Feast your ears on 13 new re-imagined versions of iconic Disney songs like “Colors of the Wind”, “Let It Go”, and “Zero to Hero”. These and more are all part of Disney's newest album titled “We Love Disney”, which features an array of current artists, ranging from pop star Ariana Grande to rockers Fall Out Boy.
“We Love Disney” was released on October 30, 2015 and takes listeners on a journey down memory lane through some of Disney's most beloved songs. Some of them sound similar to the originals, but many have been remixed or done in radically new styles.
The “We Love Disney” complete track list includes:
1. “Friend Like Me” from “Aladdin” – Performed by Ne-Yo
This track brings the dazzling world of the Genie into the swigging jazz age. Ne-Yo sizzles with a crooning vocal that is complimented by a driving big band, muffled jazz trumpets, and an upbeat snapping tempo. This track would be a perfect swing dancing song.
2. “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” – Performed by Jessie J
Jessie J smoothly sings Ariel's theme song, accompanied by a delicate harp and beautiful violins. While this version sounds a lot like the original, J's vocal soars in the final stanza, holding out notes that will bring tears to your eyes. This would be a perfect song for a waltz on “Dancing with the Stars” during Disney week.
3. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight/Nants' Ingonyama” from “The Lion King” – Performed by Jason Derulo
This remix mashes up both the opening song and the love theme from “The Lion King”. Jason Derulo's vocals do Elton John justice, while bringing a fresh pop vibe. The love song lyrics are layered over the African calls and chants of “Nant's Ingonyama”, making this track true to its source material while meshing it with a fun, hip-hop beat.
4. “Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppet Movie” – Performed by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani embraces the childlike wonder of this song with vocals that soar over the gentle plucks of a banjo. Kermit the Frog originally sang this song, and it's very cool to hear it sung by a woman. Stefani is a tenacious singer, but she brings a gentleness to this tune that makes it sound almost like a lullaby.
5. “Zero to Hero” from “Hercules” – Performed by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande opted not to sing a Disney princess song so that she could take on the role of the muses from “Hercules”. Grande's vocal packs a punch, while the full gospel choir backing her will literally take you to church. This song is radically fun and is sure to make you dance around your living room throwing up praise hands like nobody is watching.
6. “In a World of My Own/Very Good Advice” from “Alice in Wonderland” – Performed by Jhene Aiko
This hypnotic pop remix by singer Jhene Aiko perfectly captures the feel of Alice exploring a strange world of unusual sights and sounds. Aiko's angelic and lilting tones drip like honey over '70s inspired synthesized tones, strings, and rhythmic beats.
7. “I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)” from “The Jungle Book” – Performed by Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy slams right into this song with rocking punk vocals and driving guitar solos. They take Louis Prima's original vocal and amp it way up, making King Louis sound like a scatting, rockabilly front man who is desperate for fire. This track would be great to rock out to at a party or even in a live show.
8. “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” – Performed by Tori Kelly
Newcomer Tori Kelly is a real life Disney princess and she sings this title track from Pocahontas beautifully. Similar to Jessie J's track from “The Little Mermaid”, this rendition sounds very close to the original song. The flutes and strings in the background sweep around Kelly's rich vocals, evoking the strong American Indian spirit of the song.
9. “A Spoonful of Sugar” from “Mary Poppins” – Performed by: Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves takes this classic, British tune and turns it into a twang-filled bluegrass romp. This version would actually be a perfect square dancing song! There are lots of fun “swing your partner round and round” moments while it still stays true to the classic Mary Poppins spirit.
10. “Ev'rebody Wants to be a Cat” from “The Aristocats” – Performed by: Charles Perry
Charles Perry pays tribute to the classic jazz age in which this film is set. With haunting background choirs vocals, a driving bass line and intense muffled jazz sounds, this song is a perfect homage to the “Aristocat” era. This song is super fun and would make a great addition to any swing or jazz playlists.
11. “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella” – Performed by: Jessie Ware
This song is as classic as Disney gets. Rising stings, timpani roles, and a delicate yet strong feminine vocal. This version of “Dream” is absolute perfection and sweeps you right into that bygone Disney era. Jessie Ware delivers a powerful performance that is reminiscent of a young Whitney Houston.
12. “Let It Go” from “Frozen” – Performed by Lucy Hale & Rascal Flatts
This is “Let It Go” like you have never heard it before. The rich twang of Rascal Flatts paired with Lucy Hale's pop country vocal shifts “Let It Go” from a movie theme song to a country anthem. Inspired by Demi Lovato's version from the credits of “Frozen,” this version provides Hale and Flatts with an opportunity to layer their vocals in a powerful duet style. They even include a key change towards the end of the song that is sure to get your foot stomping and your fists pumping.
13. “It's a Small World” – Performed by: “We Love Disney” Artists
Every artist on “We Love Disney” comes together to sing this final song. The acapella harmonies build into a powerful crescendo as the instruments slowly start to fill in behind the melody. The vocalists sound robust and strong, as they all harmonizing together. This song would make a perfect addition to any Christmas playlist and aptly rounds out this album as another Disney favorite.
“We Love Disney” is available to order and download here.