10. "Gotta Go My Own Way" from "High School Musical 2"
This still stands as one of the most tragic moments of my childhood. I completely expected this to be the "bathroom break" song, the one that's usually the emotional solo that has little purpose. But Zac Efron ran in there with his heart on his sleeve and cried his way into our hearts.
9. "Nothing's Wrong With Me" from "Pixel Perfect"
This movie was made as a part of Disney Channel's weird, experimental, existential phase, right around the time that "Tru Confessions" was released. Though this movie doesn't get a lot of attention, I feel that it fits the current phase of the 2010s, where it's "in" to be quirky and relatable, but still conventionally attractive. "You may find me just a little strange / I like dancing barefoot in the pouring rain..."
8. "On the Ride" from "Cow Belles"
Now, I'm not saying that I'm an advocate for "Cow Belles," but I am an advocate for Aly and AJ, and this song just has that great Aly and AJ vibe. I'm still waiting for their next album.
P.S. Did anyone remember Susie Crabgrass being in this movie? Because I didn't.
7. "This Is Me" from "Camp Rock"
The solo that started it all. I remember listening to this non-stop when "Camp Rock" premiered in 2008. I lived for her high notes. and also that it took Joe Jonas through the end of the second verse to recognize the song that he's been singing all summer.
6. "More Than Me" from "Stuck in the Suburbs"
Ah, Taran Killam's finest performance since playing Spalding on "The Amanda Show." I especially love his exceptional fake guitar-playing skills, in which he doesn't once change the chord he's making from what I assume is an A-chord. This song is legitimately great, though. I wonder if I can find a fiance who will agree to make this our wedding song.
6. "She's So Gone" from "Lemonade Mouth"
Yes, this one is tied for 6th. That's because it was so hard narrow down the options, and this one is so intense. Seriously, this song has some girl freakin' power. Her boyfriend wouldn't support her music career, so she kicked him to the curb. No, with this song, she more like drop-kicked him off into the Grand Canyon. As was said in another Disney Channel movie, "The Cheetah Girls," "If you don't respect my art, you can't have my heart."
5. "Super Nova Girl" from "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century"
I have no idea why the creators of this movie thought that this is how real human beings who happened to live on the moon would dress, but I'm really into their representation of "other worldly" music. This song should be everybody's jam.
On a different note, can we just pause for a moment and soak in Protozoa's hair?
4. "Stick to the Status Quo" from "High School Musical"
Talk about an under-appreciated song. This song had some serious social commentary. We're talking a bunch of high school kids telling their peers that they can be who they really are, as long as "who they are" fits with the preconceived stereotypes others have for them. Plus, I heard that the guy who plays the cello ended up in prison. They really should've let him play his damn cello.
3. "Cheetah Sisters" from "The Cheetah Girls"
Who can forget the emotion, the matching sweat suits, and the broom dancing? Let's also not forget the killer guitar solo by the guy whose name is Derek for some reason, when the other characters are Galleria, Aquanetta, Chanel, and Dorinda.
2. "Bet On It" from "High School Musical 2"
I don't really think I have to say anything about this choice. Look at the dance moves. Look at the raw passion. Look at the spectacular CGI!
1. "What Dreams Are Made Of" from "The Lizzie McGuire Movie"
Now, before anyone says anything, I know that this isn't technically a Disney Channel Original Movie, but it's based on a Disney Channel Original Series, so I say it counts. Plus, this song is not only the best Disney Channel song, but the best song ever. Nothing beats that moment when Lizzie rips off her skirt to reveal a trendy pair of silver, flared pants and a belly-baring top. Iconic. But not as iconic as Lizzie and Isabella teaming up to put that smarmy jerk Paolo straight into the ground. No one messes with Lizzie, and especially not TWO Lizzies.
