We all know the classics. “Circle of Life.” “Part of Your World.” “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Disney just seems to crank out memorable songs after memorable songs. But there are, in fact, Disney songs that may have slipped your mind or are considered new to you. Sit down, plug in your headphones (or blast your speakers, it’s up to you), and enjoy.
“Will the Sun Ever Shine Again?” by Bonnie Raitt (from Home on the Range)
I have to admit, I have never seen Home on the Range. But “Will the Sun Ever Shine Again?” is one of my favorite Disney songs. It is sung by Bonnie Raitt, who is probably most well-known for the song “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
“Ducks Dance Too” by Donald Duck and Co. (from Moucercise)
Disney released Moucercise, a children’s exercise album, in 1982 during the fitness craze of the ‘80s. The album featured music to promote exercise for children, and included appearances (or songs) by traditional Disney characters, such as Donald Duck in this song.
“Substitutiary Locomotion” by Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson (from Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a movie that came out in 1971. If you’ve watched the movie, you probably know what I mean when I say that it features everything a movie should have in the late ‘60s/early ‘70s (singing, high-tech visual effects, and a cartoon scene or two). On a serious note, this song is a musical version of the spell Angela Lansbury (probably better known as the voice of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast) and David Tomlinson (most known for playing Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins) need to cast to save England during World War II.
“Candle on the Water” by Helen Reddy (from Pete’s Dragon)
“Candle on the Water” was nominated for Academy Award for Best Song in 1977 but lost. Helen Reddy is most known for her number one song in 1972, “I Am Woman.”
“Something That I Want” by Grace Potter (from Tangled)
“Something That I Want” was used in the credits of Tangled. The music and lyrics were written by Grace Potter of rock band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
“Not in Nottingham” by Roger Miller (from Robin Hood)
This song was covered by Mumford & Sons. ‘Nuff said.
“Sing Away the Blues” by Anika Noni Rose (from Bayou Boogie: Toe Tappin’ Tunes Inspired by The Princess & the Frog)
Don’t feel bad if you don’t know this song; it’s from a secondary soundtrack released by Disney for The Princess & the Frog. The song is still sung by Princess Tiana, Anika Noni Rose, and it still sounds like it belongs in the movie.
“Grim Grinning Ghosts (The Screaming Song)” by Buddy Baker (from Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction)
If you’ve gone on the Haunted Mansion ride at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you will probably recognize “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” The song is basically the soundtrack of the attraction. I apologize for any flashbacks or nightmares.
If you start looking, you will definitely find a forgotten Disney song or two, whether it is from your favorite Disney movie as a child or one you have never even heard about. With the amount of movies Disney has made in the past almost-one hundred years, you’re bound to find one more song to add to your Disney playlist. Who knows, it could become one of your favorites?