My thoughts are lukewarm. All of the songs were fine. They weren't at all original, and while welll performed were just kinda bland. I mean, if Disney wants another "Let it Go", I can't think of a single song I heard that would match it. It's sad, I was looking forward to this movie.
shareObviously you're more than entitled to be lukewarm on the music, but just in general I feel like people seem to put way too much stock in "catchiness" these days and not enough in the actual quality of the music.
For me, the music is really wonderful, and MUCH stronger than Frozen :) And I like Frozen! Let it Go is a super earwormy song, no doubt about it, but when you actually really listen to it... there's not a whole lot of substance to it. Frozen is cute and a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it mainly because I thought it was cool to have a story about two sisters' relationship, but the music to me was always just that: more style/catchiness over substance.
Granted, I'm biased because I adore Lin as a composer and lyricist, but I really do feel like the lyrics in particular are where Moana's music is a lot stronger than Frozen's. I just think Lin is one of the best lyricists out there, and while Moana isn't necessarily the BEST showcase of that (it is a kids movie so it by nature can't be that super complex lyrically), it still certainly shows his major knack for beautiful storytelling. And musically, while it may not be the most original melodies ever, I personally love how reminiscent of Renaissance era Disney the score is. So much of it makes me think of Circle of Life, Under the Sea, Colors of the Wind, etc, without coming across like it's trying to COPY those songs, so I love it. Plus, Lin aside, the Polynesian music from Opetaia Foa'i is absolutely stunning as well!
Again, not trying to say you're wrong or anything- no one's opinion is wrong- but I just notice some reviewers keep coming back to the whole "catchiness" thing, or "can it be another Let it Go?", and it does make me wonder if people are actually taking in the songs for what they are, or if they're just going by "would I want to sing along to this", you know? Just a thought, in case that's part of where you might be coming from as well.
Other than that... to each his/her own!
Oh Bambi, I cried so hard when those hunters shot your mommy. - Kurt Hummel
Let it Go is a super earwormy song, no doubt about it, but when you actually really listen to it... there's not a whole lot of substance to it.
Oh, just for what it's worth I don't dislike Let it Go! It's a beautiful song, and I've been a huge fan of Idina Menzel for literally over a decade now :) (I saw RENT for the first time right before the movie came out, and then started getting into watching clips from the making of the movie, and super loved Idina from there on out haha)
I guess it's really mostly just the lyrics that I feel like lack substance for me. I also think it's because, having loved Wicked for years, I feel like Let it Go is basically Defying Gravity but... just not with the same gravitas. And they're both sung by Idina, so it's not even like there's a difference in the vocals! haha
I think the scene for Let it Go was truly stunning, and the orchestration was very good, so I certainly don't mean to sound like I'm bashing the song. There's nothing wrong at all with a song that's just purely enjoyable to listen to! I guess in the end I just find Lin's lyrics more interesting and engaging in themselves, which takes his songs from the "enjoyable and catchy but without a ton of substance" of Frozen to "this music really speaks to me."
And honestly, it's not even always something I can really articulate... Lin's way with words just clicks with me! He writes wonderful melodies, but his lyrics also just SOUND really cool to me :)
Oh Bambi, I cried so hard when those hunters shot your mommy. - Kurt Hummel
I guess I can see your complaints with it more if you're considering it more lyrically than musically. Though I do still think the bridge offers some beautiful lyrics (My power flurries through the air into the ground/My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around/And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast). But I guess it's just an each to their own thing. I like most of Frozen's music both lyrically and musically, and can see more of an argument for songs like " Love is an Open Door" to be considered more flash than substance than Let It Go. But again, that's just me. I also absolutely love "How Far I'll Go" both lyrically and musically, and can't wait to hear the rest of the songs tomorrow night (less than 24 hours!!! :D )
shareGood for you for holding off till you see the movie!! I've already been obsessively listening to the soundtrack to the point where I'm starting to memorize the songs
I have absolutely no self control when it comes to this kind of stuff- when I'm excited about something coming out, I'll literally soak up anything and everything about it that comes out in the lead up to the release
Oh Bambi, I cried so hard when those hunters shot your mommy. - Kurt Hummel
Yeah, I've done that with the single version of How Far I'll Go. I've memorized the entire song. I just don't want to do that with the other songs as well. It's taken a huge amount of self restraint, though haha
shareLin fans are the most annoying. He can compose a song full of fart sounds and his fans are will claim it's the most ingenious thing they've ever heard.
Just based on the clips they've released, I didn't like one song.
Okay, I was going to say something snarky, but instead I'll be straight with you:
The reason that argument (whether used against Lin or anyone else's fans) makes no sense is because it suggests that someone who, regardless of whether the art they create is your cup of tea or not, clearly has at LEAST the knowledge and skill it takes to create a well constructed song, would ever create and release a song that could legitimately be deemed incompetent.
No one is standing there saying your or anyone else aren't entitled to dislike Lin's music, but no, on the most objective level it isn't BAD (plenty of songs that I find SUPER crazy irritating and unpleasant are still perfectly decently crafted on a technical level.. doesn't mean I have to like 'em), and no, there is nothing wrong at all with people passionately loving it. Sorry, nope, I am not going to apologize for loving what I find to be beautiful music just because you don't like it.
If you don't like the Moana music, that's cool- don't get the soundtrack, don't see the movie, etc. But don't go getting annoyed at people for being excited about something they love. Life's too freaking short for that. Just state your opinion if you feel so inclined, and then go find things YOU do love and focus on those instead,
Oh Bambi, I cried so hard when those hunters shot your mommy. - Kurt Hummel
I am stating my opinion and only stated it once. You're offended by my comment and that's fine, but I will continue to say whatever I want.
Thank you for your very long and semi-insightful rant ?
Oh, just to clarify: I wasn't commenting on your opinion that you didn't like any of the songs- you're absolutely right, you stated that once and that's totally cool :)
I was only commenting on the suggestion that those of us who are fans of Lin's are annoying for being passionate about it. I just see comments like that with pretty much any actor/composer/musician/etc. that has passionate fans, and it irritates me because I think it's really important for people to be able to passionate about the things they love and that inspire them, even if I don't necessarily feel the same about a particular thing or person. In my mind, there is never anything wrong with more positivity in the world, and I don't like seeing people be criticized or shamed for loving things, you know?
And yes, thanks for baring with my very long posts- I've always been a rambler
Oh Bambi, I cried so hard when those hunters shot your mommy. - Kurt Hummel
I'm with Steph on this one.
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