As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who’s spent countless hours dancing around my living room to these timeless tunes, let me tell you that each of these songs holds a special place in my heart. But if I had to pick one that resonates with me the most, it would have to be “Beauty and the Beast.
During the ’90s, Disney saw the creation of some truly exceptional songs that remain timeless classics today. The Disney Renaissance, which spanned from 1989 to 1999, produced memorable musical masterworks such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” In this era, it seemed as though every film released by Disney became a beloved family staple. However, what truly set these movies apart from their predecessors was their exceptional music.
Disney brought in legends like Sir Elton John and Phil Collins to write some of the most iconic songs in Disney’s catalog. Picking the best ’90s Disney song is a debate that could last several years and narrowing it down to a subjective top twelve was nearly impossible, but we did our best. Here are our picks for the greatest and most iconic Disney movie songs of the 1990s.
12 “This Is Halloween”
This tune is universally appealing, making it easy for individuals across all generations to recognize its greatness as one of the most iconic Halloween songs ever made. “This Is Halloween” serves as an introductory number in Tim Burton’s film The Nightmare Before Christmas, introducing us not only to Jack Skellington, but also to the delightful cast of ghoul characters within the movie. It immediately establishes a lively and eerie atmosphere, drawing viewers into the enchanting world of Halloween.
A Spooky Tune to Get The Party Started
This Is Halloween” distinguishes itself among ’90s favorites as it’s not a duet or a solo track. Instead, it boasts an ensemble of eerie characters, each getting their moment in the spotlight. When playing this song with friends, it’s amusing to attempt singing the parts in character voices. It’s an ideal choice for any Halloween party playlist; whether you’re a kid or an adult, this chilling tune is sure to bring enjoyment to all.
11 “Hakuna Matata”
“One memorable tune from a highly acclaimed Disney movie is also among the top Disney songs ever made. This catchy song hails from The Lion King, where Broadway star Nathan Lane lends his comedic singing skills as Timon, and Earnie Sabella does the same as Pumba. Although it might not boast the most powerful vocals in Disney’s repertoire, the duo of Lane and Sabella delivers an entertaining number that’s simple to join in on.
It Means No Worries, For the Rest of Your Days
“When ‘Hakuna Matata’ plays, it creates a relaxed ambiance, as if you’re casually socializing with your closest friends on a comfortable summer evening in the backyard. Pumba’s humorous discourse about his gas predicament is so over-the-top and amusing that it makes you laugh, regardless of your age.
10 “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
In a somewhat pre-Pixar era, Disney played a significant role in the development of the “Toy Story” franchise, now fully owned by Disney. The song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” one of many catchy tunes by Randy Newman, is a key introduction to the “Toy Story” series. Unique among ’90s Disney hits, this tune isn’t sung by any characters from “Toy Story.” Instead, it showcases Randy Newman demonstrating his mastery over themes of friendship through his singing.
You Just Remember What Your Old Pal Said
The melody “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” evokes thoughts of cherished friendships, regardless of their proximity or the passage of time. Even friends long absent are brought to mind, as this tune stirs memories of deep affection that neither space nor years can diminish. Reminiscent of relaxed evenings spent sharing tales with companions, the soothing rhythm and tempo of the song create a sense of camaraderie. This tune has become emblematic for the Toy Story series, appearing in all its installments.
9 “Out There”
The enchanting soundtrack of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is often overlooked, possibly because of its more mature themes compared to traditional Disney classics. Despite being filled with catchy numbers that children will love, such as the lively “showstoppers” and the powerful ballad “God Help the Outcasts,” it’s the poignant solo from Quasimodo, “Out There,” that truly strikes a chord with listeners.
It’s Not Just Because of a TikTok Sound
Absolutely, the song has seen a significant rise in popularity due to TikTok, yet it remains an emotional powerhouse. Despite starting off at a leisurely pace, it’s the crescendo leading up to the final chorus that truly shines and ranks among the finest male vocal performances in Disney history. The way Quasimodo holds his final note and the choir joins in with the Notre Dame theme creates an experience that might be the closest our ears have ever come to heaven.
8 “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”
If you’re seeking a fresh track to liven up your workout mix, why not try “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan? This empowering tune was given a touch of magic by singer Donny Osmond. Osmond doesn’t go all out with his performance, but his strong voice and delivery are top-notch. The humorous interjections from other singers add a fun twist, while the male chorus singing “be a man” continues to send shivers down listeners’ spines even 15 years after its release.
Must Be Swift as the Coursing River
This song sends out the vibe that anyone can fight their way through anything, despite lacking actual physical fighting abilities. It also gives off pep talk vibes at high school pep rallies. Even though “Reflection” is a prettier song, and objectively has a more impressive vocal performance, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is still the fan favorite and it is an RIAA double platinum record. Also, if you don’t shout out the final note of the song and strike a karate pose, you’re either lying or hate fun. Pick your poison.
7 “You’ll Be in My Heart”
Phil Collins put his heart and soul into crafting the soundtrack for Tarzan, making it perfect for any Disney-themed get-together. Tracks like “Son of Man,” “Strangers Like Me,” and “Trashin’ the Campsite” are sure to get the party started. Collins truly nailed the assignment, and every Tarzan song is fantastic in its own right. However, “You’ll Be in My Heart” often resonates deeply with Disney enthusiasts.
For One So Small, You Seem So Strong
This tune carries a strong impact, leaving you with a sense of being embraced tenderly by music at its conclusion. Similar to other tracks from the Tarzan soundtrack, it seems as though it was destined for the movie instead of being composed specifically for it. The song’s innate charm contributed to its success, reaching number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning triple platinum status by the RIAA. Notably, “You’ll Be in My Heart” was awarded an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
6 “Zero to Hero”
In the ’90s, it appears that Disney songs from the early part of the decade receive more admiration from fans than those from later in the decade. However, it’s a shame when you think about it because the latter half of the decade produced gems like “Tarzan,” “Mulan,” and certainly “Hercules.” Tracks such as “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” and “Go the Distance” might be worthy of recognition, but play one of these songs, and you can’t deny that they make you feel energized and want to dance.
Bless My Soul, Herc Was on a Role
From beginning to end, “Zero to Hero” is an entertaining ride, showcasing exceptional vocal performances by Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, Roz Ryan, LaChanze, and Vanéese Y. Thomas as the muses. The rhythmic shifts maintain a lively pace on the dance floor, making it quite catchy. Notably, this tune served as the theme for Hercules: The Animated Series, and Ariana Grande delivers an outstanding rendition of it in the We Love Disney collection.
5 “Colors of the Wind”
In the animated movie “Pocahontas,” the song titled “Colors of the Wind” creates an enchanting scene. As one listens to this tune, it seems as if one is magically transported to a serene location, perhaps perched atop a mountain with panoramic views of an ancient forest below. Renowned composer Stephen Swartz asserted that this song significantly impacted the movie’s overall creation, demonstrating its profound impact. This is a clear indication of a truly powerful song.
Can You Sing with All the Voices of the Mountain?
Colors of the Wind” experienced significant success, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Canadian Adult Contemporary charts. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it gold, and it was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category. Moreover, a pop-punk rendition of the song can be found on Disney’s A Whole New Sound album.
4 “I2I”
The songs from “The Goofy Movie,” particularly “I2I” by Tevin Campbell, still pack quite a punch today, much like they did in the ’90s. These tunes, especially “I2I,” helped establish Powerline as a beloved character and even gained him a dedicated fanbase in reality. Many people recall this song from the movie fondly, and for good reason. Influenced by music legends such as Michael Jackson and Prince, Tevin Campbell nailed his performance, creating one of the most memorable pop songs in Disney film history. If you hear it playing or on the radio, chances are you’ll pause whatever you’re doing, listen for a moment, and exclaim, “Wow!
For the First Time Ever, We’re Seeing Things Eye to Eye
The right moment matters significantly when you introduce new music. When The Goofy Movie dropped, Grunge had essentially taken over as the dominant music genre, pushing pop aside as the most popular style. Consequently, an ’80s-style pop anthem wasn’t typically what mainstream radio stations were willing to play. However, with time and persistence, it has managed to gain the audience it deserves.
3 “A Whole New World”
The classic Disney film, Aladdin, boasts an enduring popularity, largely due to its memorable soundtrack. Among the standout tracks, the duet “A Whole New World” has particularly resonated with music enthusiasts. This enchanting love song, as captivating as the movie scene it accompanies, is beautifully penned and consistently sends shivers down listeners’ spines with its powerful vocal performances.
Don’t You Dare Close Your Eyes
Beyond being a cherished tune for Disney enthusiasts, ‘A Whole New World’ has also become an iconic duet choice for karaoke sessions. The song has received acclaim from radio stations and award ceremonies alike. It dominated various charts, such as the US Billboard Hot 100, ultimately earning a double platinum status by the RIAA and winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award. Translated into numerous languages, this timeless melody continues to captivate listeners regardless of time or place, making it almost impossible not to join in the singing.
2 “Circle of Life”
Let’s get this out of the way. Yes, you could make an argument for basically every song on The Lion King soundtrack to be in this spot, and yes, we would have to yield to some of the points made, but answer this question first: If you surveyed a thousand people and asked them, “What is the greatest opening to a song ever recorded?” We would be willing to bet you would get a few hundred people to scream the intro to “Circle of Life.” This song sets the tone for the whole movie and if you aren’t getting goosebumps from the tip of your finger to your shoulders when the chorus drops, you are either hard of hearing, or a robot.
‘Til We Find Our Place, On the Path Unwinding
Sir Elton John wasn’t playing when he wrote the Lion King soundtrack. “Circle of Life” was one of three songs from the soundtrack to be nominated for an Oscar and Grammy Award. While it didn’t win the awards, Sir Elton John’s pop recording of the song did find success on the charts and became a RIAA platinum album. Is it a banger like some of the other tracks? No. Is it a classic love song like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”? No. But it is undeniably one of the most powerful music performances in Disney’s musical catalog.
1 “Beauty and the Beast”
As a movie critic, I must say that “Beauty and the Beast” is, without a doubt, the pearl of Disney’s musical treasure chest. The melody alone can transport you to the brink of an emotional, heartwarming moment. Compared to the flashiness of “Be Our Guest” or the bravado in “Gaston,” it may seem rather straightforward and unassuming. However, its true beauty lies not in its complexity but in its sincerity and mature themes. Unlike many love songs that rely on tired clichés, this one delves into the vulnerability of admitting one’s own flaws, the courage to open up, and the grit required to overcome obstacles together.
Both a Little Scared, Neither One Prepared
Angela Lansbury deserves considerable praise for transforming this song into an emotionally powerful anthem. Her selection to sing it for the movie was spot-on. Over time, “Beauty and the Beast” has been reinterpreted by numerous artists such as Celine Dion, Ariana Grande with John Legend. It’s a RIAA platinum hit that climbed up to number 9 on the US Hot 100, earning an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award along the way. In essence, it embodies the essence of Disney enchantment and is likely to remain one of the most revered Disney tunes, akin to being etched on Mt. Rushmore among other legendary Disney songs.
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2024-10-29 04:32