In the upcoming Beauty and the Beast remake of the 1991 animated version music, as is to be expected, takes a major role in the proceedings. So much so that it nearly seems more dominant of an aspect than that original version, packed to the brim with wall to wall music, reinforcing just how theatrical the story is by nature, how operatic. With the old favorites such as “Belle”, “Something There” and “Be Our Guest” comes new numbers for the cast to sink their teeth into but none reach the heights as the Dan Stevens sung “Evermore” that grants the Beast a power ballad as iconic as some of the greater Disney tunes. With the newest numbers, what better time to look at the past ones that still manage to recall moments of watching the films they accompanied?
We hosted a poll to find out our top 20 Disney tunes of all time and, as is to be expected with a website with quite a few of 90’s kids, that’s where many of our picks were derived from so make sure to let us know in the comments below which Disney song is your personal favorite? And did you like the added songs to Bill Condon’s Beauty and the Beast?
20. Bells of Notre Dame – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
If this writer had had her way, “Hellfire” “Out There” and “God Help the Outcasts” all would’ve made the cut into the top 20 songs. Alas, I didn’t feel like shoehorning them in so I’ll have to settle for being pleased that The Hunchback of Notre Dame received any recognition at all. “Bells of Notre Dame”, the grandiose opener of the film, is a fitting, operatic ballad that is the perfect introduction to a family film that will tackle sexuality, female agency, religious persecution and acceptance. (Ally)
19. Cruella De Vil – 101 Dalmatians
A sauntering and simmering ode to a classic villain, “Cruelle De Vil” is as slinky and ominous as the titular character, perfectly befitting the style of the film itself and the villain in question. (Ally)
18. You’re Welcome – Moana
Has there ever been a more perfect pairing of actor and role than Dwayne Johnson’s work as Maui? Johnson makes a good case for a strong, resounding no with his signature song You’re Welcome, which is Maui’s not so humble brag as he sings about his many, many, adventures in making the world of Moana a better one for humankind. Sure, Maui is kind of an arrogant jerk, but he’s also so much fun that you’ll find yourself singing along as he explains every natural phenomenon…right up until he traps you in a cave. (Andrea)
17. Reflections – Mulan
As one of many little girls who sang “Reflection” at their school talent show, this one holds a special place in my heart despite paling in comparison to some of Disney’s best. It’s an ode to change and beautifully encapsulates Mulan’s feelings of estrangement from the expectations being held of her. It doesn’t hurt that it’s sung by actual Disney princess Lea Salonga. (Ally)
16. How Far I’ll Go – Moana
It almost feels as if Moana didn’t gain the critical traction it should have, with a truly inspiring story, a lovely and modern hero and some fabulous music. With so many highlights for tunes including “We Know the Way” and “Shiny” which both missed the list, “How Far I’ll Go” still towers above the rest. Telegraphing the heroes journey and demonstrating early in the film why we’re going to care so deeply for the character, there’s a wistful curiosity in the lyrics and optimism in the vocals that will have you replaying the song long after hearing it for the first time. (Ally)
15. Beauty and the Beast – Beauty and the Beast
Nothing quite captures the timeless nature of love like the opening lyrics of “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s entirely fitting of the budding romance between Belle and the Beast. Written by Howard Ashman and composed by Alan Menken, the song is notably performed by Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) in the film, and Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson turned the song into a hit duet. It’s a stirring and glorious ballad and when Lansbury sings it in the film, it’s a poignant and moving vocal performance that adds a welcoming new layer to visual splendor of the scene. (Gaby)
14. Can You Feel The Love Tonight – The Lion King
The love song of The Lion King, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” captures the spirit of romance and nature so fitting for this Disney favorite. Composed by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the song expresses the love between Simba and Nala, and it sells the growing romance better than any dialogue ever could, and makes for one of the sweetest and most intimate moments in an animated film ever. (Gaby)
13. Let It Go – Frozen
The hype around Frozen and what’s become its signature song is so great, it feels like the culmination of every particular set of skills Disney has acquired over its long history. Idina Menzel belts it out like no one else could in her role as Elsa, a queen (not a princess) who decides she’s done hiding who she is and basing her life around what people want her to be. Let It Go soon becomes a triumphant celebration of Elsa’s uniqueness as she takes control of her life and embraces her magic. (Andrea)
12. You’ll Be in My Heart – Tarzan
Phil Collins musical contributions to the 1999 Tarzan film is my favorite part of it, and “You’ll Be In My Heart” is the gem of the soundtrack. Written and performed by Collins, the song is beautiful, falling into the rhythm of the jungle and tenderly speaking for the emotion of story. Collins went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Song, in addition to the song being a hit on the Billboard charts. It’s one of the few Disney songs that managed to transcend its movie and captivate an audience outside of the film. (Gaby)
11. Color of the Wind – Pocahontas
Maybe it’s because human dumpster fire Mel Gibson voices John Smith in a darkly ironic role, but Pocahontas often feels swept under the rug when we look back at the golden years of Disney in the 90’s. In part this is because of how they Dinsey-fied a dark and grim storyline about a real person whose life ended much less happily, but if we remove that aspect, the artistry involved in gorgeous and it’s exemplified in the beautiful “Color of the Wind” sequence. In this one number we’re (along with audience surrogate John Smith) allowed to full experience Pocahontas’s world while also seeing the start of her and Smiths love story. (Ally)
10. Go the Distance – Hercules
If #MotivationMonday ever needed a theme song this track would be it. Since Hercules felt like an underdog, he vocals filled the song with so much hope, promise and determination. Who doesn’t love a story where the underdog rose to the top?! But on a much deeper level, this song resonates with ones who feel like an outcast or a misfit and feel a little lost in life. Finding that place that gives you a sense of belonging is quite a journey, one that even Greek gods have to take. (Camille)
9. Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast
Maybe the amazing animated sequence that accompanies one of the most iconic songs in the 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast film is what makes “Be Our Guest” extra special and memorable. But I honestly think the technical and creatives merits of the scene are boosted by the sheer brilliance and theatricality of “Be Our Guest.” Catchy and clever lyrics and packed with tons of charm thanks to a great voice performance by the late Jerry Orbach, “Be Our Guest” is the most musical aspect of the film, and clearly the most fun, a song that most have grown to appreciate more and more over the years. (Gaby)
8. Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid
Perhaps the greatest Disney princess theme to ever appear in the pantheon of Disney tunes, “Part of Your World” is delightful, expressive and grows in significance over time. Written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman the song beautifully encapsulates the mentality of Ariel, a curious young woman whose infatuation with the outside world is both seen as naive and strong willed, all of which is managed to be conveyed in this one song. (Ally)
7. This is Halloween – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Before “This is Halloween” was made into the pseudo theme song for pre-teen goths hovering around Hot Topic in their Jack Skeleton hoodies, The Nightmare Before Christmas tune was extraordinary in how it separated itself from the pack. Dark, clever and catchy as hell, the Danny Elfman composed song managed to transcend its Disney origins. (Ally)
6. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid
Disney knows how to capture the essence of the sea with all its intrigue elements and put it all in song. “Under the Sea” is the perfect presentation of the colorful life that inhabitants our great blue ocean. With the Caribbean upbeat sound and unforgettable lyrics, this tune is one that continues to stand the test of time. And not to get political but Sebastian was definitely preaching the truth when he said that “the human world is a mess”. (Camille)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pguMUFyJ3_U
5. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
Held as one of the most iconic classic Disney tunes, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is an unforgettable song of dreams and happily ever afters. This song needs no embellishment or flourishes as the timeless lyrics can stand on its own. If you grew up watching the older Disney classics then you know how nostalgic “When You Wish Upon a Star” can get. (Camille)
4. I Just Can’t Wait to Be King – The Lion King
I loved this song as a kid. How could I not, since Disney was able to tap into every child’s fantasy of what ruling is like? Simba thinks kinging will be a a smorgasbord of fun and pleasure, where he’ll get to tell everyone what to do while simultaneously getting his every whim catered to. The song features every type of African wildlife imaginable, with a dizzying array of colors and antics, in a joyous, catchy rejection of reality before the adult world and its responsibilities inevitably hit. Zazu tries to be a voice of reason, but there’s no place for it in I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, which is why his every attempt to keep Simba and Nala in line goes so hilariously awry. (Andrea)
3. Friend Like Me – Aladdin
First and foremost, Robin Williams made this song his song. There’s truly no one that can surpass Williams’ flare, artistry and charisma. “Friend Like Me” is an out of this world tune that brings together elements of the movie and truly makes them larger than life. With the blaring trumpets and Williams’ pizzazz, this number is one that all Disney fans, both young and the young at heart, can dance to. (Camille)
2. Make a Man out of You – Mulan
Who else remembers sitting in the theater in this moment during the movie? As a little girl I sat there perched on the edge of my seat as Mulan defied her expectations and perceived limitations by climbing the pole to retrieve the arrow. It was her sheer ambition, determination, pure strength and mind that allowed her to be the successor and it was as triumphant a moment as any Disney movie that’s come before. The whole song being about how in order to succeed these soldiers need to be “made into men” when it’s a woman and her sharp thinking that wins out is one of the more clever deconstructions the studio has done and it’s done through a song that will undoubtedly be stuck in your head days after hearing it.
Hell, I bet it’s already stuck in your head now. (Ally)
1. Hakuna Matata – The Lion King
“It means no worries” – especially when you’re ranked as #1 on our list of top Disney songs. “Hakuna Matata” is a colorful tune that is filled with life, an upbeat melody and a group of friends that consist of a cub, warthog and meerkat (it can’t get more interesting than that!). The message and the tone fit so perfectly and you can’t help but catch yourself nodding your head and singing along. (Camille)