Alan Menken’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

ON A DARK NIGHTAlan Menken36rank/position

Aladdin OST – 14 – On A Dark Night

“In the Dark of the Night” — the music sounds kind of ominous, and it’s definitely a scene where Jafar is up to no good, right? In any case, darkness, snakes, and Jafar go really well together.

It’s like this kind of dark music exists just for Jafar.

Realization and EscapeAlan Menken37rank/position

Realization and Escape (From “Tangled”/Score)

It features a dramatic and moving tone composed to match the film’s climactic scene.

The urgent orchestral sound brilliantly captures the tension as Rapunzel confronts Mother Gothel.

It’s a piece that showcases Alan Menken’s compositional prowess and serves as an indispensable musical element of the story.

Released as part of the film in November 2010, it was highly praised at the Grammy Awards.

Because it’s deeply tied to the film’s narrative, listening to it with the visuals makes it even more compelling.

Highly recommended for those who want to be moved by an emotional story.

Return to MotherAlan Menken38rank/position

Return to Mother (From “Tangled”/Score)

An instrumental piece composed by Alan Menken.

It plays during the scene where Gothel tries to take Rapunzel back to the tower, heightening the tension and dramatic atmosphere.

The melody follows the progression of the story, conveying the characters’ psychological strain and the mounting urgency toward the climax.

It’s a recommended track not only for Disney movie fans but also for anyone interested in film music.

You can immerse yourself in the world of the film and experience the magic of the music.

STREET URCHINSAlan Menken39rank/position

Aladdin OST – 04 – Street Urchins

Music that means “the town’s mischievous boy.” It’s the scene where Aladdin dashes through the city, leading into the reprise of “One Jump Ahead.” It conveys Aladdin’s lonely heart and his wish to someday escape this kind of life.

SomedayAlan Menken40rank/position

Disney – Hunchback – Someday for Piano Solo (LIVE)

An emotionally moving song born from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Its beautiful melody is so striking that it can even bring you to tears.

The piano arrangement further highlights its beauty, evoking a stronger sense of dreamlike atmosphere and serenity.

Included on the film’s soundtrack released in January 1996, it has inspired numerous cover versions.

Because Disney songs are often used as background music, they’re easy to enjoy on the piano without feeling out of place.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants a soothing, healing moment, as well as for those looking to take on a new piece as a piano practice song.

Be sure to listen to this piece’s piano arrangement and enjoy a heartwarming time.

THE BATTLEAlan Menken41rank/position

Aladdin OST – 19 – The Battle

This is the scene where Aladdin, having safely returned from the Ends of the Earth, goes to rescue Jasmine and Genie.

It’s the battle scene with Jafar.

Still, even if she had no choice, I can’t believe Jasmine managed to kiss Jafar…

THE CAVE OF WONDERSAlan Menken42rank/position

Aladdin OST – 17 – Cave Of Wonders

This is the music used in the scene where Aladdin first discovers the magic lamp.

At the end of a barren desert lies the Cave of Wonders, filled with mysterious things: a magic carpet, glittering jewels, and heaps of gold.

The scene where Aladdin makes a narrow escape is truly suspenseful.