Percussion. Strings. Winds. Words……
My love for all things Disney runs deep. No really. I’ve been fortunate to visit Walt Disney World 10 times in my 23 years of life, and plan to return in the future. I named my cat Jasmine. I once set my phone to ring “Ahhhhhhhaaaaa ahhhhhhaaaaaaahhaa” from the Little Mermaid when my friend Ariel would call. I even wrote my college admission essay on why I love Disney and how it’s been a huge influence on my life. Excessive? Maybe, but I did get accepted to every college I applied to, so BAM. Okay so most people are probably not as passionate about Disney as I am, but no one can deny how important Disney films and their soundtracks were to their childhood. Everyone has a soft spot for Disney. (For the rare Disney haters out there, I’ve always wanted to know: What is it like to have no soul? Do you still have to ability to feel?)
Disney has produced arguably the greatest animated films of all time, and their respected soundtracks were an integral part to their success. These songs were truly the heart of every film. Songs like, “A Whole New World,” “When You Wish Upon A Star.” “The Circle of Life.” “Under The Sea.” These are only a few of the songs that are most synonymous with Disney. Sure they are amazing, but what about all the other songs that make up Disney’s massive music collection? While I was going through my iTunes the other day, I came to a realisation. There are so many great Disney songs that are often overshadowed or even forgotten. Thus, I compiled a group of Disney songs that I feel are truly underrated.
By the way, these are in no particular order. I originally wanted to do a countdown list, because lists are awesome and I love them. However, it was just too hard haha.
“I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” from Hercules
“I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” is actually one of my all time favorite Disney songs. It’s Motown/show-tune sound is so infectious, it’s nearly impossible not to sing along. It’s also refreshing to see a Disney princess who is more independent and complex, as opposed to the usual love-sick and delusional princess. (Yes, I’m talking to YOU Ariel. Falling in love with the statue of a man you never met? Really?)
“God Help The Outcasts” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Unlike most of Disney’s films, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was very dark and complex. Religion, bigotry, lust…. Wow, this is a Disney movie? That said, this may be one of Disney’s most underrated films, and the soundtrack is no exception. It wasn’t until I was randomly listening to some of the songs a few years ago, that I realized how great the entire soundtrack is. “God Help The Outcasts” has always been a stand out to me. I’m pretty sure I almost cried when I first heard it. This song is so beautifully haunting and has great lyrics. Regardless of one’s religion, this song has a great message for everyone.
“Kiss The Girl” from The Little Mermaid
“Kiss The Girl” is often overshadowed by the likes of “Part of Your World” and “Under Sea”, which is a shame. It’s such a gorgeous song! The slow build up in the instrumentals, the harmonizing wildlife, and adorable lyrics make this a gem. Besides who can resist singing “Sha-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la”?
“I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” from Mulan
“LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. TO DEFEAT, THE HUNS!” Who knew Donny Osmond was so kick-ass? This song appears to be having a bit of a renaissance lately, as it should. I can’t really explain why “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” is so amazing, it just is. It’s the greatest song to sing in the car with friends, ever.
“Be Prepared” from The Lion King
Scar never gets enough credit. Like many, I don’t think I realized just how scary Scar was when I was a child. The guy killed his own brother, lives in an elephant graveyard, and has his hyena minions march like the Nazis and North Koreans. Along with “Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, “Be Prepared” is one of the best villain songs. Jeremy Irons’s low and growling voice in conjunction with the humming hyenas and percussion make this song so creepily good.
Fun Fact: Ever realize that Jeremy Irons’s voice sounds different towards the end of the song? Jeremy Irons’ reportedly blew out his voice after shouting the part “You won’t get a sniff without me!” Jim Cummings, one of the hyenas and long time voice actor for Disney, had to take over for the last part of the song.
Well there you go. 5 awesome Disney songs you should probably go download now if you don’t already own them. Like I mentioned earlier, this was a really hard group to compile. There are SO many underrated Disney songs. Therefore, I present you with some honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions: “Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, “Gaston” and “Something There” from Beauty and The Beast, “He’s A Tramp” from Lady and The Tramp, “Two Worlds” from Tarzan, and ”One Jump Ahead (Reprise)” from Aladdin.
