Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

A Whole New WorldMena Massoud, Naomi Scott

Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott – A Whole New World (from Aladdin) (Official Video)

The animated version of Aladdin won Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the 65th Academy Awards.

Since its music is often used as background music for moving scenes on TV shows, I think it’s a tune most people have heard at least once.

Lyrics inviting you to see the wonders of the world with your own eyes are a perfect match for the scene where Aladdin and Jasmine soar through the night sky on a magic carpet.

Carry OnKygo, Rita Ora

Carry On (from the Original Motion Picture “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu”) (Official Video)

The movie Detective Pikachu, which made waves in Japan with the “wrinkly Pikachu,” features a soundtrack choice that’s decidedly Hollywood: a sophisticated EDM track by DJ Kygo.

In Japan, a Pikachu movie would likely have gone with a cute, all-ages pop song, but this one delivers a more mature vibe.

Even so, it’s a moving piece that adds depth to the film’s world.

Pokémon fans, definitely give it a listen!

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Murakami Shinpei

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I Will Follow HimPeggy March

I Will Follow Him [Sister Act]

Sister Act is a 1992 American comedy film about a nightclub singer who witnesses a murder and causes a commotion at the convent where she’s hidden.

This song became famous for being used at the beginning and the end of the film.

Danger ZoneKenny Loggins

Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone (Official Video – Top Gun)

As soon as this song starts playing, you can’t help but want to throw on a leather jacket—Top Gun was that big of a hit at the time.

Men admired Tom Cruise, and women fell for Maverick, the character he played; it’s a sweet yet dangerous love story.

And the fact that it’s set at an elite fighter pilot training school had everyone hooked.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Independent Women, Pt. IDestiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child – Independent Women Part I (Official HD Video)

Speaking of the movie Charlie’s Angels, it’s a story that has been popular since 1976 with the tagline “the most powerful women on Earth.” It was adapted into a film again in 2000, with the hugely popular Destiny’s Child chosen for the theme song, which created a lot of buzz.

They’re a perfect match for the ultimate leading ladies.

The catchy sound and powerful harmonies make it an incredibly cool classic.

You should definitely check out the movie, too.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Another Day Of SunLa La Land

Another Day of Sun – La La Land Opening Scene

A song from the musical film La La Land, which was a major hit in Japan as well.

Some of you may have been instantly captivated by this flowing jazz number that plays in the opening scene.

It offers delightfully satisfying acting, dance, and music—the very essence of what a musical film should be.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2”)Idina Menzel, AURORA

Idina Menzel, AURORA – Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2”)

It’s the English version of the theme song from the movie Frozen 2.

Like the Japanese version, it’s sung by Idina Menzel, who plays Elsa, and it was released a bit earlier in October 2019.

Needless to say, the lyrics are in English, but I think you’ll notice a different kind of charm compared to the Japanese version, so I hope you’ll give them a listen side by side.