Rhinoceros Tap cover

Released 30 years ago

Rhinoceros Tap

Sandra Boynton · 1996

41 min · 16 tracks

Whimsical melodies and playful lyrics create a joyful soundscape for children, filled with clever wordplay and catchy tunes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rhinoceros Tap — The title track introduces listeners to the album's playful spirit with its catchy chorus and engaging narrative about dancing rhinos, setting the tone for the entire collection.
  • →
    O, Lonely Peas — This track cleverly anthropomorphizes peas, using humor and relatable imagery to address feelings of loneliness while maintaining an upbeat tempo that resonates with kids.
  • →
    I Love You More Than Cheese — With a lighthearted declaration of affection, this song employs whimsical comparisons, making it memorable for its charming lyrics and sing-along quality that delights both children and parents.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends clever lyrics and engaging melodies, appealing to both kids and parents.

What we noticed

  • Each track features playful melodies that often incorporate animal sounds or themes, engaging children's imaginations.
  • The lyrics frequently employ clever wordplay and humor, making them entertaining for both children and adults.
  • Several songs include call-and-response elements, encouraging listener participation and interaction.
  • The album's pacing varies, with some tracks being short and whimsical while others are more developed, creating a dynamic flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful tunes for young listeners
  • short bursts of joyful energy
  • whimsical melodies for sing-alongs
  • lighthearted moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, introspective themes
  • want lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, Rhinoceros Tap marked Sandra Boynton's venture into children's music after establishing herself as a successful author and illustrator. This album followed her previous work in publishing, showcasing her ability to blend storytelling and music.
Stylistic neighbors
They Might Be Giants· Dan Zanes· Raffi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rhinoceros Tap 3:30
  • 2 O, Lonely Peas 3:21
  • 3 Bad Babies 3:09
  • 4 The Crabby Song 2:14
  • 5 Perfect Piggies 2:39
  • 6 Tropical Sand 3:20
  • 7 So Long, Doggies 2:43
  • 8 The Shortest Song in the Universe 0:47
  • 9 Horns to Toes 2:27
  • 10 Barnyard Dance 1:48
  • 11 I Love You More Than Cheese 2:41
  • 12 Tickle Time 2:23
  • 13 Dinosaur Round 1:37
  • 14 Turkey Love Song 2:40
  • 15 Little One 2:42
  • 16 Rhinoceros Tap (Instrumental Reprise) 3:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata