After popular countdowns on Disney's Animated Classics and Live Action Films, in the spring of 2004 UltimateDisney.com began polling for a third countdown. The focus for this was songs from Disney movies, both animated and live action. First, a list of 129 nominees was devised by forum members. Then, sixty-two site visitors compiled lists of their favorite Disney songs from the nominees.
From these votes, we bring you the 100 Top Disney Songs. Each weekday, for four weeks, we counted down 5 songs, all the way to #1.
100) "Rumbly In My Tumbly" (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh)
Anything can be a song with Winnie the Pooh, as this proves. Sterling Holloway's unique voice is able to define Pooh's character with this little anthem for hunger. Simple words, a simple melody, and undoubtedly catchy.
Available on Best of Pooh & Heffalumps Too / The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh DVD Review
99) "The Three Caballeros" (The Three Caballeros)
This song defines the three stars of Disney's little-known but much-loved anthology film. It's a celebration of the caballero lifestyle. You'll find Donald Duck, Joe Carioca, and Panchito beneath their sombreros. What you won't find is a Three Caballeros soundtrack.
Not Available on CD / Saludos Amigos & The Three Caballeros: Classic Caballeros Collection DVD Review
97) "Great Spirits" (Brother Bear)
With "Great Spirits", the makers of Brother Bear attempted to set the movie in motion with a big dramatic number the way The Lion King did with "Circle of Life." Though this was the one song from the film that Disney pushed for an Oscar, it came away without a nomination. Still, voters must feel it worked.
Download MP3 from Amazon.com / Available on Brother Bear Soundtrack / Brother Bear DVD Review / Brother Bear 2 DVD Review
96) "A Star is Born" (Hercules)
Though the music was written by Alan Menken (the man behind The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), the songs in Hercules depart from the familiar feel of Disney's extremely popular early '90s hits. With a Gospel influence, the songs performed by the Muses, bring high energy and fast tempos. James Reader likes it "because it's just so darn cheerful!"
Download MP3 from Amazon.com / Available on Hercules Soundtrack / Hercules DVD Review
92) (tie) "Look Through My Eyes" (Brother Bear)
Phil Collins' closing credits theme to Disney's 43rd animated classic is also instrumentally heard in some of the more successful portions of his score. Available on Brother Bear Soundtrack / Brother Bear DVD Review / Brother Bear 2 DVD Review
87) "Once Upon a Time in New York City" (Oliver & Company)
Though Oliver & Company proves there is a timelessness to Dickens' story, this opening number performed by Huey Lewis that this "once upon a time" is most certainly the 1980s.
Available on Oliver & Company Soundtrack (out of print) / Oliver & Company: 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Review
86) "Little Patch of Heaven" (Home on the Range)
This is the most recent song to make the Top 100 Disney Songs list.
"This one has become a favorite of mine very quickly, by being such a cheerful and bouncy melody." - Jack Seiley
Available on Home on the Range Soundtrack (out of print) / Home on the Range DVD Review
He's an instant hit with the audience, even as he bumbles through this number. There's an eery nature to his interaction with the string puppets, hinting at the sadness that a theatrical life will soon reveal for Pinocchio. But with this sequence, one can't help but be dazzled like the crowd, endearing tangles and all.
Available on Pinocchio Soundtrack (out of print) / Pinocchio: Platinum Edition DVD Review
83) "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor's Life for Me)" (Pinocchio)
If a hero is only as strong as their villains, then little Pinocchio must have the strength of four. That's the number of nemeses the wooden boy is up against. Honest John is wily and not as imposing as Stromboli. This fox is the first to get Pinocchio to stray; with this most alluring tune, Honest John is able to inspire him to forget school and head for the theatre.
Available on Pinocchio Soundtrack (out of print) / Pinocchio: Platinum Edition DVD Review
82) "Strange Things" (Toy Story)
Certain songs capture emotion better than any dialogue could. In the case of Toy Story, the filmmakers were reluctant to have characters who had a hard time expressing their feelings, breaking into song about them. Instead, we get this song from Randy Newman, which accompanies an awesome montage in which longtime favorite Woody sees himself being supplanted by a confident new space ranger.
Download MP3 from Amazon.com / Available on Toy Story Soundtrack (out of print) / Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition DVD / 10th Anniversary Edition DVD Review / Toy Story: Blu-ray & DVD Review