Disney has the greatest movie music. I don't even think that is up for debate. It might as well just be a fact. So, I decided to write the hardest article ever written and narrow down the songs to a mere ten and rank the best of the very best. A common theme you will notice is an abundance of villain songs and multiple "Lion King," "Mulan" and "Hunchback of Notre Dame" songs. Mostly because Disney villains get the best songs, and "Lion King," "Mulan" and "Hunchback," have the best soundtracks, in my opinion.
10. "Out There" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
This song has one of the very best lead ups and set ups. It starts with the villain Frollo telling Quasi to stay put because he is a monster. It then transitions into Quasi singing about his aspirations to go out and walk among people just for a day. This song really hammers home the warmness of the lead character and this is the moment you fully become on board with him and like him. He isn't selfish or childish. He just wants to know what the world is like. Tom Hulce played Quasi and his voice has just the warmness this character needed. It's an underrated little powerhouse.
9. "Circle of Life" from "The Lion King."
This is the best opening song for a Disney movie because it captures perfectly the movie in which you are about to watch. It lets you know that you are watching a massive movie. You are watching an epic. The opening notes hits you square in the jaw and it continues from there. The crescendo is powerful and grand. There is much new I can say that hasn't been said already. It's just as good as it's reputation gives it.
8. "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid."
This song totally helps with Ariel's character. This establishes that she is a dreamer and just wants to separate from the pact. She isn't just a spoiled brat. She just doesn't feel as if being under the sea is for her. What really makes this song amazing is the vocals. Some of the best vocals in Disney history. She hits those powerful notes with such ease, it's a marvel. I love how it hits a high point but ends on a softer almost defeated tone. It's just well put together.
7. "Strangers Like Me" from "Tarzan."
The entire "Tarzan" is full of Phil Collins gold. However, "Strangers Like Me" is by far the movies most fitting jam. I think it best gets Tarzan's psyche as he mets these humans like him and adapting. This strongest point of the song is when it slows down and examines Tarzan's growing romantic feelings towards Jane. Plus the beat and chorus is just plain vintage Phil Collins. This is also Collins best vocal performance on the album. He just cuts lose.
6. "Reflection" from "Mulan."
This song is often passed over for a song that will show up later on this list. However, this is a really powerful song with a message most can relate too. It tackles personal identity and what it means to fit in. To gain acceptance from those who mean the most to ones self. Not feeling good enough and wonder if being something else would make life easier. Plus the vocals are a slam dunk. This song is complex and takes the idea of looking into a mirror and adding to it.
5. "Friend Like Me" from "Aladdin."
Taking away the fact Robin Williams was born to play the genie. This song is just plain awesome. This song is Robin Williams showing off just how truly talented he was. The humor and fun the song posses is the truest representation of the man. It also spoke nothing but truth. We all wanted a friend just like that genie of the lamp. For all the reason he explained in the song. It's catchy and one of most memorable Disney laid out.
4. "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from "Little Mermaid."
This song lives and breathes upon its build-up. This song has many levels and is complied perfectly. It starts out as a waltz and ends up as manic ballad. It's fun to see a song start out so cheerful and playful and transition into something crazy and sinister. Ursula was a great villain and she had an amazing song backing her up.
3. "Be Prepared" from "The Lion King."
This is the most underrated song from "The Lion King" and it's also it's best. This song just encapsulates sinister. It even has Hyenas turning into Nazi's, it's so evil. Scar is one of those villains who loved how evil he was. This song was a celebration to cunning and villainy. It doesn't pull any punches. It has evil in its DNA and it such a joy to listen too. It also ends on such a strong note.
2. "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" from "Mulan."
If you haven't quoted, "Let's get down to business to defeat the huns" you are a damn liar. This song is just so cool. The vocals and music mesh perfectly. The chorus just might be the most badass thing in history. We all strive to be as swift as a the coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon, with all the strength of a raging fire and be as mysterious as the dark side of the moon.
1. "Hellfire" from "Hunchback Of Notre Dame."
It's no shock that the greatest villain in Disney history has the greatest song in Disney history. Atmosphere and complexity are key here. Each second this song plays is dripping in eerie and unsettle atmosphere. It feels as if something is way off and it makes one uncomfortable. It's also a song about a religious man coming to terms with his lustful feelings in a insane way. The song is basically him proclaiming he will make the object of his desire sleep with him or he will send her to the gates of hell. It's three minutes of pure insanity executed perfectly. It's Disney tackling religion, sex and evil in one felt swoop and it feels more like something you'd see on Broadway and not a G-rated family movie. This song had major balls. It was a gamble that more than payed off. This song is epic and shows just how adaptable Disney can be.




















