Walt Disney Records “The Disney Reggae Club” CD

May 18, 2010 | by Disney Dreaming

On June 8th, Walt Disney Records will be releasing a very special CD called “The Disney Reggae Club.” Here’s a description from WDR:

The magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica, as Walt Disney Records readies an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. The Disney Reegae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films – from “The Little Mermaid” to “Jungle Book” – recorded by such esteemed artists as Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toods & the Maytals fame), five time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae’s most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Ceedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu.

Executive Producer Brian Malouf had this to say about the album:

The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre. Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I’m happy to say the artists, may of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate.

Below is the tracklisting of the songs as well as our thoughts!

1. “Circle of Life” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Matisyahu

We love Matisyahu and we are so excited that he’s on this album – he makes this classic song so much fun and we can’t stop listening to it! It sounds very different from the original version, but in a good way. Both songs are fabulous, and you should compare the two back to back.

2. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Cedella Marley

This song sounds very different from the classic song we are used to from Disney’s classic movie “The Lion King,” but it’s very relaxing and upbeat at the same time. This is the perfect album to have playing in the background if you are having a party.

3. “The Bare Necessities” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by Steel Pulse

Great song! The musical instruments in this song are so fun and have you tapping your foot before the lyrics even come in. If you love the original version of this song you will not be able to get enough of this newer version, which sounds similar but obviously has more of a reggae tempo to it. The artist also has the perfect voice for this song.

4. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (Desmond Dekker’s reggae classic also featured in “The Lion King”) Performed by Morgan Heritage

Every time we hear this song we can’t help but smile. We have listened to this song on the album so many times we’d be embarrassed to even admit the number. Morgan’s voice is so strong and perfect for this song, and we guarantee you won’t be able to listen to this song just once!

5. “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong classic) Performed by Ziggy Marley

Ziggy makes this classic song into another classic with his voice performing some of the most well-known lyrics in music history. His voice is relaxed, but the tempo in the background will have you wanting to get up and dance.

6. “True to Your Heart” (from “Mulan”) Performed by The Wailing Souls

This is by far our favorite track on the album. If you listen to the original song the new version sounds nothing like it, but we honestly like it better than the original. We can definitely see this song being used in a future Disney movie with its great message and upbeat rhythm. This is a great song to blast in the car with the windows down – trust us, we’ve tried!

7. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (from “Toy Story”) Performed by Sly & Robbie featuring Peter Gee

We love the Toy Story movies and so of course we can’t help but love this song. The opening makes you wonder if the song will be anything like the original, but once the song gets underway a smile breaks out on your face and you start singing along without even realizing it. Disney/Pixar should definitely use this song in the upcoming “Toy Story 3″ movie!

8. “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (from “Song of the South”) Performed by Toots & the Maytals

Great song! If you are a fan of Disney there’s no doubt that you know the original version of this song, but it is a very old song and this was definitely the perfect time to give it an update. However, don’t get worried that an update would ruin the song, this update pays homage to the original and is a great listen!

9. “I Wan’na Be Like You” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by UB40

Why is it that every song from “The Jungle Book” is awesome and makes you want to get up and start dancing? This is the perfect song to add a reggae twist too – wouldn’t you agree? Just wait until you hear this song – great, great, great!

10. “Ev’rybody Wants To Be a Cat” (from “The Aristocats”) Performed by Michael G & the Easy Star All-Stars

We’re glad that this song was included on the album, it’s very interesting with a reggae vibe compared to the original song. This is one of the more relaxing songs on the album, so take a seat and take a breather from all the dancing you’ve been doing listening to the rest of the album and enjoy the soothing melodies and vocals.

11. “Kiss The Girl” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Burning Spear

This is a really fun song that sounds similar to the original, but is just a hint slower. It’s a great song and we’re glad they picked it for the album, “The Little Mermaid” is one of our favorite Disney movies!

12. “Under The Sea” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Gregory Isaacs

Ok, this song is amazing. We have loved this song from the beginning, but Gregory Isaacs has such a unique voice that you will truly be missing out unless you get to hear this version of the song. Although, it definitely helps to know all the words before you listen to his new version, or else you might not always know what he’s singing!

13. “Find Yourself” (from “Cars”) Performed by Yellowman

This is a really fun song from a really fun movie and we’re happy it’s on the reggae CD! This is one of the slower songs on the album and like all the rest, between the vocals and the background instruments, it will relax you while you enjoy the music.

Overall this is a great album and we are so glad we got the chance to listen to it and share our experience with all of you. We highly recommend picking up a copy of Walt Disney Records’ “The Disney Reggae Club” when it hits stores on June 8th. Then come back here and give us your own review!

Review Materials Provided By Walt Disney Records