My First Album' is perhaps a little too late but a worthy delve into the psyche of a young piglet - upbeat and necessary in this dark digital age. Organic, positive and uplifting..." TC

"I agree. Nostalgic is a word that seems to keep popping back up today, a word almost as resilient as Peppa herself. It's clear that the budding star has had her own share of issues over the years, and she's been brave enough to explore some of her more vulnerable sides here on this very album. It's yet to see whether the general public will catch onto the veiled magic that seems to define this record, but - for what it's worth - we have decided to stan Miss Peppa Pig. It's only up from here." JG

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Written by James Green and Tamsyn Chandler