Are you an alto singer looking for a expertly-chosen set of Disney songs to sing along to?
Well, you’ve found it!
As we’re sure you’ll agree, Disney songs (just like the movies) are insanely good.
They’re catchy, brilliantly-composed and serve a key purpose in the wider narrative of the plot.
In this article, we’ve compiled our ultimate list of 36+ Disney songs for altos, broken down by category and packed with some extra snippets of information about each track.
Table of Contents
Best Disney Songs for Altos
We won’t leave you hanging. here are our best recommendations of Disney songs for altos to sing:
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Movie: The Lion King
Release date: 1994
The producers wanted this song to be a duet between Timon and Pumbaa, but Elton John couldn’t imagine a meerkat and warthog singing it.
Instead, he convinced the powers that be to use it in a romantic scene featuring Nala and Simba. The rest is Oscar and Grammy award-winning history.
How Far I’ll Go
Movie: Moana
Release date: 2016
This song’s lyrics about independence, bravery, and a teenager’s desire to be true to one’s self are inspiring.
But what inspired the song’s composer, Lin Manuel-Miranda while writing it?
He claims it was his childhood bedroom, his “angstiest possible place,” where he locked himself away while composing the piece.
La Llorona
Movie: Coco
Release date: 2017
This traditional Mexican folk song has many versions, all about a mother lamenting the fact that she drowned her children and now, as a ghost, regrets it.
Songs don’t get much sadder than that. But, somehow, it’s a pleasure to sing with its simple structure, memorable melody, and emotionally-charged lyrics.
Beauty and the Beast
Movie: Beauty and the Beast
Release date: 1991
This gem’s lyrics are deceptively simple; each line has only five syllables, but they pack an emotional punch.
Angela Lansbury wasn’t sure it was right for her voice, but she nailed it in one take. When she sang the final note, there wasn’t a dry eye in the studio.
Appletree
Movie: Soul
Release date: 2020
To have your song included in a 2020 Oscar-winning film about jazz is special enough, but when that song is 23 years old and still sounds fresh, that’s really something.
First released in 1997 on Erykah Badu’s album, Baduizm, its life lessons might just keep the doctor away.
Under the Sea
Movie: The Little Mermaid
Release date: 1989
With this tune’s upbeat tempo, danceable calypso rhythm and fun lyrics, there was no way it would be submerged by other songs at the 1990 Oscars.
It won Best Original Song, and continues to buoy up spirits wherever it’s played.
You’ll Be in My Heart
Movie: Tarzan
Release date: 1999
Phil Collins penned this as a lullaby for his daughter – a sweet fact that automatically qualifies it as a “best” Disney song.
But aside from all that, it’s also a great song with a positive message, an interesting beat, and modulation among four keys.
Spirit
Movie: The Lion King
Release date: 1994
Combine Swahili lyrics, African sounds, and a good gospel feeling, and what do you get? A song with spirit, which this one’s definitely got.
It’s also a showcase for singers who can move from the standard alto range up into the falsetto range. This soaring anthem will enrich you and your listeners.
I Didn’t Know That I Could Feel This Way
Movie: Lady and the Tramp
Release date: 1955
This duet with lovely harmonies could be sung by two altos or an alto and a tenor.
The line “someone in my life just might be loving me” is probably one of the most charming things ever sung by a puppy.
Circle of Life
Movie: The Lion King
Release date: 1994
After receiving the lyrics, Elton John wrote the music in 1.5 hours. But just because he was fast doesn’t take away from the uplifting feeling you get when you hear the song.
That’s quite fitting, since it accompanies the scene where newborn Simba is lifted up toward the sky.
When You Wish Upon a Star
Movie: Pinocchio
Release date: 1940
By Jiminy! This song’s so iconic that its first seven notes are used as a horn signal on all Disney Cruise Line ships.
Sung by Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket, this enduring piece won Disney Studios its first Oscar for Best Original Song, proving that dreams really do come true.
Proud Corazón
Movie: Coco
Release date: 2017
This song ends the film on a joyful note with its 6/8 tempo and rousing key change (from F major to G major).
It’s sung by 13-year-old Anthony Gonzales (Miguel) and features a classical guitar accompaniment that will warm your corazón.
Disney Audition Songs for Altos
Got an audition coming up? Want to sing a Disney song for it? No problem! Here are a few Disney songs in the alto range that’ll show off your skills:
Once Upon a Dream
Movie: Sleeping Beauty
Release date: 1959
Not all fifties songs are jitterbugs. This one’s adapted from Tchaikovsky’s 1890 ballet, “Sleeping Beauty.”
Although its melody is simple, it can be sung a number of ways. Consider the contrast between the original version and the one by Lana Del Rey, an octave lower, in another Disney film, Maleficent.
Remember Me
Movie: Coco
Release date: 2017
Winner of the 2018 Oscar for Best Original Song, this tune appears more than once in the film.
It’s performed by four characters (two men, a boy, a great-grandma) and even as a duet during the credits. It’s short, melodic, and sends a message to the judges: remember me!
He’s a Tramp
Movie: Lady and the Tramp
Release date: 1955
Get your vamp on at your audition with this retro classic.
It was cool and sultry when Peggy Lee sang it in ‘55, and it’s still jazzy and old school in Janelle Monáe’s 2019 version (even with some updated lyrics).
Lava
Movie: Lava
Release date: 2015
Director/songwriter James Ford Murphy credits Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with inspiring the title song.
If you can accompany yourself on the ukulele at your audition, that would be a plus. Especially since the names of the volcanoes in the movie are Uke and Lele.
For the First Time in Forever
Movie: Frozen
Release date: 2013
Energetic, melodic, funny – this song has it all. You can show off your sense of humor and ability to memorize 59 lines of music (with no repeats).
“Don’t know if I’m elated or gassy” has been met with mixed reviews, but don’t let that stop you from belting it out!
I Can Go the Distance
Movie: Hercules
Release date: 1997
This strong piece is usually sung by male voices, but women have performed it, too. It’s good for altos with an extended range.
Cowriter Menken originally created a more wistful melody but changed his tune, so to speak, to give the song a more heroic feel.
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Movie: The Little Mermaid
Release date: 1989
Surprisingly, this burlesque-style number, sung by Ursula, the movie’s sea-witch villain, was also sung by Miss Rhode Island in the 2016 Miss America pageant.
Someone with a rich, chesty alto voice and a wicked dramatic streak would be fortunate to sing this song.
The Age of Not Believing
Movie: Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Release date: 1971
Not commonly sung at auditions, this song stresses the message to believe in yourself –something to keep in mind during an audition, right?
It was sung by Angela Lansbury, whose mature vocal style and range suggest it would be a good choice when trying out for an older character’s role.
Will the Sun Ever Shine Again?
Movie: Home on the Range
Release date: 2004
If you’re looking for a country ballad with a deep emotional pull, this song could be the one for you.
The vocal range is contained, but the melody ascends at the end, allowing you to show off your chops. There are also plenty of opportunities for melisma over long-held notes.
I See the Light
Movie: Tangled
Release date: 2010
This is a romantic and lovely folk-music-influenced ballad that was sung with alternating female and male voices separately and together in the movie.
It could also be performed as a solo. “Tangled,” a version of the Rapunzel tale, is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 50th animated feature film.
Perfect Isn’t Easy
Movie: Oliver ; Company
Release date: 1988
Georgette (Bette Midler) is a French poodle who demonstrates all the primping that goes into being a fancy show dog.
The song is not terribly challenging to pull off vocally, but it gives you the chance to show off your dramatic flair.
Cruella DeVille
Movie: 101 Dalmatians
Release date: 1961
Within the blues framework of this piece, you can lay down your own style.
The lyrics are punchy and provocative, with words like “kill,” “devil,” “shock,” and “beast” to spice things up. Feel free to dress up in black and white fake fur for your performance.
Upbeat Disney Songs for Altos
If you’re after something feel-good and poppy in the alto range, here are our top recommendations of upbeat Disney songs:
I’ve Got a Dream
Movie: Tangled
Release date: 2010
The song’s tongue-in-cheek premise, that criminals are just misunderstood dreamers, is totally unique.
Although it was originally written for a male voice and chorus, it’s totally adaptable for the alto register. And any song that ends with “yeah” has got to be upbeat, right? Yeah!
Kiss the Girl
Movie: The Little Mermaid
Release date: 1989
Here’s another love-themed tune that can be sung by either a man or a woman. It’s got a very bouncy Caribbean rhythm and hopeful outlook, too.
It was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award, but it lost both to “Under the Sea.”
Hakuna Matata
Movie: The Lion King
Release date: 1994
The phrase “Hakuna matata” is Swahili for “There are no worries.”
Kids and adults all around the world have embraced this Elton John/Tim Rice song, and it isn’t any wonder why.
It’s just so much fun to sing the words. And besides, it’s awfully nice not to have worries.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Movie: Toy Story
Release date: 1995
It seems that everyone from Michael Bublé to Brian Wilson has covered this friendly Randy Newman composition, and it isn’t just guys who’ve taken on the task.
Rosie O’Donnell has jumped on the “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” bandwagon as well. And yes, friend, you can do it, too!
The Bare Necessities
Movie: The Jungle Book
Release date: 1967
“The Bare Necessities,” sung by a bear and a boy, is this film’s only song not written by Richard and Robert Sherman.
It was written by singer and composer Terry Gilkyson, who also wrote “Greenfields,” made famous by the Brothers Four, and “Memories are Made of This,” popularized by Dean Martin.
Dig a Little Deeper
Movie: The Princess and the Frog
Release date: 2009
This is another one of those meaningful songs that contains a nugget of down-to-earth truth wrapped up in an upbeat and fun number.
It encourages you to look within yourself to find out who you really are and what matters in life. Pretty deep – and catchy, too.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
Movie: Cinderella
Release date: 1950
It’s a testament to this song’s staying power that not only did it appear in the movie in 1950, but it remained intact in the 2015 remake as performed by Helena Bonham Carter.
It also was featured during the final credits.
Almost There
Movie: The Princess and the Frog
Release date: 2009
Songstress Anika Noni Rose, who sang the role of Princess Tiana in this movie, felt a connection to the princess the minute she read the script.
She explained the song’s meaning as finding the joy in the journey, and knowing you’re going to accomplish your goals someday.
Heigh-Ho
Movie: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Release date: 1938
The expression “heigh-ho” (often spelled hi-ho or hey-ho) dates back to the year 1553, when it meant “yawning” or “sighing,” most often when tired or disappointed.
So when the seven dwarfs were on their way to and from work and were merrily singing “heigh-ho,” they actually were feeling quite grumpy.
Be Our Guest
Movie: Beauty and the Beast
Release date: 1991
Wouldn’t you love to get a Broadway-style welcome like this one every time you came home? One with enchanted servants who made rhymes like dishes/delicious and flambé/cabaret?
Forget the welcome mat. Just give me a castle, a singing candle with a French accent, and a huge dose of magic.
Try Everything
Movie: Zootopia
Release date: 2016
Colombian pop singer Shakira performed “Try Everything” for the role of a singer named Gazelle, who also happens to be a gazelle.
It was written by Sia, Mikkel Eriksen, and Tor Hermansen and carries the message, “Nobody learns without getting it wrong.”
In Summer
Movie: Frozen
Release date: 2013
Olaf the loveable snowman is delightfully naïve in this optimistic song about something he’ll never be able to do: experience summer intact.
It’s bittersweet and yet upbeat. Just how a snowman manages complex emotions like that is a mystery, especially since his head’s just a big, white ball of fluff.
Closing Thoughts
We hope you’ve come away from this article armed with a few new Disney tracks to try out for your next singing session, be it in the shower or the audition hall.
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out our ultimate list of classic Disney songs next?
PRO TIP: If you’re looking to take your singing voice to the next level, be sure to check out our list of essential gear for singers!
This article is part of our series on Disney songs.
