A complete review and observations of the Princess and the Frog soundtrack! I HAVE IT

[AREM]

Ok, I would like you all to close your eyes, and imagine something for me.

I'm sitting at home today on this very cold day, bored out of my mind.

Then, the phone rings. A fellow Disney freak is on the other end. He is out of breath, and stuttering. For a full minute, he can't speak. Its just all grunts and shrieks. Finally, I manage to get it out of him.

Gasping as it comes out, he finally manages to blurt out, "I got the Princess and the Frog soundtrack." My dear friends, I lost my mind. If you think that I lost my mind in the video of me arriving in Walt Disney World, you haven't seen anything yet.

Once I recovered from my rejoicing, I asked him how he got it. Of course, it leaked out. But that did not matter to me. I just wanted to get my hands on it. Now, let me say that I WILL be purchasing the soundtrack the second it comes out, so please don't leave any comments about me stealing music, or not supporting the artist. Believe me, I want a hard copy as much as you.

And now, my fellow Disney nuts, I present you with my review and personal observations of the HIGHLY anticipated Princess and the Frog soundtrack.


Let me start off by saying that overall, the soundtrack is FUN. For those who are either not fans Randy Newman, or were concerned about a 'Pixar' sound to the movie, fear not. This is pure Disney all the way. It is not, as my friend had put it, 'The Toy Story soundtrack with lyrics about frogs." It pure 90s Disney. Its light, its fun, and it is joyful. Half of the soundtrack will leave you with a smile sprawled across your face. Its so uplifting. Even the 'villain' song is fun. That aspect really surprised me. But don't let this fact deceive you. Will the music is light and fun, the songs are just as deep and moving as you would expect.

This leads me to my second thing about the soundtrack; It is 100% vintage Disney. For those of you who were concerned about the music, and were mad or concerned that Alan M. was taken off of this project, rest assured. Randy has done an absolutely phenomenal job here. Its 100% original. It will not remind you of any Disney classics, or sound like copy cat music. It sounds like no other Disney soundtrack. But at the same time, it will sit along the great classics as a favorite soundtrack for kids years to come.

So, how exactly does the soundtrack stand up against the more recent classics from the 90s?

It does. Like a champ. It is EASILY in the top 5 Disney soundtracks. Easily.


Now, here is a song by song review of this glorious soundtrack.


1. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-yo

As many of you know, I have always been a huge fan of the 90s Disney movies and soundtracks. And one thing that I always loved were the 'pop' covers of one of the songs that would always play over the credits. For those who are not familiar, Disney would select one of the main songs on the soundtrack, bring in modern and contemporary artist(s), and record a pop version of the song. I alway enjoyed these versions. While they did have a very 90s sound to them, I never the less enjoyed them. Well, for this movie, Disney has decided to take a very different route. Instead of a cover version of one of the songs, they wrote an original song to play over the credits, and brought in a contemporary artist. In this case, its Ne-yo.

At first listen, the song feels so completely out of place on the soundtrack, its almost a culture shock. After an entire disc of New Orleans jazz and riffs, to transition to a modern R&B song is somewhat jarring.

I personally feel like Disney did this simply to have a song to play for kids/tweens to promote the film. And if you have listened to Radio Disney anytime recently, this song is all over their airwaves. So, it would seem like they are accomplishing what they intended to do with this song.

However, after several more listens, the song has actually grown on me. The lyrics are perfect for what happens in the film. The lyrics read, "You're the best thing I never knew I needed. So when you were here I had no idea, you're the best thing I never knew I needed. So now it's so clear I need you here, always." Sweet sentiments, and it fits with Tiana and Naveen's story.

Ne-yo sings the song the way you would expect him to. Very like the way he sings any of his other songs.

While this song is nice and will most likely become a fairly large hit with the Radio Disney kids, I really would have liked to see a pop verison of one of the songs.

I think that a modern version of 'Almost There' by Beyonce or Alicia Keys would have been nice.

Rating: 2 and a half out of 5 stars



2. Down In New Orleans by Anika Noni Rose (Tiana)

PERFECTLY setting the tone and setting for the entire film, this short track puts you right where you need to be to know the tone of the movie.

Anika is just as sweet and lovely in this track as she can be.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



3. Down In New Orleans by Dr. John

Several months ago, a friend of mine sent me a link to a YouTube video of Randy Newman performing this song live at a concert. And I immediately fell in love with it. Its just infectious. The joy that this song makes you feel is beyond words. This is pure jazz. Lots of blues and jazz grooves. This song can be heard in Tiana's Showboat Jubilee at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It doesn't change much.

Again, upon first listen, I didn't care for it. Well, at least not the artist. The song itself is just first rate. But after hearing Randy Newman perform it with his usual swag and spunk, its kind of a let down to hear Dr. John do it. But, after a few listens, I really do like Dr. John's vocals.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



4. Almost There by Anika Noni Rose (Tiana)

Every good Disney soundtrack, or any movie soundtrack for that matter, has at least two staple songs. The 'I want' song, and the 'villain' song.

The Princess and the Frog has both. And boy, are they good.

Another fact that you should know about me is that my favorite songs from Disney movie soundtracks is the 'I want' song. 'Part Of Your World', 'Belle', 'Just Around The River Bend', and others are, to me, the best part of any Disney movie soundtrack. So, being that this is being herald as the return of, among many things, the 'Disney musical', I approached this song with mixed feelings. On one hand, I was more excited to hear this song than any other song on the soundtrack. And yet, I was very scared. Being as this is my favorite staple of any musical, I was very worried that Randy might not get this right.

And after all, if you had to write something that would have to follow such amazing 'I want' songs as 'Part Of Your World' and 'Just Around The River Bend', you might be a little pressured to deliver something spectacular. And deliver he does.

It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Randy really did an outstanding job with this one. Its, to me, the most relatable 'I want' song of them all. Especially in todays world. The inspiration that this track gives is just......just........it moves me to tears.

Tiana sings about her hard work, and the fact that she is 'almost there'. She isn't waiting for her prince, she is taking her future in her own hands. I really think that todays kids are gonna really identify with Tiana more than any other princess in the Disney canon.

Something that I will say, is that this is NOT the Disney broadway style music that was throughout the 90s. But thats ok. Its unique and original. Its unlike any other 'I want' song that has come before. I could not be happier with what Randy has accomplished here. It is pure, unapologetic Disney, yet it is a new and different direction.

As for Anika, this is her shining moment. She belts it out. She sings like her life depended on it. But, she knows when to sing it quiet and lovingly when she should.

Just like 'Part Of Your World', the song opens up with Tiana talking to her mother about not having time for fun and partying. She has work to do, she tells her mom, and then effortlessly slides into the song. Honestly, you can't imagine anyone else doing this part after you have heard Anika sing. They nailed this one on the head.

Honestly, I have nothing but praise and good things to say about this track. It is, in my opinion, a perfect song. However, it is my second favorite song on the album. I'll get to my favorite track later.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



5. Friends On The Other Side by Keith David (Dr. Facilier)

It is absolutely true what they say about the fact that its more fun to play the villain than the hero. And FUN is what you hear when you listen to this track. Even though the song is about voodoo and the evil doctor who uses it, it still alot of fun and isn't too dark. In fact, I'd say that this is the less dark of any Disney villain song. But, its still creepy and VERY atmospheric. It really is another amazing song.

It is SO true what they say about it being a musical cocktail of 'Poor Unfortunate Souls', and 'Friend Like Me'. Its got the fun, wit, craziness of 'Friend Like Me', yet has the atmosphere, creepiness, and over the top villain-ness of 'Poor Unfortunate Souls'.

David Keith does an OUTSTANDING job on the vocals here. Again, after hearing him sing, you could not imagine anyone else doing this part.

The track is a mix of singing and rhyming dialogue. But it works. Very well.

David Keith is charming, yet evil. Which is the best kind of villain. His swagger here is just amazing. You can tell he thoroughly enjoyed himself with this character.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



6. When We're Human by Tiana, Naveen, and Louis

Another fun fun track. Louis the alligator, frog Tiana, and frog Naveen soar here. Its really the only part of the soundtrack where Naveen sings. And its not too bad.

Very fun, jazz riff. And Louis can play that trumpet like nobodies business! The song is a bit short for my taste, but maybe that is the best testament to the song. It makes you want more.

Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars



7. Gonna Take You There by Ray

Ray's first song, and it is just charming. Again, it brings a grin to your face, and makes you want to dance! Zydeco is the style on this track. Its pure New Orleans!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



8. Me Belle Evangeline by Ray

Ray's second and last song, is the 'Beauty and the Beast' track of the movie. Just as Mrs. Potts sang as Belle and the Beast danced, this is the song that Ray sings as frog Tiana and Frog Naveen dance in the bayou. Its romantic and sweet. And its slightly amusing. It makes for a very very nice love song.

However, after a careful look at the song, Ray is singing about Evangeline. Who is in the sky. At night. And he is a firefly. I just melted. He is in love with the moon! He thinks that the moon is a firefly, and he is singing about the moon, his love!!! Oh my god, I just died. Ray just became my favorite character.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars




9. Dig a Little Deeper by Mama Odie

This track is my absolutely favorite track on the entire album. The gospel song, I have no doubt in my mind, will have you clapping along to the church number. When I finally see this movie while I'm at WDW this year, I'm quite certain the the audience will be clapping along with the characters.

Its joyful, its awe inspiring, and will, like most of these songs, have you grinning long after you leave the theater.

It is certainly the most exciting, the most happy, and the most TRUTHFUL song. The lyrics read, "Don't matter what you look like, don't matter what you wear. How many rings on your finger, we don't care no we don't care! Don't matter where you come from, don't even matter what you are! A dog, a pig, a cow, a goat, we gottem all in here! You gotta dig a little deeper! Find out who you are! It really ain't that that far!"

It truly rings true in todays society that fears and ridicules that which it doesn't understand. And I think that it brings the racial issue that the film tackles into clear focus. The lyrics, "It doesn't matter what you are," comes in loud and clear. It doesn't matter what race, what ______, what sexual orientation, what religion. It doesn't matter. If you only dig a little deeper and look at the person underneath, then you will find something you would never have never known.

And, in my humble opinion, I think that today's children could use more influence in the acceptance department. I live in the deep south, and acceptance is CERTAINLY something that you very rarely see here. Especially racial and orientation tolerance.

The moral of Disney films has always been good ones. Some have been more blatant, others have been more subtle. This one, at least from a musical standpoint, is not extremely blatant.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



10. Down In New Orleans (Finale) by Tiana

The final musical number of the film is one last reprise of 'Down In New Orleans' by Tiana. And what a finale it is. She really belts the final note right out of the park. A fitting ending to the film.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars




Disney and Newman have truly achieved something great here. For those wondering about this film, at least from a soundtrack standpoint, Disney has not only a hit, but a true classic on its hands. Making your way through this musical adventure is nothing less than a complete and utter pleasure. Its full of energy and life. There is a sense of excitement and joy in every note of music on this album. And the vocals are everything you would expect from Disney and more. You would be dumb not to see this movie, and would be even dumber to not pick up this first rate soundtrack.

Over all album rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars

[WDW Vacationer]

Whew! Sounds great! Things look good for the film!
Thanks!

[AREM]

And while I don't endorse illegal downloading, I might possibly be willing to, um, share a link to where I got this for those who would like to share in the Disney glee......

[WDW Vacationer]

Originally Posted by AREM

And while I don't endorse illegal downloading, I might possibly be willing to, um, share a link to where I got this for those who would like to share in the Disney glee......

*cough*

[EPCOT Explorer]

Heh. This is going to be amazing. I think this just solidified that fact. Here's to a new Renaissance!


Thanks for the write up, AREM....Definitely made me very excited for PatF.

[AREM]

I've updated my review to include this, but.......

Ray's second song Ma Belle Evangeline, is about the moon......He thinks that the moon is a firefly in the sky! Who lights up at night like him! And he is singing the love song about the moon. Oh my god. I am melting.

Ray has become my favorite character tonight. HOW ROMANTIC!!!

[TubaGeek]

Still a bit tentative about it, but it's good to hear good things.

[Figment1986]

while I do not endorse such an act... well I have been told I'm getting it for christmas already....

Nice review, cannot wait to hear it!

[disneytopdog]

With a solid soundtrack, and possible good Box Office. Could this be the next for Broadway??????

[AREM]

It might make for a good Broadway show, but as I said, the music itself is not the beloved 90s Broadway Disney style. But it could be slightly altered to give it a more Broadway sound. I'd go see it.

As is said, if you want a link to where I got the soundtrack, just drip me a line!

[EPCOT Explorer]

Originally Posted by AREM

It might make for a good Broadway show, but as I said, the music itself is not the beloved 90s Broadway Disney style. But it could be slightly altered to give it a more Broadway sound. I'd go see it.

As is said, if you want a link to where I got the soundtrack, just drip me a line!

I am dropping you a line.

[unkadug]

^
Is that a threat?

[_Scar]

Originally Posted by unkadug

^
Is that a threat?

just ignore it....

he's kinda odd.

I LOVE this soundtrack.

The two standouts for me are My Belle Evangaline about Ray's love for a star.... how awesome. Reminds me of One Jump Reprise in Aladdin. Put's Ray's character in a new light like it did Aladdin.

Also, Friends on the Other Side is an INSTANT classic! Love when he explains Naveen's story and hinting at the "it's the green, it's the green, it's the green you need". I love my villains sinister and witty. Facilier captures both. Facilier may be my favorite villain... even surpassing Jafar and Frollo.... now that's good.

Also, I love the score in Going to Take You There when you get to the "Goin down the Bayou" part. Hope this score is frequent and represents the movie as a whole.

[catinthehat]

What a detailed review - thanks! I personally like the Ne-Yo addition, have you seen the music video? (there are two versions, here is the animated one.)

I've read such amazing reviews. The Hollywood Reporter went crazy for the movie and of course Newman's score.