#20 - God Help The Outcasts, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame
This pretty ballad, whilst Esmeralda is seeking sanctuary, is a call for help to end the gypsy's suffering. It is sung as a solitary prayer and the lyrics are moving and poignant, highlighting the hypocrisy sometimes shown by those claiming to do God's work (particularly the lyric 'I thought we all were, children of God). The animation of the interior of Notre Dame is truly stunning, which makes for quite a moving song overall.
#19 - You've Got A Friend In Me, Toy Story
This is a great song that was an instant classic and gets you thinking about all those people you hold dear to you. It's bouncy, jolly, light and instantly puts me in a good mood! It's very simple yet as soon as the introduction music starts you can't help but smile and sing a long.
#18 - I'll Make A Man Out Of You, Mulan
Donny Osmond (yes, that is actually him singing!) voices a song that is part parody of what it means to be a man but also very stirring. Charting Mulan's attempts to integrate herself into the army, the various qualities of manhood and how the recruits don't measure up to them are highlighted. A triumphant ending to the song helps proves why the heroine is one of Disney's best.
#17 - Someday My Prince Will Come, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Another iconic Disney song with a message of holding out for one's true love, a message that will resonate with many of the audience members. Its slow melody is soothing and semi-stupefies the listener into a dreamlike state, where they too start fantasising about the prince (or princess!) who will come rescue them (if they haven't already!).
#16 - You'll Be In My Heart, Tarzan
An ode to maternal love, this is just really pretty. The message of loving someone no matter who they are is beautiful and gives a warm, fuzzy glow. Again, this is another comforting and soothing song about love that can't help but bring a smile to the face!
#15 - Reflection, Mulan
For a character who is generally brave and strong, this shows Mulan at her most vulnerable. Lea Salonga (ignore the annotation on the video that says this is the Christina Aguilera version!) delivers the understated power ballad brilliantly, getting the balance between fragility and steely determination just right. The perfect soundtrack to every moment of self-doubt and wondering what the future holds.
#14 - The Bells of Notre Dame, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is Disney storytelling through song at one of its finest moments. Perfectly encapsulating the backstory of Quasimodo and Frollo, this not only sets up the characters but introduces the audience to both the choral and power ballad styles of song that are prevalent in the film. Exciting and breath-taking, this is one of the best openings to any Disney film.
#13 - A Whole New World, Aladdin
This, I know, will be a lot of people's favourites and yes - I do love the sight of Aladdin and Jasmine falling in love, their flight around the world is stunning but I still feel its a bit overhyped - its very saccharine (even for my tastes) and I'm not a massive fan of Aladdin's voice! Its still very good though, which is why it has made it high on my list.
#12 - Belle, Beauty and the Beast
Well this one stepped straight off the Broadway stage didn't it! With multiple layers of singing and lots of action, we are introduced to Belle and her neighbours' views about her! I love Paige O'Hara's voice and she carries this song perfectly, creating our outcast Disney heroine from the off. The various villagers are very funny, particularly the bald lady (see below!) and the baker's wife. I just wish I had more voices so I could sing along to all the parts!
#11 - Can You Feel The Love Tonight, The Lion King
Another beautiful ballad which shows two friends reunited after many years and falling in love with one another. I love the background chanting, the harmonies in the chorus, the look of pure love in Nala's eye...oh dear, think I'm getting a bit carried away!
Thanks again for reading people and I will have the next instalment up in a few days time!
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