Alan Menken’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Bright FutureAlan Menken8rank/position

[Piano] Tangled/Rapunzel - I See The Light/Disney/Cover/Played by CANACANA

This is the duet song that colors the climactic scene of the film Tangled, released in Japan in March 2011, where countless lanterns floating in the night sky create a magical atmosphere.

The music was composed by Disney maestro Alan Menken.

Rapunzel, who has discovered the world outside the tower, and Flynn, whose outlook has changed after meeting her, join hands and sing of their hopes for a new world.

Nominated for Best Original Song at the 83rd Academy Awards, the piece features an accessible melody with elements of folk and pop.

It’s perfect as background music for peaceful moments with someone special or for relaxing during household chores—why not give it a listen?

Aladdin “Friend Like Me”Alan Menken9rank/position

[With Beginner Sheet Music] Friend Like Me (Aladdin) – Easy Piano Cover by CANACANA

It’s a memorable number performed in the scene where Genie meets Aladdin.

With a jazzy, up-tempo feel and humor-filled lyrics, it skillfully captures Genie’s cheerful personality and limitless power.

The arrangement prominently features the brass section, making it an irresistible piece for listeners.

In July 2019, Koichi Yamadera performed it on the TV program Music Station, drawing a lot of attention.

Incorporating elements of jazz and cabaret, the song has an easy-to-follow melody and a modest vocal range, making it perfect for instrumental practice.

Among Disney’s classics, it’s a particularly upbeat, feel-good tune, recommended for fans of jazz and blues.

Friend Like MeAlan Menken10rank/position

Friend Like Me (Aladdin)

An electrifying number from Disney’s 1992 film Aladdin, sung by the Genie when he first appears.

Composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, the song is a dazzling show tune infused with big band, jazz, and swing elements.

As the Genie unveils his magical powers one after another, he tells Aladdin, “You ain’t never had a friend like me,” all set against flashy brass and spirited scat.

It’s the kind of tune that makes you want to get up and dance—perfect as background music to liven up a Halloween party!

Friend Like Me from the movie AladdinAlan Menken11rank/position

Friend Like Me – Aladdin Piano Duet (by Reikana) / Friend Like Me – Aladdin

Friend Like Me from the Disney film Aladdin is hugely popular in Japan as well.

With the live-action reboot released a few years ago, many of you probably still remember it vividly.

The real charm of this piece is its jazzy melody.

It’s full of catchy phrases while also offering plenty of technical highlights; the player handling the main melody will likely struggle with some pretty big leaps on the keyboard.

There are lots of hand crossings too, making it a rewarding piece for piano duets.

Be sure to check it out.

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Beauty and the BeastAlan Menken12rank/position

Ariana Grande, John Legend – Beauty and the Beast (From Beauty and the Beast – Official Video)

Played during the pivotal dance scene, this piece features a moving tone centered on the power of love and human growth.

Composed as the theme song for the 1991 Disney animated film, it also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Its relaxed tempo and beautiful melodic line are perfect for the bride and groom’s entrance.

It can create a magical, elegant atmosphere that brings the film’s world to life.

It’s a recommended choice not only for Disney-loving couples but for anyone hoping for a romantic wedding.

Aladdin — A Whole New WorldAlan Menken13rank/position

Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle – A Whole New World

A gem of a ballad that captures, through music, the dreamlike experience of soaring freely across a vast night sky on a magic carpet.

The majestic melodies woven by Alan Menken—renowned as a creator of Disney music—shine like stars in the night, beautifully resonating in the heart.

Released in 1992 as the theme song for a Disney film, the piece won both an Academy Award and a Grammy Award, and it is also featured in the musical of the same name.

Its grand worldview—overflowing with the exhilaration of a heart set free from constraints and the spirit of adventure toward a new world—makes it perfect for moments when you want to indulge in romance or connect deeply with someone special.

Part of your WorldAlan Menken14rank/position

Halle Bailey – “Part of Your World” at Disneyland

One of the most memorable songs from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Ariel the mermaid’s longings and wishes are sung over a beautiful melody.

Her curiosity about and yearning for the human world are expressed straightforwardly, resonating deeply.

Created by the duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this masterpiece has been loved by many since the film’s release in 1989.

It fits a variety of wedding scenes and is perfect for expressing the determination and hope of two people stepping into a new world.