Sunday Best: Top Ten Disney Animated Songs

With Frozen II out in theaters, I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on the great Disney songs of the past.  Much of Frozen's success comes from how powerful "Let it Go" was and how much it resonated in the popular culture. 

Disney has produced hundreds of wonderful songs, but we are going to limit today's list to animated movies.


10.  "Heigh-Ho" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This simple tune is so embedded in the culture that it is synonymous with going off to work.  While it might not be the most complex melody, its resonance is still strong after all of these years.

9.  "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast

While this song's main purpose is exposition, it works incredibly well as an upbeat introduction to the entire musical.  It is fun, funny, and has that beautiful interlude where Belle is reading her book.


8.  "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella

This is very much in the classical style of Disney, a lyrical ballad on the main theme that is light and dreamy. 

7.  "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty

This lovely little waltz is so simply and pure in its melody.  This song has such a lovely movement that you cannot help but feel the dancing that is woven into the music.

6.  "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio

This ballad is so emblematic of all of Disney's fairy tales that it is the main tune for their company logo.  Like the song from Cinderella this ditty by Jiminy Cricket calls upon the child-like belief in the power of imagination.

5.  "Circle of Life," from The Lion King

When the first teaser for the original Lion King came out, all they did was play the opening scene with this song.  I knew nothing else about the movie, but that song alone sold me on seeing it.  There is something moving and epic about its composition that still feels fresh today.

4.  "Let it Go," from Frozen

I know that this song became overplayed, but there is a reason for that.  This ballad not only is beautifully written, but it has a deep emotional resonance for anyone who feels like they have been held back by social pressure and self-doubt.  Belting out that ballad is a cathartic experience.

3.  "Baby Mine," from Dumbo

I know fewer songs that can bring me nearly to tears with each playing than this.  The separation of parent and child that is associated with song is so potent and primal.  And yet, even in that sadness, there is the hopeful and loving lullaby woven into it.

2.  "Part of Your World," from The Little Mermaid

This is the ultimate Disney Princess song of longing.  There is that deep desire to grow up and enter the world of adulthood, while barely understanding it.  While the choice the grow up quickly may or may not be foolish, this song touches on that feeling that children have to grow up and become their own person.

1.  "A Whole New World," from Aladdin

The best of all the Disney love ballads, not only is the melody sweeping and sweet, but the lyrics are some of the most poetic in any Disney song.  What great art and the great stories should do is open up a window into a whole new world of possibilities that can include adventure, danger, magic, and romance.  This song does it all.  It captures the joy and splendor of pure romantic love than any other Disney song.

Thoughts?