Disney has always been fantastic at putting together enjoyable soundtracks for its movies, and The Jungle Book is no exception to that. The movie features a real range of songs, from fast-paced to much slower, with some of Disney’s most iconic numbers taking place within this movie.
With a great orchestral score running through the entire movie, the songs are able to just add a real pop of excitement, which enhances the story and the characters themselves. Plenty of different characters get a chance to sing in this movie as well, which makes the music a lot more varied throughout, but which song is the best?
“Colonel Hathi’s March (Reprise)”
Anytime a reprise takes place, it is rare that it ends up being better than the original song, and that theory proves accurate with “Colonel Hathi’s March (Reprise).” It is the same march song that takes place earlier on in the movie, except it is a lot shorter and more to the point.
The elephants are all together in this one, singing together, on time, showcasing that they can be in sync and work well together. However, there’s nothing extra or special that makes this any better than the main version which comes earlier in the movie.
“Overture”
There’s no singing in this song, but it brings together some of the core melodies and part of the score that will play a big part in the movie as it goes on. It’s a great instrumental song as the world of the jungle is showcased for the first time.
It allows audiences to sink into the movie and learn about the setting in which it will take place. The music itself is actually quite relaxing to listen to and sets up the movie perfectly with a really nice score.
“The Bear Necessities (Reprise)”
Another reprise that takes place within The Jungle Book comes for “The Bear Necessities,” which is one of Disney’s most well-known songs. While it doesn’t come close to the main version of the track, this reprise is actually very enjoyable as it is quite different.
Taking place at the end of the movie, this time Baloo sings along with Bagheera, showing a different side to the panther. The two old friends enjoy singing along as they have got Mowgli to safety, and it just provides a really nice ending to the movie.
“Colonel Hathi’s March (The Elephant Song)”
This is the main version of this particular song, and it is a much longer and more impressive version. While it isn’t one of the most memorable from the movie that people still talk about to this day, it certainly breaks things up as this is a true march with a military-style chant taking place.
The song is really fun with Colonel Hatchi making his dominant presence known as the lead. However, the funny aspect of Junior and Mowgli also joining in at the back really adds to this song, making it a lot stronger.
“That’s What Friends Are For (The Vultures Song)”
The Vultures are great characters in The Jungle Book, and this song works really well at a really low point for Mowgli’s journey. He is angry and sad, and The Vultures come in to cheer him up, which creates a sweet moment between them.
Clearly, these characters are inspired by The Beatles, and that is clear within the way the song is sung, with a catchy melody throughout. Plus, having Shere Khan pop-up at the very end with his deep voice belting out the final notes is something that causes a brilliant surprise.
“My Own Home”
This song comes at the end of the movie and is ultimately what convinces Mowgli to head to the man village. When he sees Shanti collecting some water, Mowgli falls into a trance-like state, simply being stunned by her and the song that she sings.
It’s a very calm and relaxing song that allows the focus to be on the connection that they seem to share without even uttering a word to each other. It’s an important song in the movie, and while it is a lot calmer and slower than the vast majority, it’s still a great part of the movie, that then goes on to be developed in the sequel.
“Trust In Me (The Python’s Song)”
While Shere Khan doesn’t get a big villain song within this movie, Kaa does. “Trust In Me” is one of the creepiest songs that Disney has ever created, and it’s one that suits his character and the cunning way in which he behaves, trying to trick his enemies with his hypnotizing eyes.
The song is slow-paced but has a really catchy beat, and that really makes sense in that he sings this while trying to hypnotize people. The way it’s sung really adds to the eerie feeling that the song provides and for a slithery snake, it is perfect.
“The Bare Necessities”
The relationship between Mowgli and Baloo really is the driving force of this entire movie, with the connection that they share being an incredibly genuine and sweet one. That’s what makes “The Bare Necessities” a really enjoyable song, as their bond just shines through and carries it.
It’s a really upbeat and positive number that is all about just enjoying life and having fun, and that message shines through with the melody and the lyrics. When the two of them get into the song it becomes a real toe-tapper that everyone enjoys.
“I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)”
While “The Bare Necessities” is a Disney classic, The Jungle Book features one greater song, which is belted out by King Louie. This is the most fun part of the movie and it just brings a real party atmosphere to the whole thing, with great energy and excitement throughout.
The fact that all the characters involved end up dancing around really adds to the whole thing, which leads to one big positive song that is impossible not to smile and dance along with. It’s a song that has gone on to be beloved by Disney fans and really is a huge part of this movie.
