Customer Reviews

Pocahontas: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

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During the "rediscovery" of the animated musical following the success of "The Little Mermaid", there have been some memorable melodies and theme songs that have been embedded in the collective minds of all that have seen and listened. Many have their favorites and I am no different from them.

The score to "Pocahontas" ranks at the top of my list. Alan Menken, who had so masterfully added music to the lyrics of his late partner Howard Ashman, worked with lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The pair fashioned four of the most deliberate and passionate songs to ever grace a Disney film.

The Academy-Award winning "Colors of the Wind" is presented in its original form, featuring Judy Kuhn (vocals for the title character) as well as the pop release sung by Vanessa Williams, heard over the end credits. Both are befitting a story line heavy with an ecological mindset.

Mel Gibson the singer? Well, he does a more-than-adequate job on "Mine", a duet with David Ogden Stiers. This composition has the actors' respective characters engaged in a vocal "duel" over the fate of the land in this New World. IT is one great tune.

"Savages" is a tour de force for the composers. It is never preachy but is a determined and not-so-subtle look at prejudice.

The "love ballad", also heard at the end credits roll has to be the most hypnotic ever done by the studio. "If I Never Knew You" is too beautiful for words, and the pairing of Jon Secada and Shanice could not have been more appropriate. They are vocal magic.

For sheer majesty, the cut entitled "Farewell" works for me. It is heard as the ship carries the wounded "John Smith" away from his beloved Pocahontas. The strings swell as the Native American maiden runs to the hilltop to bid him "adieu". At the ledge of the cliff, the girl waves for the last time.

The music heard, like most of the score, just sends the clichéd "chill up my spine".

Do you get the idea that I like this disc?

Pocahontas is one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. The songs are not done in the broadway style that so energized The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, but they still flow effortlessly out of the story. Colors of the Wind is by far the most popular of the songs and for good reason. First off it's sung by Judy Kuhn and she makes it an honest emotional plea that never sounds forced or phoney. Secondly, the song speaks to the universality of man and the respect we must show not only to one another but the earth itself. It's a great message and one that adhears to Native American beliefs. You're sure to be singing "Just Around the Riverbend" and "Mine, Mine, Mine" long after hearing them as well. I espscially lilked "Mine, Mine, Mine" because it's the "bad guy" song, but sung in a very happy, cheerful and classicaly disneyesque way. It's only when you listen to the lyrics that you realise the cunning, self importance and disrespect on display. Mel Gibson also sings a few lines in this song and he's suprisingly good too. The third act song "Savages" parts 1 & 2 is very powerful and talks to how fear can turn into hate which easily turns into prejudice. It's extremely powerful and I get chills every time I hear it.

As for the score Alan Menken has done a masterful job with finding ways to speak about the love story at the heart of this film. The love theme heard through out is stunningly beautiful and it's a shame that the fully sung version of it was cut from the film as it strengthens the love between Pocahontas and John Smith as well as deepening their characters. The majesty of the country and Pocahonts herself is evident in many of the tracks and I espicially liked the aching beauty of "I'll Never See Him Again". The playfull track "Percy's Bath" is a lot of fun and "Ship At Sea" is so energetic and furious that you can practically feel the waves crashing all sround you.

Kids are sure to enjoy this soundtrack as much as any other Disney soundtrack, but what makes this one stand out is that there is plenty for a more mature audience to get interested in as well. The heartache of loss, a deep and strong yet forbidden love, a message of peace and understanding. These are the things that can be found in Pocahontas. Listen carefully and get swept away by the colors of the wind.

The sountrack to Pocahontas is definitely one of the best soundtracks I've ever listened to, the best songs being "Colors of the Wind" (grammy and oscar winner) and "Just Around the Riverbend". But the whole soundtrack is great. First there are the songs performed by the English settlers (The Virginia Company, Mine Mine Mine) which are playful and fun to listen to, with a pub/sailor type sound. Then there are the spiritual mood-setting songs of the Indians. Many are instrumental (Grandmother Willow) which have a meditative new age-type sound. The vocal songs (Steady as the Beating Drum, Listen With Your Heart) are beautiful, maybe not exactly what American Indians sang like, but still enjoyable to listen to. The soundtrack's main strengths are the songs of Pocahontas, performed by Judy Kuhn. "Just Around the Riverbend" is so inspiring and its such a great song that you can't help singing along at the top of your lungs (try playing it really loud!). The orchestrations are beautiful and it has a great sound. "Colors of the Wind" has endured criticisms for its "pc" lyrics, but you can't deny that it does have a good message. And of course "Colors of the Wind" is the most beautiful Disney ballad to listen to. Judy Kuhn's voice is so clear, and it rises with emotion as the song progresses. Savages, another song which has endured criticism because of its lyrics, is aggressive and confrontational, perfect for the scene it's from. And if one listens to the lyrics, the Englishmen sing, "Their skin's a hellish red, they're only good when dead...", and you'll hear Indians singing, "This is what we feared, the paleface is a demon....they're different from us, which means they can't be trusted". So the point of the song is to speak out against racist violence. Yes, its politically correct, but its not meant to be against either whites or Indians. All in all, the soundtrack is so diverse and wonderful. There is a certain Broadway Musical theatrical type sound so if you like that genre you'll love the songs and great vocals. And to even it out, you have the calming Native American songs, the soaring ballads, and the two pop songs at the end. Wow I wrote a lot (sorry) but I really love listening to this soundtrack, its definitely one of Disney's finest!

Pocahontas (1995) was my favorite Disney film, partly because I spent parts of my childhood in Jamestown, VA, and mostly because I've always been an active advocate of Native American culture (I'm a past member of NASO/NAISO, I've volunteered at powwows, taught lessons on Canadian First Nations tribes, attempted to teach myself the Native American flute, and have read/watched a great deal of Native American literature/cinema).

"Pocahontas" was penned by the formidable team of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, and is balanced between musical numbers (Virginia Company, Steady as the Beating Drum, Just Around the Riverbend, Listen With Your Heart, If I Never Knew You) and beautiful instrumental interludes. Many of the instrumentals are interwoven with Native American influences like cedar flute, drum, and rattles. Earlier melodies are cleverly reprised in the short segments. My only complaint would be the out-of-order tracklisting; I've rearranged mine to follow the movie.

Pocahontas has not only one, but two great love themes: Colors of the Wind, a plea to conserve and cherish natural resources, and If I Never Knew You, a song that was cut from the original film but restored in the 10th anniversary edition (although here, Jon Secada and Shanice duet instead of Mel Gibson and Judy Kuhn). Similar to Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King (Peabo Bryson/Celine Dion and Elton John), Disney again chose to include popular artists reprising the hit songs, so Vanessa Williams (Colors of the Wind) and Jon Secada (If I Never Knew You) are included as the final tracks.

Balanced between the European and Native American cultures in the film, most of the score shows a marked Native American musical influence (Steady as the Beating Drum and reprise, Listen With Your Heart, Pocahontas, Council Meeting, Getting Acquainted, Picking Corn), while the other half incorporates European musical themes. It seems that Disney included much more of the original score than on previous soundtracks, and for that I'll always be grateful. Pocahontas's score is a symbolic, symphonic blending of cultures and mindsets, and you discover new nuances with every listen.

Easily my favorite score of any film after Somewhere in Time and the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Kids will enjoy the colorful, loud showtunes like Mine, Mine, Mine and the Virginia Company, and adults will appreciate the delicate phrasing, soothing flute and strings, and emotional lyrics of Colors of the Wind and If I Never Knew You.

Disney's success with Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion King led them to continue pushing the envelope, which resulted in some fantastic but sadly under-appreciated movies like Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pocahontas. As an animation aficionado, I loved the idea that animation could be treated as a serious genre for storytelling, but apparently most people don't feel this way and Disney returned to formulaic, suited-to-younger-audiences movies that have become more boring with each one (Brother Bear, anyone?). No wonder their animated movies are in decline these days.

At any rate, Pocahontas isn't historically accurate, and who expected that to begin with? (They made Quasimodo sing, for goodness' sake.) What we get instead is a compelling love story set against a backdrop of conflict: the first contact of white men and Native Americans, whose cultures are, granted, oversimplified for the sake of moving the story along (but we know America wasn't an Eden before England invaded). The story flows thanks to the incredible music of Alan Menken and the moving lyrics of Stephen Schwartz. Menken has written so many gorgeous, timeless songs, and this soundtrack is no exception -- from the first notes of "The Virginia Company" to Pocahontas' speculation about her future in "Just Around the Riverbend", to the entrancing "Colors of the Wind", to the martial rhythms of "Savages", the songs keep the story pressing forward without missing a beat (no pun intended).

The voice talent is also exceptional. Judy Kuhn has a true gift for selling a song without overplaying the emotion; David Ogden Stiers gives "Mine, Mine, Mine" that wonderful touch of greed; and Mel Gibson even puts in a few surprisingly good notes. The bonus track of "Colors of the Wind" sung by Vanessa Williams is forgettable, but I loved the inclusion of "If I Never Knew You", sung by Jon Secada and Shanice, a song which was cut from the score.

Sure, there are requisite cute animals and a touch of magic in the wind that represents Pocahontas' mother. But this is a surprisingly adult movie, too, in the love that Pocahontas and John Smith share, not to mention in the raging tempers and blood spilled. Acknowledge the lack of historical accuracy, let it go, and give this one a chance.

This is one of my favorite Disney masterpiece soundtracks. A lot of people don`t even like the movie "Pocahontas" anyway, but I think that without the incredible music it has the movie never would have been enoyed half as much. (Which could be true about many Disney animated movies, but apparantly from some opinions I`ve read, this was the only one that really needed it.)
The vocal songs and the score meld together perfectly. You can`t draw a line between the "sing-alongs" and the score; both are very beautiful. My favorite part of the CD is the beginning of "Listen To Your Heart II." In the film, this is the part when John Smith first sees Pocahontas and there`s a long stretch of silence as they just look at eachother. I think this is also my favorite moment of the movie. And, thanks to the magic of composer Alan Menken, this is probably not a coincidence at all.
I also love the end of "Farewell." It`s the conclusion of the movie and the most beautiful music on the soundtrack. Every time I listen to it I get chills. And how old am I...?

I can tell this album is truly beloved by many just by looking at the quality of the reviews. Most of the reviewers here really took the time to explain why they love the Pocahontas soundtrack, and they couldn't have said it better: I agree with everything they've said. The songs are so mature and moving, and I love the Native American feel of them, especially with the flutes. Judy Kuhn is amazing as the singing voice of Pocahontas; in her voice there's a genuineness and sincerity that's impossible to deny. But like almost all Disney animated features, the real gems are the instrumental tracks, and the Pocahontas background music is simply gorgeous. Strings sweep you along in "Farewell," the brass and drums get you eagerly anticipating the climaxes in "Skirmish" and "Execution," and the flutes and gentle melodies of "Pocahontas," "Listen With Your Heart" and others lead you to a state of nostalgia and peace.

This is one of my favorite soundtracks, and I believe it's one of the best soundtracks ever composed - my opinion based on my history of soundtrack listening of course, but it's a pretty long one.

This is another underrated Disney movie. Mainly because of the inconsitancies to the story of Pocahontas. If you want truth, go see "The New World" (which features the talking voice of Pocahountas! as her mother...). But once again, the music is very truthful to the story.

We are working with the first collaboration of Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken. I find it sad that after Pocahontas & Hunchback, they never worked together again. A shame. I find Pocahontas and Hunchback the start of lyrics and stories appealing for kids and adults.

The Virgina Company--Every man's dream, during that time, they traveled for 3-4 weeks (depending on the weather) to a land they never seen before, not knowing what to expect, to make their dreams come true. Bringing back some gold.

The Virgina Company (Reprise)--Showing a bit more darker of a side for the setlers. All in all, a nice theme of mystery and fun.

Steady As the Beating Drum--This is a good song, not one of my favorites, but good beacuse they are actually doing something never really done. It was brought up in a sense in Beauty and the Beast (which took place in France), they are using language used by the people. Schwartz loves to do background work on what he is working with and he does it with style. He is using Native American dialogue for the chorus to sing. I think that is amazing.

Steady as the Beating Drum--It's like a Chinese Proverb. Though, Native American like, you know? I think it's beautiful. And once again Jim Cummings shows his amazing vocal talent to take on any role the studio(s) give him.

Just Around the Riverbend--The first of Pocahontas' songs. This one shows exactly "who she is". She is wild, spirited, and unsure of her future. Just like the river, she travels the path knowing not where it will lead her, but for the adventure.

Listen With Your Heart (pt 1)--Not one of my favorites, but I liked it as a kid. It works good as a foreshadowing scene on screen.

Mine, Mine, Mine--This song is amazing. It really shows Radcliffe's greed and that everything will not be going to the setlers but to him. After all, it's saying it's "his, his, his". And then the most shocking scene--Mel Gibson can sing. Give him the proper stuff and yeah, he can really belt it. I love his John Smith, talking and singing, it rules. It's such a great song, just listen to it and it'll be stuck in your head.

Listen to Your Heart (pt. 2)--Good, just not one of my favorites.

Colors of the Wind--I have two different feelings for this song. The first feeling I have is that it's such a powerful driven song (take it known that Judy Khun just got off from playing Cosette in the Broadway Les Mis?rables) it's beautiful to listen to. And the second feeling I have is that it sounds like something you'd hear Smokey the Bear say, "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires". I don't know, that usually pops in my head while I listen to it. Otherwise, this song is brilliant.

--Here, in the special edition of the film, was the song "If I Never Knew You". I love the song, and when finally seeing it as how it should be I was stunned on why it should have not been included in the movie. Mel Gibson can sing, even after being away from the role for so long... and Judy Khun, still sounds amazing, too! But I think it's such a treat seeing it added in. I would have not been so amazed now than if it was. I am surprised that they did not release a special edition of this CD for the release of the movie. Otherwise, you'd get "If I Never Knew You (Reprise)", which is not much, but good to hear.--

Savages (pt 1 & 2)--Emotional, amazing, it's like the finale of all Disney songs. Seeing it onscreen is also amazing, watching Pocahontas run to save the life of the man that she loves. I seem to feel as if Schwartz was giving a homage to West Side Story's "Tonight". Honestly, it sounds like it!

Then Menken gives a lovely, earthy, composed score. Personally, I love the "At The River's Edge" and "Farewell", it shows of everything that can be in a soundtrack--humour, romance, tragedy... it's all there. It's different, it's still amazing.

Colors of the Wind--I like Vanessa Willaims. She is an amazing singer and I think she sounds amazing singing this song. I remember watching her perform this on the "Today" show, and was just stunned on how she just resembled Pocahontas (understand I was 6 or 7). She does justice to the song.

If I Never Knew You (John Secada & Shanice)--I loved this when I was a kid. It was one of my favorite songs. I found it odd that they wrote a song that was not in the movie, yet it was played during the credits. I think I wore out my soundtrack because of this song. But if you do ever see the SE release of the film, the song is there, seemlessly placed back in.

In the end, you should get this soundtrack. Schwartz is amazing, Menken is amazing, the overall project is amazing. I still think Hunchback tops this by a mile, but for an underrated Disney movie, it was one of the better ones. :) Get it to complete your collection.

The "Pocahontas" soundtrack is my favorite piece of music from a musical genius, Alan Menken. It's mellower than any of previous Disney soundtracks, as the movie is rather adult-themed. I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for Menken's music, "Pocahontas" wouldn't have been such a remarkable work of art as it is.

This soundtrack is engaging on each level - both musically and lyrically (Stephen Schwartz wrote great lyrics). It truly reflects (or maybe creates) the atmosphere of this story of love, wisdom and nature. Instrumental tracks are the perfect background to the events of the story - they're very cinematic and telling; there are several moments in the movie when the characters don't need to say anything, for the music says it all. The Broadway style musical numbers are very important to the action - they establish the characters' point of view in a unique and memorable way.

The "Pocahontas" leading lady's songs are the true standouts - Pocahontas got to sing the most beautiful and valuable songs the Disney heroine has ever been apriveleged to sing. "Just Around The Riverbend" is a lively manifesto of Pocahontas' independent and adventurous spirit - it's the first time in a movie when we begin to love the character. But the strongest moment comes with "Colors of the Wind" - Pocahontas' anthem of wisdom, love and harmony - the message of this song is ultimate to our world and all the universe. Listening to "Colors of the Wind" is nothing short of unforgettable EXPERIENCE and I believe it's one of the best songs in history (well deserved Academy Award). Pocahontas' singing voice is provided by a Broadway veteran, Judy Kuhn. What's very interesting, she had been casted before they even found a speaking voice of the character. Hearing her voice I can easily see why - Judy has this unique ability to give a strong, emotional performance without getting whiny or trying too hard. Everything's in control yet honest, humble yet impressive, mature yet youthful. That stands for Pocahontas' personality - Judy makes her sound like a self-confident, unapologetic young woman who doesn't want to prove anything, but demonstrates her beliefs and wants to be taken the way she is. I also adore the Polish version of singing Pocahontas, beautifully sung by the wonderful Edyta Gorniak, who sounds different than Judy Kuhn, but is equally perfect.

What makes the Pocahontas soundtrack unique is Alan Menken's haunting music, Stephen Schwartz's memorable lyrics and Judy Kuhn's impressive singing voice. Pop versions of the songs ("Colors of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams and "If I Never Knew You" by Jon Secada and Shanice) are just great. Not only is the whole soundtrack flawless, but I'd say it's beyond perfection. If you haven't heard this strikingly beautiful piece of art, do it now, or better watch the movie first and then buy this soundtrack. It will make your heart soar!

Mabye some people prefer to say that Disney movies and songs are to "small" for them, and that they have become grown-ups. I am only thirteen, but I am still a numder 1 Disney fan. In my school, everyone teases me about that, sometimes it hurts me and sometimes I am pleased and proud to de a Disney fan. So, to get to my review... The Pocahontas soundtrack, which is sung by various artists, touches me deep inside my heart, just like the movie did. My favorite song being Colors of the Wind, sung by Judy Kuhn, I am a fan of songs that are very slow and touching. these types of songs touch me deep inside and i would hope that one day I would be one of those famouse slow singers. to wrap it up, I would like to say that even though my review doesn't focus only on the soundtrack, but my main reason to post it is to wake some people up and tell them that without Disney, there would be no hope in our children.