10) Remember Me (Coco)
I love the multiple variations that this song undergoes throughout the film, as each have their own merits. I like the upbeat showtune sung by Ernesto, and the more somber variation that Hector sings. But, of course, it’s the heartbreakingly desperate version that Miguel sings to his Mama Coco when she’s on the verge of forgetting the memories of her father forever. It never fails to make me cry.
9) Go the Distance (Hercules)
Prepare to see a lot of motivational/epic songs like this one as we go further down the list. Hercules is one of the funniest classic Disney films, but it knows when to get more serious and emotional when it needs to. This song is an excellent example, and its uplifting nature resonated with me even when I was a kid.
8) Friend Like Me (Aladdin)
This is one of those Disney songs that just perpetually gets stuck in my head. The second I allow my brain to hum along to even a few seconds of this song, I already have to accept the fact that it will just be living in my brain for the rest of the day. It’s catchy, funny (bless you, Robin Williams), and has a great instrumental beat backing it up, especially with the drums in the bridge.
7) Be our Guest (Beauty and the Beast)
There is a tiny little bit of bias here, as I once acted in my school’s production of Beauty and the Beast, but I’ve been fond of this song ever since I was young. I guess I just really love those big showtune numbers with a constantly evolving song and increasingly chaotic but bouncy visuals. This is another earworm song, for sure.
6) Hellfire (Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Disney’s best villain song is also one of their most haunting, goosebumps inducing songs as well. Everything is perfect in this song, from the chanting choir to the fiery, oppressive visuals, to Frollo’s characterization in both his words and actions. It’s funny, because I have absolutely no recollection of this song from watching this movie as a kid. Perhaps it’s because it only becomes twice as memorable, and twice as frightening, as an adult?
5) Let it Go (Frozen)
Look, I get it. You’re tired of Frozen. Whether it’s because of the obsession of a child in your life, or the constant presence of Frozen on the TV and the radio, you’re tired of Frozen. It’s understandable. Still, if you allow yourself a mental moment to take a step back, try to remember that it actually is a pretty good movie, and that Let it Go is an absolutely phenomenal song. The power ballad to end all power ballads (well…until a bit further in the list, at least), this song is one heck of an amazingly catchy trip.
4) Shiny (Moana)
Could I put into words why I love this song so much? Hardly, and that’s because even I don’t know why I love this song so much and keep coming back to it to listen to over and over. It could be because of the alluringly trippy visuals, or the humor mixed with intimidation that the lyrics handle so well. It could be because of the intensely great instrumentation. It could be because Tamatoa is just such a great scene-stealing villain in this song. Hm…all of the above, final answer!
3) How Far I’ll Go (Moana)
For a while, Shiny was my favorite song from Moana, but this song grows on me the more I listen to it (admittedly, it helps that this song has such a fun routine in Just Dance, which I play with some regularity). Similar to Let it Go, this song carries forward all of the emotional weight and character momentum of Moana, encapsulating everything great about her in a single, short, but ultimately great theme.
2) I’ll Make a Man Out of You (Mulan)
I mean, this one had to be on the list, right? If this song isn’t on your own top ten Disney songs list…then I politely respect your opinion. But, come on! This is peak class Disney right here! Catchy, sung brilliantly, scored perfectly, animated awesomely…it’s got everything! It tells a whole fist-pumping story in the span of minutes, portraying both the training montage of the heroes and an inspiring tune at the same time. Certified classic.
1) Crossing the Line (Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure)
Chances are, you’ve never heard this song before in your life. If that’s the case, click the link below and partake in the greatness immediately. Some people have a tendency to write off the Disney animated shows without proper consideration, and to do so would be to commit a great injustice to this phenomenally superb, villainous power ballad.
This jaw-dropping Season Three opener sets the stage for the explosive, emotional, epic final season confrontation between Rapunzel and her former best friend Cassandra. The two girls pour their hearts out to each other, unable to find common ground. The vocals are beautiful (an inspiring performance from Eden Espinosa), the drums and guitars are chillingly amazing, and the incredible character development packed into one song is stellar.
Give this genuinely great show a watch if you’ve got the time. It’s solid across the board!
But hey, that’s just my opinion!
The Contrarian Corner 