As I get older, I’ve learned to appreciate the songs I was raised on more. And no, I don’t mean ‘90s R&B or oldies (but goodies), I mean the songs that made me fall in love with the sound of music and beautiful voices. Okay, maybe that is dramatic. I mean the songs that I remember learning the dances to and making my little sister be my backup dancer, or the songs that made me cry and I had no idea why. I often find myself moving back to the music that raised me, the beautiful ballads from the Cheetah Girls or Liv Rooney, or the music from Troy Bolten and Gabriella Montez and how I couldn’t wait to fall in love and sing and dance around with my partner until it started raining on us. Maybe it is out of comfort, or pure nostalgia, but I cannot get enough of the songs from Disney Channel. Here is a short list of the songs I often go back to; I know it isn’t a complete list please don’t come for me; it is just the songs that have a special place in my heart.
Gonna Get This by Hannah Montana and Iyaz
This is the ORIGINAL PARTY SONG, and I stand by that. This song had 6-year-old me cranked all the way up. I don’t know what Hannah’s morning routine that day was when she recorded this song, but I need to adopt it ASAP. The hook and chorus are so catchy and the way the two voices go back and forth like a conversation from different perspectives I think has bumped up my IQ at least 5 points. And don’t even get me started on the bumping beat. This is the first song I remember being my favorite and being stuck in my head.
Fuego by the Cheetah Girls
If I am ever in a coma, play this song. If I don’t wake up, it’s time to begin taking life saving measures. Yes, it is THAT good. This song had me popping everything and made me realize the type of girl I want to be (Cheetah, duh). I still love this song and listen to it regularly and I get the same rush each time.
True Love by Dove Cameron and Jordan Fisher
Dove Cameron and Jordan Fisher together? Oh, I’m there completely. This song was so emotional and as a Liv and Holden stan FOR LIFE, this song still brings me to tears.
You Belong to Me by Tyler James Williams
Let It Shine is such an amazing movie with a beautiful plot and this song only strengthens its application to be considered for the best DCOM of all time. This song is one of my favorite songs from my childhood. Everything about it is so wonderful, I love the beat and the metaphors, and I LOVE Tyler James Williams.
Can I Have This Dance by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
Remember earlier when I said Troy and Gabriella made me excited to fall in love? It is because of this song. This song is so beautifully made. It is so calm, and I swear I can still feel the love radiating through the lyrics. This song is utter perfection and honestly one of the best songs to come from the High School Musical trilogy. I have no complaints about this song, except that it isn’t longer.
Just Wanna Be with You by Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
Again, this duo is EVERYTHING to me. These two absolutely raised me, and I felt every single emotion that they portrayed in every single song. Whenever Gabriella sang her emotional ballad, I absolutely felt my heart break. I loved their emotional growth and still find myself admiring their love. As someone in a long-distant relationship, this song hits so hard; but Troy literally drove a million miles to get Gabriella when she was at Stanford, and they sang this song when they got back. How could life get better?
If Only by Dove Cameron
This was the first song I remember breaking down to. The first time I saw Descendants, this song had me captivated, and the second time, I was gagged by this performance. I remember being 10 years old and attempting to relate to the confusion and hurt Mal was feeling (this is probably why I am so empathetic, now that I think about it). The emotion and Dove Cameron’s voice combined is still so moving.
Scream by Zac Efron
This is the original crash out song, and I didn’t understand it when I was younger, but rewatching it back, it was absolutely valid. I remember when I was younger and watching this movie and I was so confused why he was angry that he had choices, but now? Oh, I absolutely understand and would love to have the ability to scream through my university. Growing up is scary, and I feel like this song portrays the confusion and anxiety that comes with getting older so well.
What’s my Name by China Anne McClain
I have such distinct memory of hearing this song for the first time, you know, back when we weren’t supposed to admit the villains ate too. I remember my younger siblings learning the dance break and I was frustrated because I didn’t know how to do it; this song was such a bonding moment for my siblings, and I love the memories attached to it.
Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato
I cannot say enough good things about this song; I love the voice overlap and how they are saying the same things from a different perspective. When I was younger, I thought it was such a coincidence they were feeling the same things but weren’t talking about it. I still love the sound of their voices together and the emotion behind their voices.
Disney Channel played a large part in raising me and making me who I am today. I am very grateful for the era of movies, TV shows, and soundtracks I was brought up around, and I know I am not the only person who feels that way. These songs, along with many others, will always have a special place in my heart and I am duly excited to see how these songs continue to impact my life.