A large part of people's love for Disney is the wonderful collection of songs that have been amassed from their films. These often powerful songs elevate Disney's films from standard kid's films to great family musicals.
Whether animated or live-action, many of these songs have become iconic in the realm of pop culture, leading to sing-alongs where everyone can celebrate why they love Disney music. Many songs are more popular than others, leading to some songs to become underappreciated or just straight up forgotten, even though these songs deserve more attention. Here are the 10 most underrated Disney songs.
"Lost In The Woods" (Frozen 2)
Even though Frozen 2 came out so recently, this song has been overshadowed by Elsa's two powerful ballads, "Into the Unknown" and "Show Yourself." However, this song deserves a lot of attention simply due to how unique it is. This is a parody of an 80's rock ballad with Jonathan Groff expertly providing a deliberately over the top vocal performance. The visuals also match the randomness as Kristoff is comically overacting under a spotlight surrounded by a choir of singing reindeer. It may not be a typical Disney song, but it is still very catchy.
"The Mob Song" (Beauty And The Beast)
Beauty and the Beast contains one of Disney's best soundtracks, but let's face it, everyone forgets about this song. Even the title sounds like something somebody would say while trying to figure out what the actual title is. However, it still has a rather powerful intensity to it. As Gaston rallies the villagers to kill the beast, the intensity picks up as the villagers begin to chant the sinister melody and march to the castle. It is a great way to set up the final battle between the villagers and the sentient furniture.
"Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" (Lilo And Stitch)
"Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" is a great celebration of the Hawaiian culture that surrounds the film. Lilo And Stitch isn't remembered for its music, but this is an absolute gem of a song. Not only does this song have a great job and feel immensely relaxing, but it also fits the atmosphere perfectly. Watching Stitch attempt to enjoy surfing with this song in the background makes this a very memorable scene.
"Feed The Birds (Tuppence A Bag)" (Mary Poppins)
While "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "A Spoonful Of Sugar" are usually the most played songs from this Disney classic, this song is the heart and soul of Mary Poppins. With a beautiful vocal performance from Julie Andrews, this song illustrates the importance of generosity and kindness through the story of an old beggar woman who dedicates her money to feed the birds. It challenges the idea that money dictates happiness and that little bits of kindness can have a large impact. These ideas come back as Mr. Banks is walking to the bank with the music in the background and sees that the old beggar woman is gone, suggesting she may be dead.
"Hellfire" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
This song may fly under the radar because Disney does not bring it up often. It may be because this is easily the most adult and dark song that Disney has ever made. Claude Frollo is having an internal duel between his religion and his emotions as he lusts over Esmeralda. If she loves him, then she lives, but if she rejects him, then she burns alive. Fun? Maybe not, but it makes Claude Frollo a truly wicked villain. It is a haunting song with intense music and very mature lyrics. It's a great song, but don't expect it in a Disney fireworks show anytime soon.
"Evermore" (Beauty and the Beast)
The Beauty and the Beast live-action remake may have mixed feelings from fans of the original, but there is no denying that this song is a worthy addition to the soundtrack. It is a fantastic romantic ballad and it gives the beast his very own number.
The lyrics show how he has opened up his heart to Belle and even if she never comes back, she will always be with him in his heart. It is a very heartwarming moment and watching beast ascend the castle so he can keep Belle in his sight as she rides off is just the cherry on top.
"So Close" (Enchanted)
Enchanted is a charming film about Disney fairy tales coming to life. This song is equally as charming as this love song plays with the main characters realizing their true feelings for one another. Even though they come from different worlds, Giselle and Robert still love one another anyways. It has good lyrics, an enchanting melody, and a soothing vocal performance from Jon McLaughlin. It proves that even in the real world, fairytale love may still exist.
"Out There" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
This song falls into the trope of songs like "Let it Go," How Far I'll Go," and "Part of Your World," where the hero who feels couped-up yearns to break free. In comparison with these songs, "Out There" is still a remarkable song with a memorable chorus, nice melodies, and powerful vocals. It makes Quasimodo a relatable character and one who the audience is truly rooting for. The beginning of the song is also a reminder of how evil Claude Frollo is by verbally abusing Quasimodo and making him believe that the world will never accept him.
"Mother Knows Best" (Tangled)
What makes this song unique is how it is a true villain song that sounds nothing like a villain song. The rhythm is very bouncy and the vocals sound rather cheerful. The lyrics, however, are threatening and insulting to Rapunzel's character.
Donna Murphy gives a great performance as she consistently transitions from loving mother to menacing witch. It makes the audience question whether Mother Gothel cares about Rapunzel at all or whether she is only worried about losing her source of youth.
"Be Prepared" (The Lion King)
There is a lot of love out there for Scar's villainous musical number, but it is overlooked in favor of the other fantastic songs from The Lion King. Even Disney seemed to almost forget to put it in the live-action film in 2019. However, "Be Prepared" is one of the best songs for any Disney villain. Even though Jeremy Irons may not be the best singer, his sinister vocal performance makes the song a haunting, but an awesome song to listen to. The creepy chorus singing also gives the song a wonderfully wicked atmosphere. While it is a song about killing Mufasa, it is hard to not get wrapped up in this infectious tune.