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!