Have Disney musicals lost their edge?

Critics are not feeling the love tonight when it comes to Disney's latest sequels, Mufasa and Moana 2. They've called the animated films "lifeless and bland." But save some sympathy for the composers behind these blatant IP grabs. Lin Manuel Miranda and the duo Barlow and Bear had to match the original, iconic numbers from the Lion King and Moana, songs written by Elton John and Miranda himself. Are critics of the sequels' soundtracks being too harsh? We compare the new songs to their iconic predecessors, like "Circle of Life" and "How Far I'll Go," and ask whether Disney new composers face an impossible task in trying to extend franchises through song.

Songs Discussed

Elton John, Tim Rice, Lebo M. - “Circle of Life”

Elton John, Tim Rice - “Circle of Life” (Radio Version)

Elton John, Tim Rice - “Hakuna Matata”

Lin-Manuel Miranda - “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

Lin-Manuel Miranda - “Melele”

Lin-Manuel Miranda - “I Always Wanted a Brother”

Lin-Manuel Miranda - “How Far I’ll Go” ft. Auli’i Cravalho

Ariana Grande - “Imperfect For You”

Barlow & Bear - “Beyond” feat. Auli’i Cravalho

Barlow & Bear - “Can I Get a Chee Hoo” feat. Dwayne Johnson

More

Brett Boles’s wonderful analysis of “How Far I’ll Go,” referenced in the episode

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