Alan Menken’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Realization and EscapeAlan Menken36rank/position

Realization and Escape (From “Tangled”/Score)

It features a dramatic and moving tone composed to match the film’s climactic scene.

The urgent orchestral sound brilliantly captures the tension as Rapunzel confronts Mother Gothel.

It’s a piece that showcases Alan Menken’s compositional prowess and serves as an indispensable musical element of the story.

Released as part of the film in November 2010, it was highly praised at the Grammy Awards.

Because it’s deeply tied to the film’s narrative, listening to it with the visuals makes it even more compelling.

Highly recommended for those who want to be moved by an emotional story.

Return to MotherAlan Menken37rank/position

Return to Mother (From “Tangled”/Score)

An instrumental piece composed by Alan Menken.

It plays during the scene where Gothel tries to take Rapunzel back to the tower, heightening the tension and dramatic atmosphere.

The melody follows the progression of the story, conveying the characters’ psychological strain and the mounting urgency toward the climax.

It’s a recommended track not only for Disney movie fans but also for anyone interested in film music.

You can immerse yourself in the world of the film and experience the magic of the music.

STREET URCHINSAlan Menken38rank/position

Aladdin OST – 04 – Street Urchins

Music that means “the town’s mischievous boy.” It’s the scene where Aladdin dashes through the city, leading into the reprise of “One Jump Ahead.” It conveys Aladdin’s lonely heart and his wish to someday escape this kind of life.

SomedayAlan Menken39rank/position

Disney – Hunchback – Someday for Piano Solo (LIVE)

An emotionally moving piece born from Disney’s film The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Its beautiful melody is so striking that it can even bring you to tears.

The piano arrangement enhances that beauty, evoking a more fantastical atmosphere and a gentle calm.

Released on the soundtrack for the film, which premiered in January 1996, it has inspired numerous cover versions.

Because Disney songs are often used as background music, they translate naturally to piano performance.

It’s recommended both for those seeking a soothing, healing moment and for anyone looking to challenge themselves with a new piano practice piece.

Please listen to this piano arrangement and enjoy a heartwarming time.

Suddenly SeymourAlan Menken40rank/position

Joy Woods is Audrey – SUDDENLY, SEYMOUR with Matt Doyle | Little Shop of Horrors

This sweeping musical number, woven straight from the heart, is a collaboration by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, who made a striking Off-Broadway debut as a duo.

Crafted by Menken, a genius composer from the United States, its beautiful melodies interlace with soul-stirring lyrics.

The song appeared as an in-show number in Little Shop of Horrors, which premiered in 1982.

This celebrated duet, in which the protagonist and a woman sing of the feelings deep within their hearts, also underscored a memorable scene in the film adaptation released in December 1986.

Contributing to the movie’s success—which grossed $54 million worldwide—the song has since remained a favorite, covered by many artists.

It’s perfect for fans of moving love stories and an ideal entry point for those new to musicals.

THE BATTLEAlan Menken41rank/position

Aladdin OST – 19 – The Battle

This is the scene where Aladdin, having safely returned from the Ends of the Earth, goes to rescue Jasmine and Genie.

It’s the battle scene with Jafar.

Still, even if she had no choice, I can’t believe Jasmine managed to kiss Jafar…

THE CAVE OF WONDERSAlan Menken42rank/position

Aladdin OST – 17 – Cave Of Wonders

This is the music used in the scene where Aladdin first discovers the magic lamp.

At the end of a barren desert lies the Cave of Wonders, filled with mysterious things: a magic carpet, glittering jewels, and heaps of gold.

The scene where Aladdin makes a narrow escape is truly suspenseful.