The Disney "live-action remake" genre of films is never-ending. Despite heavy criticism of some past projects, Disney is not even close to slowing things down with new live-action remakes. Taking an already beloved movie and soundtrack and making it fresh, new, and exciting is a tall order for anyone, especially Disney. This year, the live-action The Little Mermaid movie, starring the gorgeous Halle Bailey as Ariel, is making the rounds in the pop culture world. This film has easily been one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint.
One of the best things about Disney films is the music. From catchy melodies and imaginative lyrics to instrumentals that just take our breath away, a Disney musical is unlike any other. For The Little Mermaid, recognizable songs such as "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World" had to live up to the reputation of the original for this film to work. Well, it did. With the musical genius of Disney legend Alan Menken involved, we are not surprised that the new versions of classic titles and some new songs on the playlist made this movie something to rave about. Come with us "Under the Sea" to rank all the songs from the live-action The Little Mermaid remake!
15 Fathoms Below
Talk about an entrance! Jonah Hauer-King's Prince Eric is the new swoon-worthy face in pop culture for a reason. Prince Eric makes his screen debut during a number titled "Fathoms Below," where he is completely in his element. To his core, Eric is an explorer, a sailor. This song shows Eric and his crew aboard their ship, having a grand ol' time out in the great unknown.
14 Scuttlebutt
As we explored before, Disney's live-action remakes try to live up to the legacy of the original and make it even more spectacular than it was. Although this could be a hit or miss, original songs for the live-action films are a common trend these days and The Little Mermaid is no exception. The first original track on this list showcases Awkwafina's Scuttle and Daveed Digg's Sebastian in a number entitled "Scuttlebutt."
This song is fun, erratic, and very out there, which is receiving mixed reviews. The personality of this number makes it a standout and a refreshing way for Scuttle to deliver the tragic news/gossip/scuttlebutt that Eric has chosen someone to marry, and it happens to not be Ariel.
13 Vanessa's Trick
Most of us are familiar with the plot of the original The Little Mermaid. This point of the plot where Ursula the sea witch tries to sabotage a silent Ariel's romance with Prince Eric is an action that really cements Ursula as a classic Disney villain. She transforms into Vanessa and takes on Ariel's voice to seduce and trick Eric. In the live-action film, this comes to life with a menacing vocal that features Ariel's melodic siren song as well as a threatening and frightening shift that showcases Ursula's control over Ariel's fate.
12 Kiss the Girl (Island Band Reprise)
"Kiss the Girl" is one of the most recognizable Disney songs and is a part of the film that is peak romance. The live-action version of this movie vamps up the classic tune and manages to make it even more lighthearted and fun. This instrumental of "Kiss the Girl" plays near the end of the film when Ariel and Eric are facing their happily ever after. The music perfectly wraps up Ariel and Eric's romance from when they first started to fall in love to when they finally can be together.
11 Triton's Kingdom
"Triton's Kingdom" is the kind of instrumental that can fly under the radar. However, if we are going to talk about music that sets a scene, "Triton's Kingdom" manages to add even more depth, dimension, and life into the world under the sea's surface beyond our wildest dreams. The kingdom King Triton has built for himself and his seven daughters makes for an amazing opening scene that gets all of us teeming with excitement over what's to come in this live-action remake.
10 Eric's Decision
Soundtracks are some of the most crucial aspects of the entire film. Music sets the tone for a scene, sometimes just as much as the visuals and dialogue altogether. The music itself does not even need lyrics or vocals to do its job, a job composer Alan Menken is an expert at. The instrumental called "Eric's Decision" perfectly captures Eric's irresistible draw to Ariel's siren song.
However, its ominous undertone reeks of the character's confusion and apprehension since the song he hears is not coming from Ariel, but from Vanessa/Ursula. There is a sense of hope that is brutally crushed as Eric faces his inability to avoid making the wrong decision, entranced completely by the siren song.
9 Finale
How did this movie manage to make us cry, smile, and applauded all at once? The "Finale" music of this film is undeniably triumphant and is laced with the true aura of a happily ever after. The merging of worlds, the world under the sea and that on land, is one of the most heartwarming images in The Little Mermaid and the music reflects that.
Eric and Ariel's happily ever after is marked by a stunning instrumental that merges both of their movie-defining musical numbers, "Part of Your World" and "Uncharted Waters," creating one song that made us want ot jump for joy as Ariel and Eric make their way to find a new adventure.
8 Under the Sea
We know the song, they know the song, you know the song, we all know the song. "Under the Sea" is one of the most iconic songs from this movie's soundtrack. No song on this list seems to capture the light-hearted and fun parts of what it is like to live under the sea like this song. At this point of the film, Sebastian is trying to corral Ariel's growing curiosity surrounding the world above, trying to win her over with the magical parts of the world she knows. The number is full of fun, colorful imagery, and stunning vocals from Daveed Diggs and Halle Bailey.
7 Poor Unfortunate Souls
Villain songs are the numbers we can't help but love. They're just that good. From Scar's "Be Prepared" to Mother Gothel's "Mother Knows Best," Disney has proven time and time again that they can write some menacing musical numbers. For The Little Mermaid, Ursula executes "Poor Unfortunate Souls" as only a sea witch can.
Ursula is played by Melissa McCarthy, and despite not having a glowing resume as a singer, this number exceeded all of our expectations. Her comedic chops make her a pretty charismatic villain that translates great into "Poor Unfortunate Souls." McCarthy pulls off this slightly terrifying theatrical number that made her villainous performance something to remember.
6 For the First Time
Motion Pictures
As we circle back to original songs, Ariel's grand entrance into the human world gives us "For the First Time." "For the First Time" displays Ariel's innocence and unfamiliarity with the world she is now exploring. Her inner dialogue is translated into song form and with the weight of gravity pulling her down, she is forced to discover how to exist and essentially walk, for the first on land without the ability to communicate verbally.
This song is one of the best original songs to come from a Disney live-action remake. She is incredibly optimistic and intimidated, and the music reflects the trial and error of the choice she made.
5 Kiss the Girl
"Kiss the Girl" is the romance number of all romance numbers in The Little Mermaid. At this movie's core, romance is one of the driving forces that change the trajectory of the characters' fates. This number has Eric and Ariel in a boat as they float under the stars. This song has our favorite supporting cast of Scuttle, Sebastian, and Flounder all encouraging Eric to make a move and kiss Ariel. The charm and undeniable romance of this scene leaves all of us with heart eyes and butterflies.
"Kiss the Girl" is sometimes criticized for the original lyrics that sound like they are encouraging Eric to force Ariel into a kiss without asking her. Well, the new version changes the lyrics into, “Possible she wants you too/Use your words, boy, and ask her/If the time is right and the time is tonight/Go on and kiss the girl.” This take is refreshing, flows beautifully, and works great with the scene in question.
4 Wild Uncharted Waters
Want to know what the unexpected gem in this film is? It is Eric's solo song "Wild Uncharted Waters." This song plays after Ariel has successfully saved Eric from imminent death during the shipwreck. As he is recovering from the accident, he is adamant about finding the mystery girl with a golden throat that saved him.
This song is incredible. The longing, the pining, the obsession, and the incessant drive to find her could have everyone who listens longing for a love that powerful. Eric has this incredibly dramatic showing as he sings off into the sea, calling for Ariel to come find him once more. Honestly, who wouldn't fall in love on the spot after seeing it?
3 Part of Your World (Reprise)
We are now going to enter the top 3 that showcases the true star of the film: Halle Bailey. Bailey's part as Ariel takes on new life. Her undeniable talent as a singer and actress shines in this role in ways that had all of us in a trance. Her voice alone is captivating to say the least and the "Part of Your World (Reprise)" cannot say more to back it up. The iconic waves hitting the rock behind her are accompanied by her own epic rendition of the iconic medley sung by Jodi Benson make this scene and song unforgettable.
2 Part of Your World (Reprise II)
How on earth could another reprise of the same song get better? "Part of Your World (Reprise II)" occurs during a part in the film where Ariel is completely heartbroken by Eric's sudden decision to marry Vanessa. She is defeated, facing the reality that she is likely to return to her life under the sea with her freedom completely gone. Her soft and utterly broken vocals could bring tears to all of our eyes. The song reveals how hurt she is after she risked everything to fit into Eric's world, only to be stranded back on the shore, broken-hearted, and alone.
1 Part of Your World
When you think about The Little Mermaid, live-action or animated, you cannot avoid "Part of Your World." Therefore, we find ourselves at the top of this list with "Part of Your World" as the reigning champion. Bailey takes this iconic song and creates something entirely original and fresh. She perfectly encapsulates Ariel's desperation to become part of the world above in just one number. From her note changes and breathtaking vocals to her acting in the scene, this version of the iconic Disney tune was a cultural reset that defined how great this film is. If you ever doubted Bailey in this part, just take one listen to this song.
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