Top 10 Underrated Disney Songs
Wait, you don't know this song? And you call yourself a Disney fan! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Disney Songs That Are Underrated.
For this list, we're looking at original songs from Disney's animated features that that just haven't gotten the recognition they deserve. But that means tunes like “Pretty Irish Girl” from the live-action “Darby O'Gill and the Little People” aren't eligible. The songs may also be from popular films, so take note that we're talking about the musical number being underrated here and not necessarily the movie as a whole.
Special thanks to our users tre merry, Emily JoAnn Warden, Andrew A. Dennison, Leah Dieterich, Colleen Deitrich and Felix Woodfor submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://msmojo.tv
#10: “Human Again”
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
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If you only saw the original theatrical release of the film, then it’s understandable if you don’t know this gem of a tune. Originally conceived as an 11-minute number, “Human Again” had filmmakers on the fence about its inclusion, as they felt its length contributed to pacing issues. But luckily for us, by the time the re-mastered 2002 version came out on DVD, the team figured out how to cut down the playful waltz and fit it in the movie. A great expression of the longing of the secondary characters to be human again, it was ultimately included between “Something There” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Prior to the home video appearance, it was featured in the 1994 Broadway musical adaptation.
#9: “Thomas O’Malley Cat”
“The Aristocats” (1970)
If you want to learn how to make an entrance, take a cue from Thomas. Effortlessly cool, Thomas struts into the lives of Duchess and her kittens by singing the first a capella verse about how he likes his meals. As he gets closer to Duchess, a big band comes in, giving the song a full, swing time feel of the 1950s to it. Thomas slinks around as he croons about his reputation around Europe for being a fun-loving, go with the flow kind of cat. His confidence makes it easy to buy what he’s selling; who wouldn’t want to be a cat if all the felines are as cool as Thomas? This kitty surely deserves to be more popular.
#8: “Streets of Gold”
“Oliver & Company” (1988)
Based on the Charles Dickens classic, “Oliver Twist,” this flick gave the novel a 1980s modernization by following orphaned kitten Oliver as he falls into a group of feisty dogs while living on the streets of New York. This tune embodies that jazzy, pop sound of the decade with Rita the Afghan hound, whose singing was done by Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters fame, using her powerful voice to explain to Oliver how to make it on the streets. Even though she’s doling out hard advice about living from week to week, the song is upbeat and hard not to bop your head to. The movie has lost popularity over time but a song like this shouldn’t go to waste.
#7: “Almost There”
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
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It’s strange that an Oscar-nominated song could be considered underrated, but tell us: do you know all the words to this one? Exactly. Written by supremely talented composer Randy Newman and sung by Anika Noni Rose, this tune deserves to be a break out hit. In the jazzy, up-tempo song, Tiana sings about how she’s almost made her dream of opening her own restaurant come true. She’s self-assured and confident, and proves that she’s a woman who can fulfill her own dreams and desires. Her belief in herself is contagious as she convinces her mother that she knows what she wants. Who wouldn’t want their kids to know such an empowering song?
#6:“One Jump Ahead”
“Aladdin” (1992)
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While the movie as a whole and songs like “A Whole New World” definitely aren’t underrated, this tune tends to get lost in the shuffle, which is a bigger crime than any Aladdin ever committed. A show tune at its core, “One Jump Ahead” is a frenetically paced ditty that matches Aladdin’s crazy life surviving on the streets of Agrabah. The song’s slowed down reprise comes early in the film, and at one minute long, does an excellent job of conveying Aladdin’s desire for a better life. Both the full-length version and the reprise are relatable since we’ve all felt like underdogs in life, so this song truly deserves more credit.
#5: “Oo De Lally”
“Robin Hood” (1973)
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Since it was released in 1973, it makes sense that younger audiences wouldn’t know this one - but boy, that’s a shame! Sung by honky-tonk country hero, Roger Miller, this short ballad pretty much sums up the friendship and adventures of Robin Hood and his right-hand man, Little John. The song is cute and upbeat, but still has that lethargic, lazy day summer-feel to it even though it’s about their escape from death. They’re never in grave danger, but there’s still a sense of relief by the song’s final chord. The ditty is simple yet sophisticated, and would make for a fun tune to whistle. Plus, we should all put “oo-de-lally” in our vocab.
#4: “Son of Man”
“Tarzan” (1999)
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Phil Collins outdid himself with this soundtrack, with songs like “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Strangers Like Me” becoming breakout hits. But this one is just as good! The African-inspired tune describes Tarzan’s journey from boy to man as he grows up in the jungle, gaining wisdom and strength along the way. The song describes Tarzan’s status as an orphan, allowing the audience to learn the key facts of Tarzan’s life, while keeping an up-tempo, optimistic feel to it. It’s also a fun number with an important message about keeping your head up in times of struggle.
#3: “The Gospel Truth / Main Title”
“Hercules” (1997)
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The whole “Hercules” soundtrack is pure gold, but this song deserves more recognition than it’s received over the years. Heard right after the opening credits, the tune sees the Muses interrupt the film’s dry, male narrator to sum up ancient Greek history in less than two minutes. With “The Gospel Truth,” the Muses bring a needed dose of funk, soul, and sass and let us know that this isn’t your typical Greek tragedy. This song also sets the tone for the movie, making way for comedic songs like “One Last Hope” later. But The Muses are the original divas and we should all listen up when they have something to say.
#2: “I 2 I”
“A Goofy Movie” (1995)
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Sung by popular 1990s R&B singer Tevin Campbell, who also portrays the pop star Powerline in “A Goofy Movie,” there’s no denying that the musical chops on this song are top-notch. This could easily be a throwback jam if people would let it! The song comes at the film’s climax when Goofy and Max reconcile after they realize they can get along despite their differences. The duo ends up on stage with Powerline, where they rock out to this funky tune. It has a powerful message about how love allows us all to come to an understanding and see things eye to eye. This one could come in handy when we need a little reminder about love and cooperation.
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Frozen Heart”
“Frozen” (2013)
“My Own Home”
“Jungle Book” (1967)
“Best of Friends”
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
“He Lives in You”
“The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” (1998)
“All in the Golden Afternoon”
“Alice in Wonderland” (1951)
#1: “Out There”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
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As one of Disney’s darker and more mature animated features, it’s about time that this whole film and its soundtrack underwent a resurgence in popularity. Gems like this one and “Topsy Turvy” are musically complex, both in subject matter and composition, with full orchestral movements and heartbreaking lyrics. “Out There” may start out dark with Claude Frollo shaming Quasimodo. But as soon as the Judge leaves the titular character alone, Quasimodo turns the song into a joyous, hopeful tune about making it “out there” and finding his place in the world. His voice matches the beauty of his soul and even though his situation is heart breaking, the titular hunchback is not downtrodden. We owe it to Quasimodo not to forget his story or this song!
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