Some of the best movies today have impeccable costumes and set designs, the biggest actors, and big-name directors attached to them. However, a frequently forgotten aspect of making a movie happens to be a good soundtrack. Music acts as a sort of backbone that brings a scene to life. Even in movies that are not musicals, the backing track of an epic action sequence or a really emotional death can make or break a movie. However, for Disney, the music is unmatched.
Alan Menken is a writer and composer for countless titles in Disney movies. He is responsible for writing the melodies and lyrics we cannot stop listening to even after decades of initially hearing them. Disney is a place where all of our wildest dreams come to life, and there is nothing more magical than the music that holds it all together. For such a timeless genre of music, Menken has been able to compose music that captures what Disney is all about. From “A Whole New World” to “Under the Sea,” it is time for us to dive deep into the best original songs Alan Menken has composed for Disney.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
10 I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) — Hercules
Walt Disney Pictures
Even though Meg refused, we will scream how much we are in love with this song at the top of our lungs. Menken is responsible for the cultural reset that was “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” from the 1997 animated Disney film Hercules. During this part of the film, Meg, voiced by the amazing Susan Egan, is confronting her growing feelings for Hercules, and, with the help of the muses, delivers a number that is easily one of the best in the movie.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
9 Arabian Nights — Aladdin
An opening number is supposed to really set the tone for the rest of the film, and it looks like Menken is an expert at this. Menken is credited with the production of the opening number in the 1992 film Aladdin. “Arabian Nights” is a haunting opening number that captures the world we are about to enter. It is only one song out of a plethora of incredible songs from this soundtrack.
8 Colors of the Wind — Pocahontas
The problematic plot to the side for one second, the music from Disney’s Pocahontas is some of the most beautiful in all of Disney. If you thought Menken’s credentials could not get better, here is just another one to add to the books. Menken is behind the stunning “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. This song is one that we just love to sing at the top of our lungs.
7 Under the Sea — The Little Mermaid
Nothing captures the underwater magic in The Little Mermaid like “Under the Sea.” As mentioned before, music in film is like a backbone to a scene. Whether it be a complete performance or just background music, Menken understood the musical assignment and what it takes to make music for Disney. This number captured the fun of what Disney is, and is one of the most recognizable songs in the studio’s history. Also exciting, Menken will be back for new music in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the Disney classic.
6 I See The Light — Tangled
When Tangled came out, Disney fans were eager to see Repunzel portrayed in her own full movie. If someone were to choose a favorite song from this amazing film, “I See The Light” is a very safe choice because…it is. When the song plays in the movie, we are at a turning point for both Rapunzel and Flynn. This stunning duet backs an animated masterpiece in the late floating to the sky, bringing all of Rapunzel’s dreams to life.
5 Mother Knows Best — Tangled
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Continuing through Menken for the Tangled soundtrack, “Mother Knows Best” is one of the best songs ever performed by a Disney villain. Mother Gothel is undeniably ruthless, cunning, and terrifying. When Rapunzel hints at the idea of stepping out of her tower, Mother Gothel is quick to shut her down in an extremely condescending and threatening number on how she knows best in this situation.
4 Belle — Beauty and the Beast
Menken has received Academy Awards for some of his contributions to certain soundtracks. With that in mind, let’s dive into just one of them in Beauty and the Beast. “Belle” is the opening musical number in the 1991 animated film. We are introduced to Belle as a beautiful outsider in her small town. Setting a scene can be done in a variety of ways. However, this musical number really made things clear for audiences how Belle is determined to find adventure in that great wide somewhere like she has always dreamed about.
3 Go the Distance — Hercules
Want to feel like you can do anything? Take one listen to “Go the Distance” from Hercules and take the world by storm. The chances that your favorite Disney song is on this list are high because apparently, Menken cannot seem to miss. Disney’s music touches people past just a nostalgic factor. It inspires people, and the instrumentals, lyrics, and visuals make “Go the Distance” one of the best songs in Menken’s pocket.
2 Part of Your World — The Little Mermaid
The live-action Little Mermaid movie has us all ready to explore what it is like to live under the sea. If you thought Menken couldn’t be more present in Disney as it is, he is the man behind “Part of Your World.” This number comes about when Ariel is expressing her troubles to Sebastian. She is frustrated with her father’s inability to understand her fascination with humans. With this ballad, Menken perfectly constructs Ariel’s longing to be a part of the world out of the waters.
1 A Whole New World — Aladdin
Menken is probably most known for taking us to “A Whole New World” with his musical compositions for Aladdin. Even if you have never seen a second of an Aladdin film, you probably recognize the stunning intro to “A Whole New World.” Aladdin is a Disney classic and this song is 100% one of the most popular and favored songs in Disney history. Whether it be the breathtaking animation or the vocal magic between Lea Salonga and Brad Kane, this entire scene captured our hearts, and we should give the credit to the one and only Alan Menken.
