111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 4

Ryan Dosier - Hello, Disney fans! First off, an apology for the lack of updates to this series lately. I just moved across the country, so my life has been hectic as all get out. But I've found some time to settle in and listen to some of my favorite Disney music and continue 111 Awesome Disney Songs! Here's Part 4...

34.)   "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" from Cinderella
Of all the magic numbers produced by Disney animated films, the incredibly hard to spell "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" may just be the finest. The Fairy Godmother bounces and bobs her way through this delightful ditty, with some nonsensical lyrics and joyful fun. Though the Fairy Godmother's appearance is incredibly brief, the song makes it endlessly memorable. Favorite Lyrics: "Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/Put 'em together and what have you got/Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/It'll do magic believe it or not/Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo."

35.)   "The Phony King of England" from Robin Hood
One of the major highlights of Robin Hood is its delightful soundtrack. Most of the songs are handled by the rooster minstrel Alan-A-Dale, but the best song in the film is absolutely the jazzy tune performed by Little John. Phil Harris, who did the voice of Baloo in The Jungle Book and Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats returns for his third Disney animated feature in a row as Little John and delivers this deliciously silly and fun tune. Favorite Lyrics: "He sits alone on a giant throne/Pretending he's the king/A little tyke who's rather like a puppet on a string."

36.)   "A Guy Like You" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This song, performed by the three gargoyles of the film, Hugo, Victor, and Laverne, is vastly different than any other song in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Yet, it still fits (in my opinion). It provides a moment of levity in the middle of some pretty hefty darkness. The gargoyles are fun and bouncing and the song is the same. I adore this number so much. Favorite Lyrics: "Paris, the city of lovers, is glowing this evening... True! That's because it's on fire, but still, there's l'amore."

37.)   "Sugar Rush" from Wreck-It Ralph
Ah, Wreck-It Ralph, how I adore thee. Absolutely one of my favorite Disney animated features. Wreck-It Ralph has so much fun going on per second that it's incredible. The theme song to the candy-coated kart racer "Sugar Rush" is a blast. It's clearly influenced by many factors, including 8-bit music, Japanese anime themes, and pop music. I love it. Favorite Lyrics: "S-U-G-A-R, jump into your racing car, it's Sugar Rush! Sugar Rush!"

38.)   "When I See an Elephant Fly" from Dumbo
Perhaps one of the most racially divisive moments in any Disney animated film, but it really isn't bad as many casual fans assume it is. The Crows in the film are all voiced by an actual African American scat band and are portrayed as heroes of the film. They raise Dumbo up and allow him to fly. The song they sing pokes fun at poor Dumbo, but it's so fun that it's hard to be too upset. Favorite Lyrics: "I seen a peanut stand/I heard a rubber band/ I seen a needle that winked its eye/But I be done seen about everything when I see an elephant fly!"

39.)   "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat" from The Aristocats
Although Disney animation took awhile to find its foothold again after the passing of Walt Disney, this moment in The Aristocats, the first animated film released without Walt's input, showed signs that things would be okay. This jazzy classic song is a perennial favorite for many folks who grew up loving The Aristocats--including myself. Favorite Lyrics: "Ev'rybody's pickin' up on that feline beat/'cause ev'rythin' else is obsolete/A square with a horn makes you wish you weren't born/Ev'ry time he plays/With a square in the act, you can set music back/To the caveman days."

40.)   "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid
"Ariel, listen to me. The human world? It's a mess!" Darn right, Sebastian. I don't think there was anyone, young or old, who has seen The Little Mermaid and who didn't immediately want to jump ship and go live under the water after seeing this Oscar-winning song performed. Simply one of the finest musical numbers ever put on film, with color and charm, an endlessly catchy tune, and insane lyrics, "Under the Sea" is the best of the best. Favorite Lyrics: "Darling it's better, down where it's wetter/Take it from me!/Up on the shore, they work all day/Out in the sun, they slave away/While we're devoting, full time to floating/Under the sea!"

41.)   "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid
Sebastian's two songs from The Little Mermaid right in a row? Yup. Blame iTunes shuffle. Anyway! "Kiss the Girl" is one of the most soulful and wonderful Disney love songs there is. The slow Caribbean beat and Samuel E. Wright's vocal work as Sebastian is astounding. Plus, it's a great motivator for taking a chance with that girl (or guy or sandwich) you really like. Favorite Lyrics: "Now's your moment/Floating in a blue lagoon/Boy, you better do it soon/No time will be better."

42.)   "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella
Probably the most famous song from Cinderella, which marked a major turning point for Disney animation, saving the studio after World War II ravaged the funds. This little song is what opened this great film and set a tone for the rest of the film and the rest of Walt Disney's career in feature animation. It's beautiful. Favorite Lyrics: "A dream is is a wish your heart makes/When you're fast asleep/In dream, you will lose your heartache/Whatever you wish for, you keep."

43.)   "Circle of Life" from The Lion King
Is there any better opening to a film than "Circle of Life" in The Lion King? No. No there isn't. The stunning animation, the impeccable Swahili vocals, and every element adds together for something that will never be repeated. Perfection. Favorite Lyrics: From the day we arrive on the planet/And blinking step into the sun/There is more to see/Than can ever be seen/More to do than can ever be done."

44.)   "Gitchee Gitchee Goo" from Phineas and Ferb
I love Phineas and Ferb, unashamedly. It's so delightfully fun and inventive and bountiful. The music in every episode is flawless, and this early rock and roll ditty that Phineas performed is phenomenal. I could listen to it forever. Favorite Lyrics: My baby's got her own way of talking/Whenever she says something sweet/And she knows its my world she's a-rockin'/Though my vocabulary's incomplete/I know it may sound confusing/Sometimes I wish she'd give it to me straight/But I never feel like I'm losin' it/When I take the time to translate."

111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 3

Ryan Dosier - Hello again, Disney music lovers! Apologies for the week off, but I'm back again with 11 more Awesome Disney Songs! Here we go!

23.)   "It's a Small World" from Disneyland
You have to give props to a song that can get stuck in your head this easily. The chorus of this Sherman Brothers tune is perhaps the most catchy and ear-wormy ever written. Not only that, but the song is a beautiful message of hope for the entire world. "It's a Small World" reminds us that deep down, we're all living on this one small world together, so we must treat each other right. It's wonderful. Favorite Lyrics: "It's a world of laughter, a world of tears/It's a world of hope, and a world of fears/There's so much that we share/That it's time we're aware/It's a small world after all."

24.)   "Mine, Mine, Mine" from Pocahontas
One of the things that Disney does best in its animated films is villain songs, and this one from Pocahontas is fantastic. Not inherently evil on the surface, but mine through the lyrics and you realize how horribly awful Governor Ratcliffe really is. However, the song is bouncy and the lyrics are incredibly fun and David Ogden Stiers has a magnificent voice. Pocahontas is one of the weaker films in the Disney renaissance era, but the music is fantastic. Favorite Lyrics: "My rivals back home/It's not that I'm bitter/But think how they'll squirm/When they see how I glitter!/The ladies at court/Will be all a-twitter/The king will reward me/He'll knight me... no, lord me!"

25.)   "Little Wonders" from Meet the Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons is a beautiful and hugely underrated Disney animated feature. This song, "Little Wonders," was performed by Rob Thomas in the stirring final sequence of the film. The lyrics to "Little Wonders" are uplifting, haunting, and gorgeous. This is one of the finest examples of a song used in a non-musical Disney animated feature. It's a joy. Favorite Lyrics: "Let it slide/Let your troubles fall behind you/Let it shine/Until you feel it all around you/And I don't mind/If it's me you need to turn to/We'll get by/It's the heart that really matters in the end."

26.)   "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King
Probably my favorite song of my childhood, and one of the defining movie moments of my whole life, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a swinging, joyful, and hugely fun song. Watching the colors and completely warped art style during this sequence is riveting. The performances of Simba, Nala, and Zazu in this song are delightful. Adding Zazu in turns this anthem of youth into more of a fighting duet and it works so beautifully. Favorite Lyrics: "I think it's time that you and I/Arranged a heart to heart." "Kings don't need advice/From little hornbills for a start." "If this is where the monarchy is headed/Count me out!/Out of service, out of Africa/I wouldn't hang about!"


27.)   "A Whole New World" from Aladdin

The most beautiful Disney ballad ever written? Perhaps. Of course it comes from Alan Menken! Aladdin's defining moment is "A Whole New World," and it really should be. It's soaring, tumbling, freewheeling (sorry), and completely incredible. The music flies and twists and turns, the lyrics capture that magic of truly falling in love for the first time. It's breathtaking. Favorite Lyrics: "I can show you the world/Shining, shimmering, splendid/Tell me princess, now when did you/Last let your heart decide?/I can open your eyes/Take you wonder by wonder/Over, sideways, and under/On a magic carpet ride."

28.)   "Heaven's Light/Hellfire" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Yet another song from Hunchback! This is the fourth one in three installments. Blame iTunes shuffle... Anyway! This might just be my favorite song from the film. First the chillingly beautiful intro from Quasimodo, and then Frollo's terrifying "Hellfire" comes in and blows it away. Absolutely the scariest Disney villain song ever, "Hellfire" is vicious, evil, and hits close to home--much like Frollo himself. Tony Jay's vocals here are incredible as well. Favorite Lyrics: "I feel her, I see her/The sun caught in raven hair/Is blazing in me out of all control!"

29.)   "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" from Peter Pan
Peter Pan is one of the Disney animated features that feels like it has more songs than it does, but there really aren't that many--at least not that many memorable ones. But this flying song comes at a pivotal point of the film, when Peter teaches the Darling children to fly. It starts of slow, and builds and builds until the children--and the song--are soaring. It's absolutely the highlight of the film for me. Favorite Lyrics: "Think of the happiest things/It's the same as having wings/Take the path that moonbeams make/If the moon is still awake/You'll see him wink his eye/You can fly, you can fly!/You can fly!"

30.)   "Cruella De Vil" from 101 Dalmatians
Another delightful villain song, albeit one not performed by the villain, but about her. Cruella De Vil is one of those unredeemable Disney villains, whose actions have no real redeeming value. Roger's song about her, then, is incredibly fitting, calling her out for the witch she is. But what a fun, catchy song! You can't help but love it. Favorite Lyrics: "This vampire bat/This inhuman beast/She oughta be locked up/And never released/The world was such a wholesome place until/Cruella, Cruella De Vil."

31.)   "Duck Tales Theme" from DuckTales
DuckTales was the original Disney Afternoon cartoon, and it remains one of the best. The theme song starts everything and provides a rollicking, wonderful fun time. As any good cartoon theme song does, it captures the idea that the show can take you on adventures and through fun worlds with great characters. Favorite Lyrics: "Life is like a hurricane here in Duckburg/Race cars, lasers, aeroplanes, it's a duck-blur!/Might solve a mystery/Or rewrite history!/DuckTales! Woo-oo!"

32.)   "Friends On the Other Side" from The Princess and the Frog
Boy, this week is jam-packed with villain songs. I love it! One of the more recent Disney musical classics is The Princess and the Frog, and Randy Newman's soundtrack is fantastic. My favorite of the bunch, is this song performed by Dr. Facilier (Keith David). The soaring, spiraling colors, the wonderful lyrics, the haunting tune... everything in this song is so good. Favorite Lyrics: "I got voodoo/I got who-do/I got things I ain't even tried/And I got friends on the other side."

33.)   "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas
What a wonderful song to end the list this week. Another Alan Menken Oscar-winner, "Colors of the Wind" is my favorite part of Pocahontas by far. The gorgeous lyrics and music are some of Menken's best, and when coupled with the astounding visuals of Pocahontas teaching John Smith, it becomes a masterpiece. Pocahontas as a whole may be fairly weak, but "Colors of the Wind" is amazing. Favorite Lyrics: "You think the only people who are people/Are the people who look and think like you/But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger/You'll learn things you never knew you never knew."

111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 2

Ryan Dosier - My countdown and review of 111 Awesome Disney Songs continues today with 11 more of my favorites. Check out Part 1 for more!

12.)   "God Help the Outcasts" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
One of the most beautiful Disney songs ever recorded is this breathtaking song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The song, sung by Esmerelda, has some of the most meaningful lyrics in any Disney song--and the music is great as well. It's a slow song, but as a power ballad with a message, it's almost unparalleled in Disney musical canon. Favorite Lyrics: "I ask for nothing, I can get by/But I know so many less lucky than I/Please help my people, they look to you still/God help the outcasts, when nobody will."

13.)   "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor's Life for Me)" from Pinocchio
Pinocchio is one of my favorite Disney animated features, and I love this song from it. Honest John, the sleazy fox who steals Pinocchio away from school with promises of bounties from being an actor, croons this tune with ease. He's such a fun, bouncy, nonsensical song that is really hard not to enjoy. Favorite Lyrics: "Hi-diddle-dee-dee/An actor's life for me/A wax mustache and a beaver coat/A pony cart and a billy goat."

14.)   "He Lives in You" from The Rhythm of the Pride Lands
This powerful song was featured in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, but its first appearance was on the sequel album, The Lion King: Rhythm of the Pride Lands, which featured more music inspired by the film performed by the incredible Lebo M. "He Lives in You" was also later used, to incredible effect, in The Lion King on Broadway. This song is resonating and stunning and one of the finest examples of African choral work out there. Favorite Lyrics: "He lives in you/He lives in me/He watches over/Everything we see/Into the water/Into the truth/In your reflection/He lives in you."

15.)   "Jolly Holiday" from Mary Poppins
You're lying if you say you can't immediately here Dick van Dyke's fantastic performance of this song in your head just from reading the name of the song. Dick's performance is this song is magic--bubbly, loving, and delightful. This song is a highlight of Mary Poppins, with the animation of the penguins and the farm animals. A true wonder. Favorite Lyrics: "Ain't it a glorious day?/Right as a mornin' in May/I feel like I could fly/Have you ever seen/The grass so green?/Or a bluer sky?"

16.)   "The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book
Thinking about it now, I can't think of a Disney song I adore more than "The Bare Necessities." Phil Harris is one of the finest singers and performers that Disney ever had. The songs he sang always oozed fun and happiness, and none moreso than this classic from The Jungle Book. It's one of the best anthems for fun and relaxation that one can find, Disney or not. It's a kick, baby. Favorite Lyrics: "And don't spend your time lookin' around/For something you want that can't be found/When you find out you can live without it/And go along not thinkin' about it/I'll tell you something true/the Bare Necessities of life will come to you."

17.)   "The Bells of Notre Dame" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Another Hunchback song? Blame iTunes shuffle... this is the stunning opening performance from the film. Performed mostly by the jester Clopin, "The Bells of Notre Dame" is a fine showcase of many voices: Tony Jay as Frollo, David Ogden Stiers as the Archdeacon, and Paul Kandel as Clopin. It's a marvelous, operatic-influenced introduction into this much darker Disney world. It deserves to rank among the best Disney opening songs. Favorite Lyrics: "Now here is a riddle to guess if you can/Sing the bells of Notre Dame/Who is the monster and who is the man/Sing the bells, bells, bells, bells, bells of Notre Dame!"

18.)   "A Star is Born" from Hercules
From one of Alan Menken's greatest opening numbers, to one of his finest closing numbers! "A Star is Born" is one of Hercules' greatest songs, unsurprisingly performed by the Muses. The song's extremely exciting tone and lyrics makes for a true happy ending. It's a rock ballad with gospel influence, and it's so hard not to cheer by the end. Favorite Lyrics: "Within your heart's the power/For making you a hero too/So don't lose hope when you're forlorn/Just keep your eyes upon the skies/Every night a star is/Right in sight a star is/Burning bright a star is born"

19.)   "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King
Ah, the lazy man's anthem! Who else but Disney and Elton John could make a Swahili phrase sung by a meerkat and a warthog an international song sensation? "Hakuna Matata" is incredibly catchy, bouncy, delightful, and most of all FUN. In fact, I can't think of a more fun Disney song, period. It's a pivotal tune for The Lion King, Disney, and anyone born in the late 80s and 90s. Favorite Lyrics: "It means no worries, for the rest of your days/It's our problem free philosophy/Hakuna Matata."

20.)   "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" from Song of the South
Okay, maybe I was wrong... "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" may give "Hakuna Matata" a run for its money as the most fun Disney song. It became an anthem for the fun and freedom that Disney represents for quite awhile. But then when Disney decided to never let Song of the South see the light of day again and the song sort of faded back. But it still remains incredibly delightful and hopeful and just a whole lot of fun. Favorite Lyrics: "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-Ay/My, oh my, what a wonderful day/Plenty of sunshine/Headed my way/Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-Ay."

21.)   "Today is Gonna Be a Great Day" from Phineas and Ferb
Phineas and Ferb is one of the most inventive and joyful shows in Disney animated history. Every episode brings the funny and the crazy, and it all starts with the excellent theme song by Bowling for Soup. It showcases the carpe diem attitude of the show incredibly well and shows that literally anything could happen on the show, from giving a monkey a shower to building a time machine. Favorite Lyrics: "There's 104 days of summer vacation/Til school comes along just to end it/So the annual problem for our generation/Is finding a good way to spend it/Like maybe building a rocket or fighting a mummy/Or climbing up the Eiffel Tower/Discovering something that doesn't exist/Or giving a monkey a shower!"

22.)   "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast
This week's list is jam-packed with my favorite Disney songs ever. "Be Our Guest" is one of the most brilliantly performed and written songs in Disney history. Howard Ashman's lyrics are stunning, Alan Menken's music is magic, Jerry Orbach's vocals as Lumiere and Angela Lansbury's vocals as Mrs. Potts are unbelievable--it's a perfect song. I could listen to it forever and ever. Favorite Lyrics: "Be our guest, be our guest/Put our service to the test/Tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie/And we provide the rest/Soup du jour, hot hors devours/Why, we only lie to serve/Try the grey stuff, it's delicious/Don't believe me? Ask the dishes!"

111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 1

Ryan Dosier - Greetings, Disnerds! For a long time, I've been contemplating what sort of articles I'd like to write for The Mickey Mindset (other than my animated reviews). There's just so much content in the Disney universe that it was simply daunting for me to even think about picking something to write about, let alone actually writing it. But then I realized I was listening to my Disney playlist and realized that the music of Disney would be a perfect subject for an article series. This series is similar to one I had done last year on The Muppet Mindset with 120 Awesome Muppet Songs.

For Disney, I went through my iTunes collection (which admittedly doesn't have every Disney song) and chose all of my favorites. Oddly enough, as soon as I did that I was left with exactly 111 songs. It was too perfect not to just run with. The songs will be presented in completely random order--no favoritism here. So here we go with ten posts, each with 11 songs, showcasing the best of Disney music (in my opinion)!

1.)   "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" from The Jungle Book
I couldn't be happier with the first song in the list! The Jungle Book is one of my favorite Disney animated features and this song is probably my favorite in the film. Written by the incomparable Sherman Brothers and performed by Louis Prima as King Louie, this jazzy number is spectacular. While the song is great to just listen to, watching it on the screen with the incredible animation of King Louie is even better. Favorite Lyrics: "Now I'm the king of the swingers, oh, the Jungle VIP/I reached the top, and had to stop, and that's what's botherin' me!"

2.)   "Mother Knows Best" from Tangled
If there's one thing Disney does best, it's villain songs. "Mother Knows Best" is one of those villain sings that is immensely catchy and clever but bears some truly frightening lyrics when you pay attention. The spectacular Donna Murphy provides the voice for Mother Gothel and she's incredible in this song. Music and lyrics come from Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, so it's no wonder that the music is flitting and wonderful and the lyrics are dynamic and clever. It's a great, bouncy villain number that I love. Favorite Lyrics: "Mother's right here, mother will protect you/Darling, here's what I suggest/Skip the drama, stay with mama/Mother knows best."

3.)   "He's a Tramp" from Lady and the Tramp
Ah, Lady and the Tramp, one of the most wonderful Disney love stories. Nestled in the middle of the film is this saucy serenade from Peggy Lee voicing the character Peg. For only having one scene in the film, Peg remains one of the most memorable parts of this film simply because of this song. It's fun, it will get stuck in your head, and it's brilliantly performed. I love random songs like this in Disney features from one-off characters. It's a sign of a simpler time where any character could break into song. Favorite Lyrics: "He's a tramp, he's a scoundrel/He's a rounder, he's a cad/He's a tramp, but I love him/Yes, even I have got it pretty bad."

4.)   "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan
The songs in Mulan are few and far between, but this power ballad performed by Donny Osmond (of all people) is epic. It's one of my favorite Disney songs to sing along with because it's so fierce and tranquil at the same time (see what I did there?). The repetitiveness of the melody and the lyrics really reflect the repetitiveness of training. I love the drum beat in the background as well. It really, really feels like an army song. Favorite Lyrics: "Let's get down to business/To defeat the Huns/Did they send me daughters/When I asked for sons?"

5.)   "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from Lilo & Stitch
I fell head over heels in love with Lilo & Stitch when I rewatched it last year, and the music is a huge reason why. The Hawaiian influence on the songs performed is incredible. "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" comes at a pivotal point in the film, where Nani takes Lilo surfing and Stitch experiences fun for the first time. The music of the song sounds magical, and accompanied with the lyrics mixed with English and Hawaiian is just beautiful. Listening to it instantly transports me to a beach somewhere and I love that. Favorite Lyrics: "Whirlpool swirling, cascading twirling/Hawaiian roller coaster ride."

6.)   "Forget About Love" from Aladdin and the Return of Jafar
This is one of the few songs from Disney's drove of direct-to-video sequels that I truly love. Who would have thought that Gilbert Gottfried could sing, let alone carry an entire song? Maybe it's the swirling and beauty-invoking music that makes this song so lovely, but the lyrics are delightful as well. In the song, Iago tries to push Jasmine back to Aladdin with a little reverse psychology--and it works. It's just a delightful little moment in the abyss of Disney sequels. Favorite Lyrics: "You're better on your own/A meal becomes a banquet when you eat alone!"

7.)   "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King
The greatest Disney love song ever? Maybe. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is at least in the running for the top spot. The song is accentuated brilliantly in the film by lush, colorful backgrounds and wonderful animation as we see Simba and Nala fall in love. The song transcended the film and made for a hit single for Elton John when the movie came out. This may be unpopular opinion, but I'm a sucker for Timon and Pumbaa's lines bookending the song, give me them over Elton any day. Favorite Lyrics: "Can you feel the love tonight?/The peace the evening brings/The world for once in perfect harmony/With all its living things."

8.)   "On My Way" from Brother Bear
Oh my gosh I love this song. Honestly, this song is my favorite part of Brother Bear. Phil Collins did outstanding work on the music for the film, and it stands out as the best part of the film for me. It's a perfect song for travel, for vacation, for moving... it's just wonderful. I think the song is actually more enjoyable outside of the film. It's just a good, good song to listen to. Favorite Lyrics: "Tell everybody I'm on way/New friends and new places to see/With blue skies ahead, yes I'm on my way/And there's nowhere else that I'd rather be."

9.)   "Down to Earth" from WALL-E
Peter Gabriel sings this song that plays during the beautiful end credits of WALL-E. The song has an electronic, synthesized sound that is perfect for the film. It starts slow, but builds to beautiful intensity as the lyrics remind us that we can fly. I could just watch the end credits of WALL-E with this song playing over it and still be moved. Both the song and the film are great reminders of why we need to take care of our planet. Favorite Lyrics: "Did you think you'd escaped from routine/By changing the script and the scene?/Despite all you made of it/You're always afraid of a change."

10.)   "The Ludwig Von Drake Song" from House of Mouse
This song is probably the most random choice in the entire list. It was performed by Ludwig Von Drake in one episode of the awesome Disney Channel series House of Mouse. In the song, Ludwig names off every Disney character present. It's bouncy and crazy and fun and I can't imagine how difficult it was rhyming some of the lyrics. It also features a cameo from the late, great Roy Disney! Favorite Lyrics: "Here's Lumiere the candlestick/And Cogsworth, he's the clock/There's Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey, Doc!"

11.)   "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
A perfect song to close out the list this week. This is perhaps my favorite Alan Menken ballad... and that's saying something. Quasimodo gives this song such heart and soul that it's so hard not to love. Every time I hear this song it makes me want to go out and take on the world and live my dreams, just as good songs--and most Menken songs--do. This is a true highlight of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and one of the most woefully under-appreciated Disney songs. Eat your heart out, "Let It Go." Favorite Lyrics: "Out there among the millers and the weavers and their wives/Through the roofs and gables I can see them/Everyday they shout and scold and go about their lives,/Heedless of the gift it is to be them!/If I was in their skin, I'd treasure every instant!"

Tune in next week for 11 more awesome Disney songs!

Disney Animation Reviews #32: The Lion King

Disney Movie Review: 32/52 - The Lion King

Ryan Dosier- The third masterpiece in a row for Disney animation came in 1994 with the arrival of The Lion King. You would be hard pressed to find anyone born after 1984 that doesn’t positively adore this movie and connect it 100% with his or her childhood. The Lion King allowed a warthog to sing and delivered the biggest hit animation had ever seen. The impact and love for The Lion King can still be seen to this day. It truly is the king of them all.

After the unbelievable success of Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin it seemed doubtful if not impossible that Disney could create a trifecta of masterpieces—but lo and behold, they did it. The Lion King is a powerful, resonating, joyful, dark, and astounding ride from start to finish. It is a triumph of animation, voice acting, layouts, music, and so much more. 

Simba is one of the truly fantastic characters created by Disney. He is incredibly real with emotions that connect powerfully with any audience. Simba goes from plucky kid to would-be king and his journey shows how we all must accept our place in the “Circle of Life.” Simba’s reluctance, acceptance, and power make The Lion King what it is.

The villain of the film, Scar, is one of Disney’s strongest. Cruel, contained, and crazy, Scar is willing to kill his own brother and nephew to get power. Watching Scar fail at being king and starving his people is a smart, subtle story point that I just love. Jeremy Irons provided Scar’s voice and it is amazing. Every line of Scar’s is sardonic or evil and it shows what a great actor Irons is. Andreas Deja, who animated Scar, also deserves special mention here for doing more masterful work with a Disney villain after his turns as Gaston and Jafar.

But once again my favorite characters in the film are those in the supporting cast. Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, and Rafiki make for Disney’s funniest, wittiest, and most delightful cast of characters yet. Of course Timon and Pumbaa steal the show completely (most of the credit there goes to the fabulous Nathan Lane), even though they smartly don’t appear until 30 minutes into the film. Timon and Pumbaa are so funny and so enjoyable that it’s no wonder Disney chose them to star in a TV show and a sequel as well as countless promotional things. 

Zazu is my favorite character in the film. The put-upon British hornbill provides all of the comedy for the film’s first act and he does so brilliantly. Rowan Atkinson provided Zazu’s voice so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the bird is so funny. Rafiki the baboon is also a true delight. He only has one real scene of significance, but Rafiki turns it into one of the most memorable scenes in the film. Again, he is hilarious, but he is also powerfully wise and provides great guidance.

And for the third film in a row, a Disney filmed is packed full with amazing music. Elton John and Tim Rice created some of the most memorable Disney moments ever with “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” I cannot think of a more powerful, electric opening to a film than the “Circle of Life” sequence. Talk about breathtaking. “Hakuna Matata” created a phenomenon and made a Swahili phrase an international hit. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” is incredibly fun, “Be Prepared” is the best Disney villain song, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” joins the long ranks of Disney love songs and stands high on that list.

The film’s score is the greatest of any Disney film, in my opinion. Musical mastermind Hans Zimmer orchestrated the film with unbelievable grace and power. The ever-present chorus of African voices throughout the film gives The Lion King a truly authentic and magnificent feel. Kudos to African singer Lebo M. and his choir for their impressive and under appreciated work. 

The Lion King boasts some of the most gorgeous and seamless animation in a Disney film as well. All of the characters are so fluid and lifelike and amazing to watch. Rafiki is especially amazing as he hops and runs and goofs around. Same with Zazu—a bird has never been animated as well as he is. And sequences like the wildebeest stampede, Mufasa in the clouds, and “Be Prepared” all stun with outstanding colors and animation.

The Lion King is a story of coming to terms with your past and fighting for your future. It is a story of family, friendship, love, acceptance, honor, power, greed, and a score of other themes. Rafiki illustrates the plight of Disney animation so well with one line: ”The past can hurt, but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.” Disney animation learned so much from their past misfires (The Rescuers, The Black Cauldron, etc.) and it took them to The Lion King, their crowning achievement. The film is royally fun, heartwarming, exciting, and just plain perfect. The Lion King is deserving of the endless praise and love it receives.

5/5 Batty Baboons