Big Bird Sings! was the "Big Bird Album," a few years before the movie, all steps in an inevitable process when a marketing empire such as the Muppets is concerned. One by one, characters are pushed into the limelight to see if they can take the heat. The conclusion was, eventually with probably a few ruffled big yellow feathers, that Big Bird was better as part of an ensemble. Taken on his own as the focal point of a set of songs, Big Bird produces an album that is best taken in small doses. That said, the listener should be able to give credit where credit is due in the fine quality of the productions, including the usual seamless performances from session players gathered together by Joe Raposo. "No Matter What Your Language," written by Jerry Moss and featuring the likeable Emilio Delgado in his role as Luis, is a sweet song with a fine message. "How Do I Know I'm Here?" is a weird question coming from a character who takes up as much space as this guy and can be seen from blocks away to boot, but even Big Bird gets to delve into existentialism. Crediting the authorship of tracks such as "Big Bird's Poem" to Big Bird himself is a nice touch. ~ Eugene Chadbourne