Zip A Dee Doo Dah Review

When anyone talks about the Disney movie "Song of the South" it can get ugly sometimes.  Just to simply mention of the name can set off a range of emotions and opinions.  Some say that it is a racist movie that doesn't make black people look good and uses negative stereotypes, while others say that the movie actually depicts an anti prejudice message.  Either way, it led to an uproar that Disney wasn't ready for.  Contrary to popular belief, the movie wasn't full on "banned" like people say.  The NAACP had voiced their disapproval of the movie but they never made a huge effort to ban it.  In reality, Disney just decided to withhold from re releasing it do the backlash.  However, even with all the problems surrounding the movie, people seem to agree on one thing they like about this movie.  That is that people love this movies soundtrack.  This movie actually wen't on to win an Oscar for best original soundtrack.  There is also of course the famed ride at DisneyLand "Splash Mountain" which uses the characters and music from the movie.  The song that sticks out the most in this soundtrack is none other then "Zip A Dee Doo Dah".

One of the main reasons that people like this song so much is because while it is simple, it is also very catchy.  The music itself is overall slow and simple, but it does sound decent and good still.  The main reason why it is so simple is because the focus is meant to be on the vocals.  This a true sing along song that the audience is supposed to sing along with and if you make the music stand out too much, then you lose that.  Typically, I am all for being technical and bringing out the best in a musicians musical ability.  However, in this case, I think it is best they keep it simple on the instruments.  The best element of this song in the vocals.  Got to give James Baskett credit, he brings a real charm to this song that none one else can.  The way he sings the song makes it sound real soothing and relaxing.  At the same time, the way he brings out the lyrics makes you want to sing along and get more into the song.  He is having fun singing this song and you can tell he is.  He projects it very well and you can't help but to enjoy his performance.

Now, they sing the song again at the end of the movie and this time it has more of a build up that starts with the kids singing it instead of James Baskett.  He isn't silent the entire time but his lines are minimal and he doesn't do much in this portion.  Obviously the kids don't sound as good as James Baskett, but I expected that so it didn't bother me.  What did bother me though is how long it went on.  They slowly build up the music by making the instruments louder and incorporating more animals as it goes on.  I feel like they could have trimmed this portion a little bit and made it shorter. The way they add the recorded version at the end with the additional voices and the big instrument ending was pretty cool.  However, when it got to that point I found myself asking why did it take so long for them to get there.  I also feel that it would have been better if James Baskett sang with the kids at some point instead of just giving him that one small talking section. I think it would have added more to the song and because he sound so good singing it the first time it would of made the ending more memorable.           

Lyrically, it is a very cheerful song.  Obviously the title alone is very catchy and makes you curious.  Like the music, the lyrics are simple but the way they are constructed and the way the phrases play out make them very unique.  The happy tone makes it enjoyable for kids but in a way that adults can enjoy it as well.  It is the classic style of the old Disney era.  It is cheerful, it sounds fun, and you can't help but to sing along with the lyrics. 

While it is not one of my favorite Disney songs, it is still pretty decent.  Regardless of what you think of the movie this song is from, you have to admit that this song is pretty good.  The way the lyrics are sung hook you and you cant help but to want to sing along with it.  While the movie is unavailable, this song is.  You can get it on Itunes and on most Disney music collections you come across.  If you are a Disney fan, I recommend getting it.  I give Zip A Dee Doo Dah a 3.5 out of 5.