While Disney animated films created groundbreaking work in the 1950s and 1960s with movies like Sleeping Beauty, the company experienced its second golden era in the 1990s thanks to the release of movies like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and several more. And what made those works standout even beyond the animation and characters was the songs.
Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from those golden years of the 1990s that continue to stand out, continue to enliven and continue to bring music fans happiness when it comes to songwriting and performance. Indeed, these are three classic 1990s Disney songs that continue to spread joy.
Videos by American Songwriter
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“Friend Like Me” from Aladdin (1992)
Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman and performed by the beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams, this Oscar-nominated song stars the 1992 movie’s titular character Aladdin hearing about all the wonders and treasures that his newfound friend the Genie can offer him. In the movie, Aladdin has just found the magic lamp and from it has jumped the big blue Genie, capable of just about anything. Sings Williams in this fabulous track,
Well, Ali Baba had them 40 thieves
Scheherazade had a thousand tales
But master, you in luck ’cause up your sleeves
You got a brand of magic never fails
You got some power in your corner now
Some heavy ammunition in your camp
You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how?
See, all you gotta do is rub that lamp, and I’ll say
“Mister Aladdin, sir, what will your pleasure be?”
Let me take your order, jot it down
You ain’t never had a friend like me, ha-ha-ha
Life is your restaurant and I’m your maitre d’
Come on, whisper what it is you want
You ain’t never had a friend like me
“Be Prepared” from The Lion King (1994)
A much darker and more ominous song than the one above, this tune written by Elton John and Tim Rice was produced by Hans Zimmer and Ted Kryczko and performed by actor Jeremy Irons with Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, and Jim Cummings. It was a big collective effort to master this one and it was well worth it. In the film, the evil lion Scar is hyping up his army of hyenas to take out the ruling lions. He is condescending and conniving. But the song is so compelling it lasts through the ages and stands the test of time. Sings Scar,
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog’s backside
But thick as you are, pay attention
My words are a matter of pride
It’s clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we’re talking kings and successions
Even you can’t be caught unawares
So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
“Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this Oscar-nominated song is performed by actors Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury. And the point of the song is to welcome the enchanted home’s newest guest, Belle, who is set to stay for quite sometime. All the objects in the home, which is owned by the Beast, are alive, from the candlestick to the teapots and more. And now they’ve all come to welcome Belle in song to their astonishing abode. This is one of those songs that you just start singing once you hear the title or first lines. Sings Orbach in full French accent,
Be our guest!
Be our guest!
Put our service to the test
Tie your napkin ’round your neck, cherie
And we’ll provide the rest
Soup du jour
Hot hors d’oeuvres
Why, we only live to serve
Try the grey stuff
It’s delicious!
Don’t believe me?
Ask the dishes
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