# 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.
Good list so far, commenting on this one but have also read through the last one. Hard not to read the list with bias, seeing as Pocahontas is my favourite would definitely argue for any song from it to be higher! Appreciating the variety included too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, for the comment! I do love Pocahontas and the songs are great but personally think the story is better than the soundtrack! Hope you continue to enjoy the lists, plenty more films and songs still left to come!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the quick response! You make a good point, the story is definitely very strong. Looking forward to where you place Colours of the Wind though.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to keep reading to find out :)
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