Frozen II has finally been released in theaters, following up the massively successful first film. This is arguably the most anticipated sequel to come from Disney animation studios. Few Disney songs impacted the zeitgeist, in the same way “Let it Go” did, so the songs of this new film are some of the most anticipated aspects of the sequel.
Luckily, the music is a worthy follow-up to the original soundtrack. Full of the same rock power ballads, goofy lighthearted songs for Olaf, and in world songs that made the first film so successful, Frozen II’s soundtrack does anything but disappoint. Going over each tune, here are all the songs included in Frozen II, ranked from worst to best.
Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People (Cont.)
Like many musical sequels, you need to make allusions to the first film through music as well as the plot. While there are references to other songs, with “Let It Go” appearing in a later sequence, the only one listed on the soundtrack as a new arrangement is the small reprise of “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People.”
In the first film, this was nothing more than a sweet little presentation of the friendship between Kristoff and Reindeer Sven. In this film, it’s used to show the power of that friendship during a rough time for Kristoff. Sadly, as its nothing more than a reprise of an older song, it had to be listed last. It has nothing wrong with it musically, but it is nothing more than a repeat of a previous number.
All Is Found
This is one of the songs within the film that doubles as in world music apart from the traditional musical numbers. It is a lovely little lullaby that Elsa and Anna’s mother sings to them while they’re children. It is a beautiful lullaby sung by Evan Rachel Wood, echoing traditional folks songs as opposed to the more rock musical style of the rest of the film.
While the song is a lovely addition, it only falls near the bottom as it never really fits in with the rest of the music. It fits in the film perfectly fine of course, but it is highly doubtful little kids are going to remember this small little song as opposed to something like “Into the Unknown.”
The Next Right Thing
There is no doubt that this was one of the darkest moments within the film. Anna has lost just about everything she cares about in this world, knowing her sister and Olaf might be gone forever, and she is far away from Kristoff. So, of course she’s going to sing about it. The ballad is actually very good, reminding us that this really is a story about two sisters, when often the spotlight is on one of them.
It is Anna’s perseverance in the face of adversity that makes her such a powerful hero. But, it falls so low as so much of it is combined with sing-talking dialogue as opposed to actual singing. When Kristen Bell actually begins belting it, the energy picks up to a powerful crescendo.
Some Things Never Change
“Some Things Never Change” opens up the film with a rousing group number that tells us both that things are most definitely going to change. We’d call the songwriting team a bunch of liars, but in a way, they also aren’t a hundred percent wrong. The powerful opening song reminds this group of friends that although they know change will come, sooner than they think, some things will always be there.
So, by the end of the movie, when roles have shifted and people aren’t as close as they were geographically (trying to remain as spoiler-free as possible here), friendships and love remain. It’s the stuff that endures that matters and this solid opening song is a good reminder.
Show Yourself
“Show Yourself” is another powerful belting tune for Idina Menzel to absolutely kill. It is supported by some really outstanding animated sequences and shows Elsa to be even more herself than she was during “Let It Go.” When you write songs like this, you write them for a particular voice in mind, and Menzel is the only fit.
Show Yourself falls lower than the top three only because it is nowhere near as good as Menzel’s killer main ballad. But, there is no denying the energy in the room every time Menzel sings, and “Show Yourself” is a great example of that.
When I Am Older
Olaf was one of the biggest breakout Disney Characters of the past decade. Few have become as popular as him since the time of the 90s Disney Renaissance. Luckily, he is more than a funny character, but also one who gets solidly fun and catchy musical numbers.
His songs are the most reminiscent to some of the best of classic Disney, full of exceptional one-liners and double-entendres. “When I’m Older” is also one of the best moments for us adults to sit through. The naivete of Olaf, of course, is more wrong than he realizes. Sadly, nothing makes much more sense as you age.
Lost In The Woods
Ralph Breaks The Internet offered Disney fans a song that both spoofed the traditional Disney ballad while remaining an excellent song on its own with Venellope’s “A Place Called Slaughterrace.” Now, with “Lost in the Woods,” Disney is spoofing once again, but this time, it’s making fun of its own “Rock Ballad” roots from the original Frozen.
“Lost in the Woods” is honestly a riot, serving as one of the funniest moments in the film. Yet at the same time, it still progresses the character of Kristoff forward. All the emotional work is still getting done while remaining a hilariously catchy breakup ballad. Somehow, it works.
Into The Unknown
Creating a follow up to the most popular Disney song since “The Circle of Life” is no small feat. “Into The Unknown” will most likely not reach the same heights as “Let It Go,” but it still offers a new classic “I want” song for today’s most beloved Disney Princess. Idena Menzel just knocks it out of the park as always, but the animation of this sequence is something so unexpected. The abstract frozen crystals flying around Elsa hearkens back to the experimental abstract animation of the original Fantasia, and both innovates and honors what came before for the studio. it is an excellent new addition to the Disney musical catalog.
