WE LOVE DISNEY (2015)

And why wouldn’t they do it? We are talking about popular artistes taking on cover versions of Disney songs. As nostalgia is increasingly becoming a marketable commodity, it is only inevitable that the House of Mouse whips out its treasure trove of music for today’s listeners to enjoy. And to make it even more relevant, invite big names to perform these well loved tunes.

The fourth entry in the series, this 52 minute album also boasts the involvement of acclaimed record producer David Foster, who is known for working with notable artistes like Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Madonna and Rod Stewart.

Now, let’s get to the singers – kicking off the 15 track compilation is American R & B singer Ne Yo, who performs a bright and bubbly “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin (1992). The song may be more than 20 years old, but you have to admit it’s much, much more original than most of the music out there now.

Elsewhere, English singer and songwriter Jessie J channels her best Ariel voice to perform “Part of Your World” from 1989’s The Little Mermaid. Teen sensation Ariana Grande croons “Zero to Hero” from the understated Hercules (1997), while American rock band Fall Out Boy brings a contemporary surge of energy to The Jungle Book’s (1967) “I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)”.

Our favourite is the unmistakable Gwen Stefani’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie (1979). The co founder and lead vocalist of the ska band No Doubt is perfect for the song – you can feel yourself floating into a fantastical land of everything nice with her breezy vocals.

The CD introduces younger listeners to a time when good music accompanied good movies. They will be enchanted by the grandeur with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight/ Nants' Ingonyama” from The Lion King (1994), the carefree spirit with “Colours of the Wind” from Pocahontas (1995), and the power of imagination with “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins (1964).

For the older listeners, it doesn’t hurt reliving those good ol’ days when every Disney movie meant something special.    

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (4) Rainbow Connection - Gwen Stefani (From The Muppets Movie)

Review by John Li