On 6 March this year, Matthew Morrison (aka Mr Schue from
Glee) released
Disney Dreamin' with Matthew Morrison, a selection of reimagined songs from classic Disney films including
Aladdin,
Hercules,
Tarzan and
Peter Pan. Then, a little over a month later, ABC aired "The Disney Family Singalong", hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featuring a star-studded lineup including Josh Groban, Ariana Grande and Christina Aguilera. These two events put me in a Disney state of mind and prompted me to devise a list of personal Disney favourites (which also reminded me that the 90s were indeed Disney's golden age).
The Bare Necessities - The Jungle Book (1967)
A finger-snapping toe-tapping swinging song in which Baloo teaches young Mowgli to appreciate the small things in life and forget about his worries and strife as they feast on bananas, coconuts, paw paws and prickly pears. A timeless classic with a pertinent message.
Kiss The Girl - The Little Mermaid (1989)
Firstly, I can't believe that this film was released in 1989! The song is sung in the scene in which Sebastian, with the help of other fauna and flora, is desperately trying to get Prince Eric to kiss Ariel by creating the perfect romantic setting to inspire him. The song starts off with Sebastian conducting an orchestra: percussion (turtle shells), strings (crickets) and winds (reeds) before he starts singing ("There you see here / Sitting there across the way") while flamingos and frogs provide the backup vocals.
Beauty And The Beast - Beauty And The Beast (1991)
The version of the song as it appears in the film is performed by Angela Lansbury, who also provides the voice of Mrs Potts. The song is used in the scene after Belle and Beast's respective makeovers, including a thorough scrubbing of Beast. They enjoy a feast before taking a spin around the dancefloor while the crockery, cutlery and furniture admire their handiwork with pride.
A Whole New World - Aladdin (1992)
A magic carpet ride and a magical duet about new possibilities and indescribable feelings. The romantic carpet ride takes Aladdin and Jasmine on a breathtaking trip around the world, passing famous sights from Egypt to China, while simultaneously taking the listener on a soaring emotional journey.
Circle Of Life - The Lion King (1994)
There is nothing quite like the distinctive Zulu call and chant at the start of the song ("Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba" which means "Here comes a lion, father" in Zulu) and the scenes of the animals making their way to Pride Rock to meet baby Simba. This is followed by the crescendo to the song's climax and Simba's reveal - definitely one of the best songs in the Disney catalogue (thank you SIr Elton John and Tim Rice).
Touch The Sky - Brave (2012)
Princess Merida sings this song while riding her steed through the Scottish Highlands, her ginger locks blowing in the breeze, practising her archery skills and spreading her independent "I'll be shooting fer me own hand" values. The song features traditional Scottish music including a hint of bagpipes.
Remember Me - Coco (2017)
This tender song appears throughout the film: performed by a mariachi band, as a lullaby and as a nostalgic connection between generations within the film. Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade also perform a pop version of the song in the credits, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2018.
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