Randy Newman Popular Song Rankings [2025]

The CleanerRandy Newman15rank/position

The Cleaner

This is a masterfully crafted instrumental piece composed by Randy Newman, who has worked on numerous Pixar films, for Toy Story 2.

It plays during the iconic scene where Woody, whose arm has broken, is carefully restored by a repair expert.

The tension born from meticulous craftsmanship and the quiet sense of awe as he returns to his original form are expressed through superb orchestration.

The track is included on the album Toy Story 2: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to feel the preciousness of the moment when an object is cherished and given new life.

You've Got a Friend in Me / You Are My FriendRandy Newman16rank/position

Youve got a friend in me randy newman alto sax

A song I’d recommend to saxophone beginners is “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” released by Randy Newman in 1995.

As the theme song of the film Toy Story, it has captured many hearts and conveyed the importance of friendship.

Its simple, memorable melody is perfect for beginners, and while it includes elements of jazz, it also makes a wonderful practice piece for saxophonists aiming for a warm tone.

In particular, for those who have just picked up the alto sax, this song offers an excellent opportunity to refine tone and phrasing.

Why not try expressing the warmth of friendship on the saxophone through this piece, inspired by Randy Newman’s heartfelt voice and piano?

Zurg’s PlanetRandy Newman17rank/position

Toy Story 2 soundtrack – 04. Zurg’s Planet

An insert track featured in the Disney-Pixar film Toy Story 2.

It’s a grand, dramatic orchestral score that heralds the arrival of Buzz Lightyear’s nemesis, Emperor Zurg.

With an exaggerated, playful tone, it feels like the curtain rising on an epic space adventure.

It’s a humorous, high-impact piece that stirs the listener’s sense of adventure.

Composed by the master of film music Randy Newman, it’s included on the album Toy Story 2 (Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack).

It’s the perfect piece to listen to when you want to relive the film’s most exciting moments.

Toy Story 'You've Got a Friend in Me'Randy Newman18rank/position

You've Got a Friend in Me ~Toy Story~ [Piano Beginner]

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” composed as the theme song for the film Toy Story and used in its sequels.

Its cheerful melody and encouraging lyrics—saying, in effect, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back”—make it a song that lifts your spirits.

For best results, play the repeated dotted rhythms with a buoyant, slightly laid-back feel.

Rather than locking the rhythm in too tightly, loosen it up a bit for a more relaxed, seasoned groove that captures the song’s character.

Try performing it while picturing the scenes of the toys happily romping together in the movie.

Without youRandy Newman19rank/position

Disney Music Showcase / If I Didn't Have You | Disney+

The theme song of the Disney film Monsters, Inc.

, which depicts the slapstick antics at a company where monsters work, is “If I Didn’t Have You.” Composed by Randy Newman—just like Toy Story’s theme song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”—it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 74th Oscars.

With a warm sound that evokes old jazz, the song features charming lyrics that reveal the relationship between the film’s characters, Sulley and Mike.

In the Japanese version, the vocals are performed by Hidehiko Ishizuka and Yuji Tanaka, who also provided the characters’ dubbing.

You’ve Got A Friend In MeRandy Newman & Lyle Lovett20rank/position

Toy Story “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”

It’s the theme song from Disney’s “Toy Story.” When something tough happens to a friend, just remember the simple, straightforward words, “You’ve got a friend in me”—there’s nothing else quite as magical that resonates so deeply.

When you realize you’re not alone, an invisible strength might well up inside you.

Without youRandy Newman/Makiko Hirohashi21rank/position

If I Didn't Have You (from “Monsters, Inc.”)

Among the films produced by Disney and Pixar, this is the theme song from the highly popular Monsters, Inc.

Am I the only one who feels the vibe is similar to Toy Story’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”? Maybe it’s the jazzy style, but for some reason I want to listen to it quietly at night.

A monster might even show up while you’re sleeping.

That was “If I Didn’t Have You” from the well-known piano collection for when you want to be soothed, Relaxing Piano ~Best~ Disney Collection.