DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS

Nothing will ever be as phenomenal as the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical, and of course, its sequels. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the series (two TV movies, one theatrical relase) launched the careers of a certain Zac Efron and a certain Vanessa Hudgens.

But we are not here to talk about those highly infectious movies (it’s time we dug up those soundtracks for re-listens). After countless other productions, Disney Channel’s latest does offer something really interesting. Aired earlier in July this year, the TV movie tells the stories of the teenage sons and daughters of Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Jafar and the Evil Queen. Yup, these folks are Disney’s infamous villains.

Directed, choreographed and produced by Kenny Ortega (the same guy who helmed High School Musical), one can expect fun musical numbers in the soundtrack. The 40 minute album kicks off with the pulsating “Rotten to the Core” performed by Booboo Stewart, Cameron Boyce, Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson, the four actors playing the villains’ offsprings. The electronic number is clean wholesome fun, something you’d expect from a Disney production. “Evil Like Me” featuring Kristin Chenoweth is a gleeful villain song, while “Did I Mention” featuring Jeff Lewis is a feel good hip hop which Efron would have pulled off easily. Elsewhere, something emotional like “If Only” would only be fit for the female protagonist to croon away her reflective mood.

A pleasant surprise comes in the form of “Be Our Guest” performed by Kala Balch, Marco Marinangeli, Mitchell Hope and Spencer Lee, which infuses hip hop and a capella to great effect. “Set it Off” is a hum worthy finale number, while Shawn Mendes’ single “Believe” oozes positivity.    

Also included on the CD are tracks from Descendants: Wicked World, short form animated series following the events of this successful production, and a decent score suite composed by David Lawrence.

If you’d like to see how these songs are visualised in the TV movie, head over to YouTube to check out the clips. The album is good clean fun, like what you’d expect from the House of Mouse. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (5) Be Our Guest - by Kala Balch, Marco Marinangeli, Mitchell Hope and Spencer Lee

Review by John Li