Magical Musical Menken Moments in Disney Films
Anyone who loves Disney films has been enchanted by the music of Alan Menken. His melodies are both infectious and magical, capturing the musical tone of each character they bring to life. Arguably, all his songs are terrific, so making a top ten list is futile and someone’s favorite will always be left out. However, the ten that I have chosen to celebrate are, in my estimation, the perfect marriage of Menken melody with magical Disney moments. I hope you will enjoy my compilation, the “Magical Musical Menken Moments in Disney Films”.
10. “Under the Sea”
The Little Mermaid
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
A funny list song, expertly composed by Menken and full of witty wordplay by lyricist Howard Ashman, “Under the Sea” charms with its energy, its tongue-in-cheek humor, and its catchiness. The song won an Oscar to boot, The Little Mermaid recognized by the Academy, igniting the Disney Renaissance that would bring a new excitement for the art of animated musicals. Here is “Under the Sea”, zestfully sung by Sebastian the Crab, the voice of Samuel E. Wright.
9. “Belle”
Beauty and the Beast
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Menken’s opening number for the musical Beauty and the Beast is in the spirit of some of the great Broadway musical openers that introduces several characters in one song: think Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, or The Robber Bridegroom. Through splendid, catchy melody, and Howard Ashman’s spirited lyrics, we get to know Belle and the denizens who make up her provincial town. Paige O’Hara sings with breezy gusto, joined by the robust sound of the entire town.
8. “Santa Fe”
Newsies
Lyrics by Jack Feldman
As a film, Newsies was a critical and financial flop. Thanks to the Alan Menken/Jack Feldman score, the film developed a cult following over time. That growing popularity made a case for reimagining the film into a hit Broadway show. Amid the boisterous and kinetic score is the reflective ballad “Santa Fe”, surely the best number in the film, sung here by a young Christian Bale.
7. “Out There”
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
The animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame may not have been a faithful adaption of the Victor Hugo novel, but it did mark a very serious turn in Disney storytelling toward mature and complex themes. Alan Menken, working with Stephen Schwartz, crafted a score of majestic intensity fitting of the themes of the novel. The standout number is “Out There”, the longing number of the deformed Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) who lives in the bell tower of Notre Dame cathedral.
6. “Poor Unfortunate Souls”
The Little Mermaid
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
How rare is it that there is a deliciously devilish character song written for a villain in a Disney animated musical? Well, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman sure understood the possibilities when writing music for the Sea Witch Ursula in The Little Mermaid. The character was based on the drag queen Divine, and the song “Poor Unfortunate Souls” feels very much like it could be a part of a sassy drag routine. Add the gravelly voice of outstanding character actress Pat Carroll, and the song comes to life with a seedy sarcasm (befitting a drag queen).
5. “A Whole New World”
Aladdin
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Soaring on a magic carpet over the rooftops of the world requires a magical song to accompany the moment. Menken met this challenge head-on with the equally soaring and magical “A Whole New World”. Working with lyricist Tim Rice (after the untimely death of his usual songwriting partner Howard Ashman), the song was popular and remains a potent love song. In the film, it was sung by Broadway performers Brad Kane and Lea Salonga.
4. “Colors of the Wind”
Pocahontas
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Say what you like about the film Pocahontas (I find a real divide amongst Disney fans on this one), the song “Colors of the Wind” is a powerful song, with a soaring melody by Menken. Hand in hand with Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics of pastoral imagery, “Colors of the Wind” is all-the-more effective with the addition of the Disney animator’s pen and Judy Kuhn’s golden voice that is like a call from Gabriel’s trumpet.
3. “I Won’t Say I’m In Love”
Hercules
Lyrics by David Zippel
Hercules has never quite received the appreciation that it deserved, but it is nevertheless a Disney film that shimmers with magic and melody. Though every song from the score deserves to be on this list, I’m choosing “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” as its best. Sung here by the always delightful Susan Egan, Menken’s melody pops, the perfect foundation for David Zippel’s smart and sassy lyrics.
2. “Beauty and the Beast”
Beauty and the Beast
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Perhaps this should have been in the #1 slot. I wrestled with whether or not it should be, but decided to defer to my personal favorite. Regardless of where it lands on the list, “Beauty and the Beast” is especially effective as the summation of a fairy tale, warmly read to us by the grandmotherly voice of Angela Lansbury as a singing teapot. Menken and Ashman were at their most understated and sincere in this charming number.
1. “Kiss the Girl”
The Little Mermaid
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
My favorite Menken song is from my favorite Menken/Disney film: The Little Mermaid. When Sebastian the Crab (Samuel E. Wright) summons the animals of a lagoon to serenade Ariel and Prince Eric, conjuring the perfect mood for him to “Kiss he Girl”, we are lulled into the splendor of the sunset and the song. It’s a Disney moment of rare magic. And Menken was always at his best when he was working with Howard Ashman.
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