Given that many of Disney’s animated movies are musicals, some of the most memorable and lauded parts of the movies tend to revolve around the soundtrack or one song in particular. When it comes to Disney princess movies, the princesses are often given their own solo songs, which usually become some of the most popular songs of the movie (with exceptions like Merida, who doesn’t sing, and Jasmine, who doesn’t have a solo song because she’s not the protagonist).
These songs are often called the “I Want” songs because they reveal something about the princess’s personality and what she wants in her life. With examples like “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and “Reflection” from Mulan, the songs foreshadow the journey ahead and set the tone of the film. However, even with the popular Disney princess movies, some of these solo songs fall under the radar.
“Beyond” Takes Viewers on a Journey Through Moana’s Growth
Although Moana‘s soundtrack seemed to be the soundtrack of 2016, well, that and Hamilton, Moana 2 didn’t receive the same fanfare when it was released in 2024. With a similar premise, following Moana on an adventure across the ocean, the movie did well at the box office. Still, it failed to capture the hearts of fans due to its clunky writing that was clearly taken from a Moana TV show and pieced together for a movie.
This is why the song “Beyond” is so underrated as a Disney princess song. In terms of sound and feel, it is very similar to the previous Moana song, “How Far I’ll Go,” but the lyrics are different. “Beyond” shows the woman that Moana has become and highlights her maturity. She has even more to lose now, but adventure and a sense of duty beyond the island still calls to her, with the lyrics shifting from questions to resolution.
Fun and Upbeat, “When Will My Life Begin?” Is a Perfect Opening Song
Rapunzel was the first 3D princess from Walt Disney’s animation studio, and although Tangled was clearly meant to be a shake-up for Disney and for fans in 2010, its differences went beyond mere visuals. From the leading lady who popularized the “adorkable” craze, a love interest who verged on an anti-hero, and scenes that didn’t shy away from making audiences uncomfortable with their realism, Tangled was a complete revamp.
This extended to its songs as well, with tracks that leaned more into folk and pop music rather than Broadway-style ballads. Many songs started popular, like “I See The Light,” and others gained traction later, like “Mother Knows Best,” and yet, Rapunzel’s solo song still remains an underrated tune amongst the Disney princess songs.
“When Will My Life Begin?” helped open the movie and was a perfect way to introduce viewers to Rapunzel, her life, and her dissatisfaction with her life. From this, viewers get a sense of where the movie is headed, as there is only one way out for Rapunzel. The song also happens to be a catchy, casual melody with lyrics that couldn’t quite be called clever, but they’re certainly witty and fun.
The Operatic “I Wonder” Takes Viewers Through the Forests of Sleeping Beauty
Disney princess movies are some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most beloved films. This means that when a Disney princess song is considered to be underrated, this is usually because the rest of the soundtrack is so exceptional (except for Moana 2). This is the case for 1959’s Sleeping Beauty, except that the movie is unique in that one song, “Once Upon A Dream,” was such a masterpiece that it outshone everything else. Plus, it doesn’t help that Aurora’s solo song happened only moments before its more famous counterpart.
“I Wonder” follows Aurora through the forest at the beginning of the movie, before she meets Philip and before Maleficent finds her. She sings to her animal friends about what she wants in life, which may sound like nothing special, given that it’s a typical Disney princess song topic. But, this song takes direct influence from the Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty ballet and is sung by one of the unique voices out of all of the princesses – Mary Costa, who sings with a powerful but sweet operatic voice.
“Almost There” Feels Like a Grown-Up Version of a Disney Princess Song
The Princess and the Frog has an interesting soundtrack in that it is appreciated by Disney fans and yet remains highly underrated. There was no reason why it shouldn’t have hit the mainstream media in a bigger way, with its jazz and gospel-inspired tracks helmed by the New Orleans native Randy Newman. Every single song on that playlist is unskippable, which is why its Disney princess solo song remains one of the most underrated songs of the bunch.
With a rich, powerful voice, Tiana sings “Almost There” at the beginning of the movie, before getting mixed up with Naveen and Dr. Facilier, as a preview for the audience of what her goals and values are. The lyrics reflect hard work, perseverance, and talent, and the visuals bring a unique 2D Art Deco aesthetic with distinct line work and bold colors. It is clear that Tiana is no passive princess; she’s a hard-working woman who knows what she wants, and “Almost There” reflects this with the classic jazzy style of the 2009 movie.
“Just Around the Riverbend” Is One of the Best Disney Princess Songs of All Time
Another victim of a song falling into relative obscurity (outside of fervent Disney fans) due to being overshadowed by another song, “Just Around the Riverbend” was overshadowed by the other Disney princess song sung by Pocahontas, “Colors of the Wind.” Although “Colors of the Wind” is a fantastic song and deserves its accolades, “Just Around the Riverbend” is more of a classic Disney princess song where the lyrics tell the audience a bit more about the princess and what she wants.
Set close to the beginning of the controversial 1995 movie Pocahontas, the song follows the princess as she hears about her impending engagement. She takes her canoe along a river and debates the topic, and although the lyrics don’t settle on a decision for her, the choice of river she took symbolizes her upcoming journey, as only a few scenes later, she meets John Smith.
The song is memorable for its lyrics about choice and the journey ahead, but it’s mainly so loved for a similar reason that “Colors of the Wind” is so loved – Judy Kuhn’s voice. Judy Kuhn is yet another Broadway actress pulled into a Disney movie, but she is especially renowned for the smooth and warm tone of her voice. She can belt show tunes, sing opera, and drop to a husky whisper, but throughout everything, her tone remains just as smooth, clear, and grounded as always, perfectly reflecting Pocahontas herself.
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Pinocchio, Frozen, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, Cinderella, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Moana