From the top grossing animated flick by Disney, the Lion King Music came out as one of the most inspiring songs of all time. It was popularized way back in 1994 by singer-song writer Elton John. The soundtrack album is named after the animated film itself with 12 tracks in the standard edition. It was Tim Rice who wrote lyrics for the songs and was scored by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M and his African Choir. The 32nd animated Disney movie is available in 3 soundtrack albums in different editions, namely: standard, special and international. It was released in both audio cassettes and CDs on July 13, 1994 after it was recorded in the US, UK and South Africa.
Awards and Performers
Just as its movie made a hit in reel life, the Lion King Music garnered two Academy Awards for Original Score, Best Music and Original Song. At the Golden Globes, it bagged the same awards including Comedy/Musical and Best Motion Picture. It also got 3 nominations to the Grammy Awards.
It became the biggest selling soundtrack in all of Disney’s animated films. In fact, more than 10 million copies of the album were shipped in the US and was awarded a 10x Platinum or Diamond Record. It was also named as one of the “all-time Disney & Pixar Soundtracks” by Rhapsody, an online music service last 2010.
Internationally acclaimed artist, Elton John performed in a dual role for a number of tracks in the list. Other tracks were performed by Whoopie Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Carmen Twillie, Jeremy Irons, Jason Weaver, Cheech Marin, Nathan Lane, Jim Cummings, Sally Dworsky and Ernie Sabella.
Tracks and Editions
The Lion King Music has a standard edition album that contains 12 tracks with all-time famous hits, “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John. Also included in the album are “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, “Be Prepared”, “Hakuna Matata”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” ( with duets),”This Land”,”…To Die For”, “Under the Stars”, “King of Pride Rock”, “Circle of Life” (with an African chorus),”I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”.
Two new tracks were added in September 30, 2003 in a special edition album. These were “The Morning Report” by James Earl Jones, Jeff Bennett, Evan Saucedo and a remix of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John.
Disney also released an international edition album with an instrumental called “Hyenas”. The song was one of the unreleased tracks from Hans Zimmer’s score. All of Elton John’s other versions of the song “Can You Feel The love Tonight” were removed from the original track list and only the original version was retained.
After a year its standard edition was released, Disney came up with another album that featured songs and performances inspired by the film. “Rhythm of the Pride Lands” focused on African influences by Lebo M in African language. Some songs from this album were usually used in musicals and video sequels.
Musical Numbers in the Movie
“Circle of Life” was played in the movie when Simba was formally introduced to all in Pride Lands. It was replayed when Simba had his newborn cub to Nala in another ceremonial presentation. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” was also sung by an off-screen character depicting adult Nala and adult Simba’s romantic relationship. Simba sang “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” with Nala, and Zazu in their race towards the elephant graveyard. Scar sang “Be Prepared” with Shenzi, Banzai and Ed while revealing his evil plan to kill Mufasa and Simba to the hyenas. Timon, Pumbaa sang “Hakuna Matata” during their welcome home ceremony for Simba. “The Morning Report” was sung by Zazu, Mufasa and Simba when Zazu sends a morning report to Mufasa, but gets ambushed by Simba.
Stage musicals were later on directed in 1997 in some parts of the world, namely: United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Korea and Taiwan. The majestic collaboration of top performers and artists in the Lion King Music deserve a big round of applause with the well-blended musical score to beat.
Source by Bonnie Bright
