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!