“Do you know the song ‘Let it Go’? What about ‘Part of Your World'? How about ‘We Don’t Talk about Bruno’?

Teachers, how many times have you heard that?? 😂

Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE Disney, I love Disney songs, I Love Disney movies, I Love Disney parks, I LOVE DISNEY!

And while I love having students - young and old - sing classic Disney songs such as “Let it Go” , “Part of Your World” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialodocious”, there really is just a plethora of songs out there that you and your students may not be aware of or have simply forgotten.

Now, when most of us think about songs from Disney or animated movies, we think of the classics. And the classics are amazing! Why? Because they’re classic!

AND we usually focus on the songs that the characters are singing and don’t think about the songs that are part of the soundtrack! 

Aha!!!! lightbulb moment

So today I’m going to share with you (or remind you) about 10 different songs that are part of the Disney/Pixar world but are sung by pop rock/contemporary artists.

Oh… and there's a bonus song as well!

Voice teachers, this is a great opportunity for you to introduce popular music artists and popular songs to your students THROUGH an avenue that they are already familiar with, namely animated movies.

Singers, these are great songs for you, particularly when you’re looking to stand out a bit more!

So… Open the Curtain

1. “Little Wonders” - Rob Thomas - Meet the Robinsons. This song was written and performed by Thomas and was released in 2007. I LOVE THIS SONG!!! I really, really love this song! I’ll watch the movie just so I can listen to the song. This ballad encourages listeners to appreciate the small things in life and to not give up on their dreams. The lyrics are uplifting and inspirational, making it a fantastic song choice for young singers or anyone looking for a positive message to convey. I love Rob Thomas's voice and his smooth vocals combined with this simple yet effective melody make it a standout from the film's soundtrack and a reason why I love this song!
2. “Life is a Highway” - Rascal Flatts - Cars This song was originally written and recorded by Tom Cochrane, a Canadian singer/songwriter (Hello there to my Canada friends!), but the Rascal Flatts version is what was used in the film and included on the movie's soundtrack. This is a perfect song for singers who may embrace a country or rock vibe. And this upbeat, catchy tune is music with a message - encouraging listeners to live life to the fullest and embrace the journey. It has a really awesome driving beat and sing-along chorus which makes it a great choice for singers looking for an energetic and fun song to perform. Added Bonus… this song is a great choice for karaoke!
3. “Real Gone” - Sheryl Crow - Cars  This is the 2nd song from the Disney/Pixar movie "Cars". Written and performed by Sheryl Crow, this is another uptempo, energetic tune that encourages listeners to live their best lives! Crow's powerful vocals and the song's driving guitar riff make it a great choice for singers looking for a fun and lively song to perform. "Real Gone" was also used in the film's end credits sequence, which features a montage of the movie's characters driving through various locations.
4. “When Can I See You Again” - Owl City - Wreck it Ralph This is another great song for young singers because it’s fun and super easy to sing. The lyrics are playful and talk about the excitement of seeing someone again, which is something that many young people can relate to. And this is a great introduction to more modern alternative pop rock music.
5. “When She Loved Me" - Sarah McLachlan - Toy Story 2 This song is a poignant ballad that tells the story of Jessie, a cowgirl doll who was once loved by her owner, but was eventually forgotten and left behind. Speaking to the universal experience of losing a loved one, and the heartbreak that can come with it, McLachlan's emotional delivery and the song's haunting melody make it a powerful choice for that young singer with an old soul looking for a dramatic and moving piece to perform.
6. "Down to Earth"  - Peter Gabriel -Wall-E  Written and performed by Peter Gabriel and included on the movie's soundtrack, the song is a beautiful ballad that speaks to the themes of the movie, including environmentalism and the importance of caring for the planet. Gabriel's vocals are haunting and emotional, and the song's melody is simple yet powerful. "Down to Earth" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and it remains a popular choice for singers looking for a heartfelt and meaningful piece to perform.
7. “Immortals” - Fall Out Boy - Big Hero 6  Included on the movie's soundtrack, the song features a driving beat and catchy chorus, making it a great choice for singers looking for an energetic and fun song to perform. The lyrics of the song reference the story of the movie, which follows a group of young heroes as they team up to save their city from a dangerous threat. The song's themes of perseverance and standing up to challenges make it a great choice for singers looking for an inspiring and empowering piece to perform.
8. "I Thought I Lost You"  - Miley Cyrus, John Travolta - Bolt  Released as a single in 2008 and included on the movie's soundtrack, this duet (but can also be used as a solo) is a great choice for singers because it is a heartfelt and emotional song that showcases the strong bond between two friends. The lyrics express the fear of losing someone important and the joy of finding them again, making it a powerful and relatable message for singers as well as audiences. The arrangement of the song also adds to its appeal, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for listeners.
9. “Carried Me With You” - Brandi Carlile - Onward  Written and performed by Brandi Carlile and included on the movie's soundtrack, this song is a fantastic choice for singers because it's a heartwarming and catchy tune that will get stuck in your head for days. The lyrics are all about the bonds of family and friendship, which makes it a relatable and uplifting song that will resonate with listeners. The upbeat tempo and cheerful melody are sure to get audiences tapping their feet and singing along, making it a fun and engaging choice for any performance.
10. "Something That I Want" -Grace Potter - Tangled Written and performed by Grace Potter and included on the movie's soundtrack, this song is an excellent choice for singers who want to showcase their vocal range and performance skills. This upbeat, energetic tune encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest. Potter's powerful vocals and the song's catchy melody make it a great choice for singers looking for a fun and lively song to perform. "Something That I Want" was used in the film's end credits sequence, which features a montage of scenes from the movie.

BONUS SONG

1. “Try Everything”- Shakira - Zootopia - This energetic and upbeat song is a perfect choice for singers who want to uplift and motivate their audience with its powerful message of perseverance and determination that inspires listeners to keep pushing forward. The catchy chorus and lively rhythm make it a fun and engaging tune that audiences won't be able to resist dancing and singing along to. The lyrics are all about taking chances and trying new things, making it a relatable and inspiring song for people of all ages. Overall, "Try Everything" is a fantastic choice for singers who want to spread positivity and encourage their audience to never give up on their dreams. And it was a hit on the pop charts and remains a popular choice for cover bands and karaoke enthusiasts.

That’s a wrap!

While classic Disney songs will always have a special place in our hearts, there are many other options out there for singers looking to expand their repertoire from animated movies. These 11 songs from Disney/Pixar movies offer a range of styles and themes, from heartfelt ballads to upbeat pop-infused tunes. They are great choices for singers of all ages and skill levels, and can be used to introduce students to popular music artists and songs in a fun and engaging way. So next time you're looking for a fresh and exciting song to perform, consider one of these hidden gems from the world of Disney!

You can check out these songs and so many more on my Spotify playlist below and make sure you save the playlist so you can refer back.

And if you’re a singer (Or a teacher )who would like a customized, curated playlist created just for YOU (or a student), then my Rock Out Your Rep session could be your answer. Just hit reply and let’s chat about it.

Until next time - Go Be awesome and Rock on!