Although
Disney now enjoys fairly steady success, the 1960s is a hard time for the company. Their films were no longer the darlings of critics, and Disney failed to maintain the same box office fervor that once defined the studio. Therefore, Disney had a big change– a renaissance.
Beginning in 1989, the Disney Renaissance completely reshaped Disney animation with some of the studio’s best movies and music. The 1990s proved to be a great decade for Disney fans, with music once again at the core of the Disney formula. From opening music to characters' songs, the music of the Disney Renaissance period has played an important part in pop culture. Today, devoted Disney fans still love these soundtracks, and their melodies still remain timeless to this day.
From catchy tunes in "The Little Mermaid" to the inescapable earworm in "Tarzan", here are 10 Disney Renaissance soundtracks that will get stuck in your head after just one listen.
#1 The Lion King (1994)
Source: Disney
"The Lion King" is certainly a Disney animated film that truly reflects the power of its music and its ability to move and enchant an audience. The songs were written by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice, while Hans Zimmer composed the score had led to an absolute movie musical dream team. People said that John and Rice's legendary songs like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Be Prepared" have been ingrained in the minds of many, but we have evoked tears and goosebumps by the magnificence of Zimmer's stirring score. The movie's music is a timeless masterpiece all its own, a one-of-a-kind work of art.
#2 Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Source: Disney
The soundtrack of "Beauty and the Beast" has changed dramatically not only in the realm of theatrical animation but also for the musical genre in general. The soundtrack of the movie has a wonderful quality that perfectly captures the tone and feel of the fairy tale plot. Without a doubt, Alan Menken's best work for Disney is the soundtrack and the songs he co-wrote with Howard Ashman. There are unforgettable endearing classics like "Be Our Guest", or "Gaston", considered the most jovial Disney villain song ever composed. "Beauty and the Beast" is the finest Disney princess movie because of its well-liked music.
#3 Tarzan (1999)
Source: Disney
"Tarzan", the last movie of the Disney Renaissance, not only brought the era to a magnificent close on a high note, but it took its musical aspects in a completely unexpected direction. It's not a musical in the classic sense—Phil Collins of Genesis wrote and sang the songs himself, rather than having the movie's protagonists do so—but its songs were and continue to be so beloved. Although Mark Mancina's score is lovely, it was Collins' songs that really contributed to the movie's personality and longevity. From "Son of Man" to the Oscar-winning "You'll Be In My Heart", the film would most probably not be as successful without them.
#4 Mulan (1998)
Source: Disney
Though having only four songs, unlike other animated Disney musical, the musical aspects of Mulan make it a bit of a particular instance. The film drops its pleasant and memorable songs, such as "Reflection" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You," near the midway mark to better fit the darker tone that comes next. The actual power of the soundtrack, however, comes into play after the songs end and Jerry Goldsmith's score takes over. It excellently matches the film storyline and creates an ambiance appropriate for its ancient Chinese setting.
#5 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
Source: Disney
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame"'s soundtrack is a complete emotional roller coaster, from gloomy and depressing to upbeat and joyful, thanks to its potent orchestration. The usage of the choir, especially in songs like "The Bells of Notre Dame" and "Hellfire" is particularly significant in producing an epic sound appropriate for the equally epic grandeur and scale of the film's images.
#6 Aladdin (1992)
Source: Disney
From the very first song, the audiences were completely aware of the crazy experience they may expect from "Aladdin". It approaches the Arabic folktale with a more spirited Broadway tone and quality with its songs. It's difficult not to feel nostalgic listening to the late great Robin Williams turn his hilarious energy into music with "Friend Like Me" and other songs like "One Jump Ahead" and "A Whole New World."
#7 The Little Mermaid (1989)
Source: Disney
Although there may be some unpopular opinions about "The Little Mermaid", everyone who has seen the movie can agree that its music is timeless. The soundtrack significantly revolutionized everything that viewers have come to expect from a Disney musical, from the iconic villain song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" to "Under the Sea." It's hardly surprising that it helped launch one of Disney's greatest eras, and the influence its soundtrack had on subsequent movies is obvious.
#8 Pocahontas (1995)
Source: Disney
Even if most of the songs aren't as well-remembered as those from the other Renaissance movies, Pocahontas's soundtrack has a particular beauty that makes it as stunning as its visual. The song "Colors of the Wind," which is cited as the movie's most well-known number, is a shining illustration of how the emotional impact of the music, lyrics, and messages contained within the songs is further strengthened by their performers. Not all of the voice actors sing themselves, but those who do, like
Mel Gibson, do it with passion and dedication.
#9 Hercules (1997)
Source: Disney
Even while it may not be one of his most well-known works, Alan Menken's final musical collaboration with Disney, "Hercules", was clearly a labor of love for the composer. Greek mythology-based storytelling may seem out of place with upbeat Gospel music, yet the movie successfully pulled it off. The energy of the Muses with their songs like "Gospel Truth" and "Zero to Hero" is immensely contagious and helpful in advancing the plot. Although the other songs may not be as memorable, Michael Bolton was an excellent pick for the version of "Go the Distance" at the end credits.
#10 The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Source: Disney
Unlike the rest of the Disney Renaissance films, however, "The Rescuers Down Under" is not a musical, which doesn't give the overall soundtrack much of an advantage in comparison to the others. However, Bruce Broughton's orchestral soundtrack still succeeds in capturing all of the excitement, thrills, and intensity that one could possibly desire from a high-stakes adventure. It seems that few Disney fans know the film, but given how passionately its music and graphics were created, it deserves more recognition.