by Cláudio Alves
Back in 2013, when the first Frozen had just opened and "Let It Go" was on everyone's ear, Disney made an astute decision when it came to its Oscar campaign. Despite the movie having around 10 original songs, only one was submitted for awards consideration. It was, of course, Elsa's world-famous anthem. The decision paid off and the songwriting couple of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez took home their first well-deserved Academy Award.
With Elsa and Anna back in theatres for another musical adventure, Disney is trying to repeat the same scheme. The only problem is that this time around it's not clear what the best song is...
The marketing teams of the House of Mouse have been pushing "Into the Unknown" as this year's "Let It Go", but I'd argue they're placing their hopes on the wrong song. That's unlikely to affect their Oscar chances, but it'd be a pity if Frozen II's very best numbers got overshadowed by a least deserving tune.
To make matters clearer, please indulge us in a ranking of Frozen II's original songs. We start with...
7. SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE sung by the cast of Frozen II
This place-setting number does its expository job well but it's hardly revelatory work. It's the epic sequel's least interesting song doing what "For the First Time in Forever" did with a catchier melody and overall better lyrics (apart from the "gassy" verse).
6. WHEN I AM OLDER sung by Josh Gad
Olaf's obligatory number features some interesting orchestrations and canny use of sound effects mixed in with kid-friendly existentialism. However, it's a bit out of place in the film's narrative and feels tacked on for marketing purposes rather than artistic ones.
5. INTO THE UNKNOWN sung by Idina Menzel and Aurora
The problem with inspirational crescendos is that they need time and gradually developing intonation. Pardon the crudeness, but "Into the Unknow" shoots its load way too early and then has no space to grow further. It becomes repetitive until its final belt. The vocal performance is wonderful, of course, the instrumental part is lush and the tune is catchy but I confess myself disappointed.
4. THE NEXT RIGHT THING sung by Kristen Bell
Now, this is how you do a character-building crescendo. It's not as spectacular as "Into the Unknown", but "The Next Right Thing" is musically perfect for the moment in the story when it occurs. Listening to it is like feeling someone climbing out of a pit, each step weighted down by an emotional burden that's slowly overcome, though never forgotten. It helps that Kristen Bell performs the hell out of the song.
3. LOST IN THE WOODS sung by Jonathan Groff
Sure, in terms of aesthetics and musical style, Groff's big number is somewhat incoherent with the rest of the movie. However, it's laugh-out-loud funny and the Broadway chanteur sells it like hotcakes. Who doesn't love a good 80s style power ballad with reindeer back-up singers?
2. ALL IS FOUND sung by Evan Rachel Wood
For all its kid-friendly Disney magic, Frozen II is a surprisingly morbid movie. It's obsessed with Death and the sins of the past infecting the present, the decay of centuries and the beauty of ruined landscapes. No song better embodies these thematic interests than this eerie lullaby. It's a mother's song of love for her daughters, a promise and a warning. It's beautiful and the film's best leitmotiv.
1. SHOW YOURSELF sung by Idina Menzel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Aurora
If "All Is Found" is a mother's promise to her daughters, "Show Yourself" is the answer to its message of love. This is Frozen II's "Let It Go", an anthem of self-acceptance and powerful personal growth. Better yet, its crescendo sounds organic, both at the level of musical structure and emotional evolution. It all flows beautifully and explodes into sonic ambrosia when it reaches its climax. Give it the Oscar already!
Which song from Frozen II would you single out for awards recognition?