When Robert Komaniecki embarked on the ambitious project of ranking every Disney song, he thought the results would align with his childhood favorites from the 1990s, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” But Komaniecki, a music theorist and lecturer at the University of British Columbia, took a meticulous approach that stripped nostalgia from the equation. Using criteria including lyrics, music, vocals, plot integration, and overall enjoyment (“vibes”), he analyzed and ranked 115 Disney songs, bringing some surprising results to light.
“A great Disney song needs to be inextricable from the plot,” Komaniecki explains. “The lyrics should be clear and thoughtful, the music must be perfectly executed, and the song should help us understand the character better.” This dedication to detail led him on a month-long journey through 31 films, from “Snow White” (1937) to “Wish” (2023). He only included songs over two minutes and those sung in traditional musical theater style by characters themselves, which left out classic tunes like Elton John’s “Circle of Life.”
Komaniecki’s careful methodology unearthed both gems and duds. While Hercules’ “Zero to Hero” earned praise for its unimpeachable pitch, some beloved classics didn’t fare as well. For instance, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from “The Little Mermaid” sank due to tempo issues, and “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin” suffered for its reliance on piano. The ultimate victor? “Mother Knows Best” from “Tangled,” scoring a perfect 500/500. Despite its under-the-radar status, Komaniecki found it to be more perfectly executed than any other.
Fan reactions varied widely. Some songs, like “Hellfire” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with its dark themes, surprised Komaniecki with their popularity. Others, like “Frozen’s” “Fixer Upper,” drew unexpected ire. Even Komaniecki’s personal favorite, “Gaston” from “Beauty and the Beast,” barely made it into the Top 40 due to some technical flaws, though it remains close to his heart for its clever lyrics and humor.
In the end, while Komaniecki’s list may be rooted in rigorous criteria, he acknowledges that the magic of Disney songs lies in how they make us feel. “Ultimately, your favorite Disney song is about personal connection,” he says, encouraging fans to reflect on their own top picks.
What about you, Disney fans? Do you agree with Komaniecki’s rankings, or do you have your own favorites that didn’t make the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Source: Rachael Sigee
