Category: DISNEY/PIXAR-Related

SUMMARY:                                           RUNNING TIME: 2:18 Min.

Recorded mostly by Paige O’Hara (as Belle), supporting vocals come from Robby Benson (as The Beast) and fellow cast members Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach and David Ogden Stiers.  Co-crafted by the team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this tune first appeared first appeared on Disney’s 1991 Beauty and the Beast animated film soundtrack.  It also appears on 1995’s Classic Disney, Volume 2 album. 

REVIEW:

Why this romantic song works so well is that it spells out the title characters’ evolving relationship.  More so, the song articulately brings their private thoughts to life, along with those quietly observing them. 

While Robby Benson’s brief contribution is spot-on, it’s Paige O’Hara’s radiant voice that imbues “Something There” as a Broadway-style gem.  She receives delightful support from her fellow cast members, particularly Angela Lansbury at its conclusion.  Simply, this classy track’s timeless blend of poignancy and romantic humor is tough to match.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       10 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 5:08 Min.

Co-composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this tune is primarily sung by Paige O’Hara as ‘Belle’ for 1991’s Beauty and the Beast movie soundtrack.  O’Hara is backed by voice actors as the village chorus observing Belle on her walk.  This song would resurface on 2002’s Disney Princess Favorites compilation album.   

REVIEW:

Performed by committee, “Belle” deploys a superb Broadway-style sound.  Spelling out the lead character’s sweet-natured, bookworm personality prior to meeting the ‘Beast,’ Paige O’Hara’s vocals are a gem.  For fans of the animated film, adding this delightful track to a show tunes playlist makes perfect sense.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      10 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 2:00 Min.

As the title character, actress Lily James sings this classic Disney tune for Cinderella’s 2015 live-action film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of an elegant music box, Lily James interprets this classic Disney Princess song as it is an angelic lullaby.  Her soothing vocals makes this rendition “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” sparkle like a gem.  The downside is a short running time, but James’ classy performance makes up all the difference.  

Note: For some contrast, a download double-feature would be Kari Kimmel’s bubbly “It’s Not Just Make Believe” from the 2007 Ella Enchanted film soundtrack.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 2:58 Min.

Recorded by singer-actress Helen Reddy, she performs the live-action tune in character as “Nora” for 1977’s Pete’s Dragon.  Tis track was co-created by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.  Reddy’s effort subsequently earned an Academy Award nod in 1977 for Best Original Song.  This tune would later appear on 1995’s Classic Disney, Volume 2 album. 

REVIEW:

One could readily argue that this finely-tuned song is the most enduring asset of the original Pete’s Dragon.  This reviewer won’t dispute such an assessment.  Impressively, Helen Reddy’s classy vocal performance soars at all the right moments, conveying a hopeful exuberance that few others could match.  What’s particularly endearing re: this song is that Reddy’s voice doesn’t exhibit any smug self-satisfaction some performers with a similar octave range would be prone to do.  Between its poignant piano-driven melody and Reddy’s show-stopping vocals, “Candle on the Water” delivers Disney musical magic.  Highly recommended!      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  10 Stars

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