I loved Disney growing up, and still do. They may perhaps have taken a dip in quality over the last few years, but speaking as a guy who grew up in the late 90's and early 00's, back in my day, Disney could do no wrong. And one thing that Disney managed to hit out of the park time and time again was music. These are the top 5 songs ever to appear in a Disney film.
5. A Whole New World - Aladdin (Sung by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga)
This song is so romantic it makes me want to marry Aladdin. Of the four big Disney films to come out in the 90's, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King, Aladdin is usually considered the weakest. This song however is definitely one of Disney's best moments, a truly touching and sincere moment, bolstered massively by the fantastic vocal performance of Lea Salonga as Jasmine. It's very genuine and emotionally driven in addition to being just a very good vocal performance. This song might have placed a little higher were it not for the less than stellar vocal performance of Brad Kane as Aladdin. Don't get me wrong, it isn't bad, but there are a few moments where it does let the song down a little. Still, indubitably a great song.
4. Friends on the Other Side - The Princess and the Frog (Sung by physics defying wizard, Keith David)
This is a film that some of you might not have seen, hell, even I haven't seen it, so it's a little hard to comment on this song from a story telling standpoint but OH... MY... GOD... this song is SO catchy. It is weaponised catchiness. The problem that of course is that there really isn't much else to say, it's a song that's pretty much on the list solely because it pushes my buttons as far as music goes, although it's certainly helped by impressive visuals and an excellent vocal performance from warlock master of time and space, Keith David. I guess all I can really say is give it a listen. It doesn't quite stack up critically to the rest of the songs on the list, but between that infections catchiness and the smooth vocals of Jedi Master and the legendary son of Zeus, Keith David Not the most professional review I've ever done, but hey, no one's perfect, I'm just the closest thing to it.
3. Circle of Life - The Lion King (Sung by Carmen Twillie and Lebo M)
*Clears throat* ...NAAAAAA ZE BETNYAAAAAAA
Sorry, couldn't resist
All kidding aside, I am more than willing to go on record and say that I think the opening to The Lion King is the greatest intro to a film I've ever seen. It introduces our main characters our main characters and sucks you into the film. I admit that without the visual accompaniment, this song wouldn't be so high on the list, but it is nigh impossible to sit watching that intro and not get chills down your spine. It really establishes the gravitas of the whole situation, the birth of the kings son, it sucks you in, it makes you feel that this really is a massive event that you're watching, that you're a part of. The song its self is very good, it obviously ties in with the films central "circle of life" theme, and really helps establish that theme right from the word go. With a duo as potent as Hanz zimmer and Elton John composing the soundtrack, The Lion King was always going to have awesome music, and it doesn't get much better than the Circle of Life.
2. Be Prepared - The Lion King (Sung by Jeremy Irons)
The primary antagonist of The Lion King, Scar, tends to divide opinion. Some people view him as whiny and camp, while others point out Jeremy Irons masterful vocal performance and the fact that Scar actually manages to achieve his goals, killing one of the main characters and taking over pride rock. I tend to lean more to the latter school of thought, but one thing most people agree on is that Be Prepared is one of the best Disney songs ever. Jeremy Irons is no singer, but he doesn't have to be, his vocal performance for Be Prepared is as excellent as it is throughout the rest of the film, as Scar reveals his plans to his Hyena minions. It's a perfect example of not sacrificing storytelling for good music, or vice versa, as this song manages both with panache. The visual accompaniment is excellent too, at one point Scar is seen looking down over an army of Hyenas bearing a less than coincidental resemblance to the traditional view of a certain army who fought in a certain war from 1939 to 1945... not naming any names. Some people don't like it, personally I think it works. Regardless, Be Prepared is a great song, and a great example of how to further a story through music.
1. Hellfire - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Sung by Tony Jay)
In terms of artistic merit, Hellfire may just be the highest peak that Disney have ever reached. This song is nothing short of masterful from beginning to end. Let's start with the actual performance. Tony Jay is a roaring wonder throughout the film as Frollo, one of the great Disney villains, thanks in no small part to this song. It's not the best pure singing performance you'll ever hear but it doesn't need to be. As an overall vocal performance, it's terrific, Jay's authoritative baritone anchoring what are some absolutely tremendous lyrics. The lyrics are quite buzz word heavy, a good example being the line "Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone", but it isn't at the expense of substance as they suck you in like a black hole to Frollo's state of mind, his internal anguish at the thought of damning his soul in exchange for acting on his lust for Esmerelda. The song is excellently structured, starting off as a latin chant before evolving and building over the course of it's 3 and a quarter minutes into an intense, straight up scary finale, as Frollo accepts the fate of his decision. Hellfire is as an intense and gripping piece of music as you are likely to come across in any medium, blending music, storytelling and character development in spellbinding fashion. I don't hesitate for a moment to call it a masterpiece.
No comments:
Post a Comment