Best Disney Songs Part 3 - # 50 - 41

Here we go - its the next 10 in my countdown! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!

#50 - Be Our Guest, Beauty And The Beast

This is Beauty and the Beast's massive, show-stopping Broadwayesque  number. Its upbeat, jolly and the lyrics manage to pack in enough foodstuffs to leave you drooling! What it doesn't have in heart, it certainly makes up with spectacle.

 

 

# 49 - When Will My Life Begin, Tangled

 

The song introduces us to Rapunzel and Pascal, her repetitive routines, her dreams for the future and the light comedic style of the film - pretty impressive for a song just under 2 and a half minutes! There's something about Mandy Moore's voice which makes her seem more 'normal'/'human' than the other Disney princesses (maybe its not as showy) which makes her instantly more accessible and loveable.

 



 

 

#48 - In A Golden Afternoon, Alice In Wonderland

 

Its another trippy Disney moment with a chorus of flowers serenading Alice. The harmonies are beautiful and with clever puns ('bread and butter flies' is probably my favourite!) this song sparks imagination and wonder.

 

 



 

 

#47 - Be Prepared, The Lion King

 

This is one of Disney's best villain songs, fronted by the very camp Scar! The song centres on his plans to become king and plays as an interesting opposing view to 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' - its far less innocent and far more devious! In one of Disney's more surprising moments, the goose-stepping hyenas draw a chilling parallel to another psychotic but charismatic leader.



 

 

 

#46 - Out There, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame

 

The first song on this list from one of my favourite soundtracks! Out There is a gorgeous ballad which gives us a greater understanding of the dreams of Quasimodo. It starts with someuncomfortable bullying by Frollo but transforms into a vision of beauty once Tom Hulce starts to sing. The belted, astonishingly high notes coupled with the beautiful Parisian skyline make this wonderful to watch.

 

 

 



#45 - Friends On The Other Side, The Princess And The Frog

 

Taking us into a voodoo world, this villain oussong is actually quite comical, upbeat and catchy. It's not until closer inspection that the malice behind these demon spirits becomes more apparent and the threat to Naveen in particular is revealed. Dr Facilier is ghoulish in his performance and the trickery of his shadow is brilliant.

 

 

 

#44 - Mother Knows Best, Tangled

 

Another villain song! Mother Gothel scares Rapunzel into staying locked in the tower. In reality, the song is ridiculously funny as the scenarios she conjures up are just absurd (men with pointy teeth! haha!). Donna Reed's diva-esque vocals, which are mirrored by Gothel's movements, only emphasise how self-centred the character is. It isn't until the end, when Gothel elicits a promise from Rapunzel, that we see anything truly evil and cunning.

 

 



 

 

#43 - Something There, Beauty And The Beast

 

The song where Belle and the Beast first start to realise their feelings for one another, this is a real turning point in the film; it's welcome to see our two heroes soften and become more playful. The fact that it is their thoughts (they do not sing out loud) makes us feel closer to the characters and the facial expressions/ fidgety mannerisms highlight how these are probably the most realistic and human-like pair Disney have ever animated.

 

 

 

 

 

#42 - Scales And Arpeggios, The Aristocats

 

Why is a simplistic song that is sung slightly out of tune by a little girl so darn catchy?! I'm not sure I can actually answer that, other than say it just is! The play fighting is adorable and the simple melody ensures you will be humming this for days.

 

 



 

 

#41 - Little April Showers, Bambi

 

From a film that is quite low on songs, this is a real gem! The choir and orchestra mirror the various sounds of the storm perfectly and the beautiful animation of the film certainly make this a memorable moment.

 

 



 

Big thanks to those mouseketeers who are still reading - it'd be great to hear what more of you think! I'm trying to pack as many different films into the list so that there may be some surprises for you all! Will be back with the next part soon!

Best Disney Songs Part 2 - #60 - 51

Here's part 2 of my favourite songs - a little shorter as its late and I'm tired! Hope you enjoy it - if you do (or don't!) please give me feedback in the comments as I'd love to know what people think!

# 60 - Just Around The Riverbend, Pocahontas

A brilliant song that highlights Pocahontas' sense of adventure and the dilemma she is facing. Judy Kuhn's vocals are brilliant, exciting the audience and making us start to care for Pocahontas and her philosophical outlook.

 

 

# 59 - I Just Can't Wait To Be King, The Lion King

 

A child's dreaming about how wonderful they're adult life will be before reality hits; this quality is highlighted by the garish, less-than-lifelike animation that couples the song. Zazu's cynicism punctuates the optimism perfectly to stop it becoming too saccharine.

 

 

 

# 58 - Whistle While You Work, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

 

Snow White sets a precedent for Disney princesses and how they need to be able to enlist the help of their furry friends to do the housework. The song is infectious and all of the animals are very cute - particularly the chipmunks and the tortoise!

 

 



 

 

# 57 - You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly, Peter Pan

 

Wide-eyed childlike adventure is abundant here with the Darling children making their way to Neverland. Whilst excitement and wonder characterises the start of the song, it is the second half flight sequence that is the most beautiful, accentuated by the majestic choir. (P.S. faceless Wendy is scary!!!)

 

 



 

 

# 56 - Pink Elephants On Parade, Dumbo

 

Is it slightly scary? Yes! Does it look like the product of hallucinogenic drugs? Certainly! Is it amazing? Of course! A cacophony of creepy voices and morphing elephants haunt the drunk Dumbo and Timothy. One of Disney's most unexpected, absurd but classic moments!

 

 



 

 

# 55 - Bibbidi-Bobbodi-Boo, Cinderella

 

This is one of the pivotal scenes in Cinderella where her fortunes finally begin to look up. There is magic and joy which our heroine has previously been denied. Sure, the lyrics are non-sensical but they are also amazingly catchy. An iconic song.

 

 



 

 

# 54 - One Jump Ahead, Aladdin

 

An introduction to the character of Aladdin, this is an exciting song and sequence that sets up our loveable rogue. A funny supporting cast and lots of action holds the audience's attention from the get-go!

 

 



 

 

# 53 - Not In Nottingham, Robin Hood

 

When things look bad in the Sherwood forest, this melancholy song narrates the hardships being faced by the residents. It comes as something of a shock in this generally upbeat film, which makes its impact all the more effective. The country style lends itself well to the emotions on display.

 

 



 

 

# 52 - Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride, Lilo And Stitch

 

An upbeat song from a fun film that transports us to Hawaii and causes the audience to yearn to travel there. The call and response style of the song is simple but implores the audience to join in. This should be used in tourism adverts for the beautiful island!

 

 



 

 

# 51 - So This Is Love, Cinderella

 

This romantic waltz melts our hearts whilst Cinderella and Charming are falling in love. Its fuzzy, shining, dreamlike quality hints this love transcends from another world - it is so perfect. The harmonies are beautiful so its a real shame when the song ends and the pair have to face reality again.

 

 

Best Disney Songs Ever Part 1 - # 80 - 61

As you will see in my upcoming reviews, the songs are what makes Disney so special and is a major factor in (what I believe) puts Disney head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. The following is my review of numbers 80-61 in what I believe are the best Disney songs. Do you agree with me? Think some of these should be higher? Let me know!

#80 - Best Of Friends, The Fox And The Hound

A sweet song about friendship and the innocence of children. The upbeat tune and visuals makes it catchy and seemingly jolly, although on reflection (given the turn of events in the film) the more melancholy undertones are evident. A clever feat for a song from a relatively overlooked film.

 

 

 

# 79 - Snuff Out The Light, The Emperor's New Groove

 

What can I say? Deliciously camp humour sung by Eartha Kitt in Disney's (arguably) funniest film. Its not profound, it didn't even make the final cut of the film but it is brilliant nonetheless!

 

 

 

 

#78 - When I See An Elephant Fly, Dumbo

 

 

I know there is the controversy surrounding the crows and how much of a stereotype they are. Even the subject, a slightly less mean-spirited version of the mocking Dumbo receives throughout the entire film, is hardly uplifting. But the melody is infectious, the puns are silly and you can't help bopping along!

 

 



 

 

#77 - Welcome, Brother Bear

 

A heart-warming song where Kenai starts to understand his fate and feels more akin to those around him. It's not the most well known of Disney songs but it is one of the sweetest. It would be very well suited to the welcoming spirit of the theme parks in my opinion!

 



 

 

#76 - Kiss The Girl, The Little Mermaid

 

 

I can hear the gasps already - how could this song be so low?! It's sweet, sure, and visually brilliant but it's just one of those songs which I feel is slightly over-hyped. Probably the worst song in Little Mermaid (although its competition is fierce!)

 

 



 

 

#75 - He's A Tramp, Lady And The Tramp

 

Peg (voiced by Peggy Lee) confesses her love for the adorable tramp. A departure in the usual style of Disney songs, it therefore sticks in the brain immediately. The dogs as backing singers sound hideous but it works in a weird way. A very sexy (in a non-threatening Disney way!) song ;)

 



 

 

#74 - Gaston, Beauty And The Beast

 

 

The boasting, the machismo, the posturing is all very funny. The lyrics are clever and the melody infectious. So why is it so low? Maybe it's the unintelligible villagers' singing or the extreme arrogance that pushes it down a few places in my books! (P.S. the video is far better quality than how it looks!)

 

 



 

 

#73 - Great Spirits, Brother Bear

 

One of Disney's 'message' songs - it tells us about the importance of learning from our ancestors, being respectful towards people and nature and it is accompanied by stunning visuals. Maybe not as catchy as similar tunes (e.g. Colours of the Wind) but just as heartfelt. The Tina Turner version is great too!

 

 

#72 - Arabian Nights, Aladdin

 

 

The song starts small and intimate and soon introduces us to the Arabian world of Agrabah. Soaring vocals follow and hints at the adventure and danger to come- it's a solid opener. However, the opening music is probably my favourite part! 

 

 

# 71 - Hakuna Matata, The Lion King

 

 

It's fun, it introduces us to the immensely loveable Timon and Pumbaa, it moves away from the previous sadness of the story but essentially it is comedic filler and does very little in the way of story telling. It's a great philosophy to have though!

 

 



 

 

# 70 - If I Never Knew You, Pocahontas

 

 

Eventually cut from the final film, I believe this is actually one of Disney's most beautiful love songs. A true testament to the power of love; that we will endure the hardships because the highs are so sweet and profound. Its just a shame about Mel Gibson's vocals really - the song would be a classic otherwise!

 

 



 

# 69 - Down In New Orleans, The Princess And The Frog

 

It forms a simple introduction to the characters and the setting and its jazz style eases the viewer nicely into the film. Not a classic opening but enjoyable nonetheless!

 

 

 

 

 

# 68 - Love, Robin Hood

 

 

Does anyone actually remember this song? They should - it's a pretty song for Robin and Marian's engagement about the enduring qualities of love. Cute visuals, this Oscar nominated song deserves more recognition and praise.

 

 



 

 

# 67 - Trust In Me, The Jungle Book

 

 

A song which, in my opinion, perfectly mirrors the story behind the song - it is hypnotic and has a very sly undertone to it.

 

 







 

# 66 - That's How You Know, Enchanted

 

 

In a brilliant film full of excellent songs, this is one of the most satirical of the romantic clichés employed by most Disney movies. I love a good romance but seeing this emphasises how ridiculous it all is! The overacting and random strangers joining in (a nod to classic Disney) only serve to increase the humour.

 

 

 

# 65 - Jolly Holiday, Mary Poppins

 

 

Completely ridiculously fantastical fun from Mary Poppins. Again, clichés are abound with singing animals and group dances (from the gorgeous Penguins!). If your willing to overlook the awful Cockney accent this is actually one of the best songs in the film!

 

 



 

 

# 64 - I'll Go Sailing No More, Toy Story

 

A heart-breaking song where Buzz comes to the realisation that he is a toy and not an actual space ranger. Randy Newman's distinctive voice manages to convey the message beautifully. One of the most poignant moments of the movie.

 

 



 

 

# 63 - Goodbye May Seem Forever, The Fox And the Hound

 

 

Another tear-jerker  - a song that never fails to make me cry! The spoken lyrics to begin with reinforce the grief of the song and the choral ending will have you weeping buckets!

 

 



 

 

# 62 - Winnie-The-Pooh Theme, The Many Adventures Of

           Winnie-The-Pooh

 

 

It's sweet and bouncy just like the bear himself. It effectively and swiftly introduces us to the characters and the storybook style of the film. And lets be honest, who doesn't love Winnie-the-pooh!

 

 



 

 

# 61 - Heigh-Ho, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

 

 

This has to be one of the most well-known Disney songs that everyone can sing along to.  The blend of the dwarfs voices is wonderful to listen to and I also love the rhythmic feel that emulates the digging. I suppose we can forgive the glaring error that the dwarfs are not actually 'off TO work' but are going home FROM work!

 

 



 

 

So there you have it! Numbers 80-61 in my countdown of songs that I love from Disney films! What do you think? What should come next? Stay tuned mouseketeers and see if you agree!





Hello and Welcome

Hello fellow Mouseketeers,

I guess I should start by introducing myself and why I wanted to create this blog!

First of all, me! My name is Andrew, I'm currently 24 years old and I live in London, UK. I earn my keep by teaching primary school children and one of my biggest passions (you may have guessed already) is Disney! I grew up on the films, have visited 2 of the theme parks, know all the songs, have tons of memorabilia and so I thought this was the next (logical?!) step.

This is a place where I get to air my opinions on all things Disney, starting with the movies, and I invite you to be my guest and join in the discussion. Hopefully, by doing this we can become the best of friends and if we don't agree, well Hakuna Matata!

I guess I'd better stop with the references now and get down to writing the actual blog! Hopefully there will be more posts soon and we'll get to have a good old chinwag!

Heigh-ho, its off to blog I go!