Is “Let It Go” another classic song from a Disney animated film?
Since ‘Pocahontas’, there hasn’t been yet a song taken from an OST of a Disney animated film that has been so massively popular and embraced by almost everyone that it has become a global hit.
But now, we have the song “Let It Go” that breaks that record. It has gained so much attention and critical acclaim that it doesn’t feel like it is merely a trendy hit that would be forgotten in a month or two. “Let It Go” has received too many recognitions already that it will go down in history books as one of the most beloved songs ever to come from an animated film.
Certainly, it has been a very long time now since this phenomenon has happened.
Surely, there is more to this song that needs to be explored and find the reasons why it has become the global hit it is today.
Below, I will analyze and compare the two main versions of “Let It Go”.
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Demi’s version vs. Idina’s version
I remember that late last year, in my article: “Single Review: “Let It Go” by Demi Lovato”, I got to review Demi’s version of “Let It Go”. I did find the song to be fairly decent and to a certain degree, quite likable.
But when Idina Menzel’s version was released soon after, Demi’s version paled in comparison. Why so? I felt Idina was able to fully utilize the potential of the song and sing it the way it should have been sung to begin with.
Demi Lovato is an “OK” singer. The ex-Disney star has proven in the past that she can pull her own weight even among the current divas and reigning pop stars in the music industry. She does have a respectable singing voice and in the last few years she has improved on her vocal range.
However, Idina Menzel belongs to an entirely “different league”. She has an extensive background in theater and she is more of a seasoned performer. It is no wonder then that her version of “Let It Go” is the one that music aficionados have favored more.
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Why is Idina Menzel’s version better?
It is evident in her version that she “nailed it” and captured the true essence of this song and what it is all about. The reason for this is that Idina did not only sing the musical parts of the animated film ‘Frozen’ from which its main song “Let It Go” was taken. She also provided the voice for one of its lead characters, Elsa, the snow queen. Thus, Idina was able to skillfully embody that character and translate it into her own version of “Let It Go” with full understanding.
What Idina Menzel achieved here is rare. This hasn’t been done since the 90’s era of Disney animated films.
The sequence from ‘Frozen’ where Idina sings “Let It Go” has over 179 million views… and counting, as that number is rapidly growing on a daily basis ever since the musical clip was posted on YouTube.
“Let It Go” is so popular that people from around the world have posted their own covers and renditions of this song on YouTube which are amusing to watch.
I do wonder if the composers of this song, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, had any inkling–in hindsight now–that their original composition “Let It Go” would reach such heights of popularity and earn for them back-to-back awards from all the top award giving bodies?
Sometimes, there are just songs that almost instantly can become a classic.
There is never any telling to it. Often, it becomes a surprise to both composer and singer–given the unpredictability and fickle-mindedness of listeners. Ultimately, I believe it boils down to the singer and his own unique version of a song that spells the difference between success and failure.
Add to that, the fluidity of the moods, sentiments, and proclivities of a given period–and should the song resonate well with certain age demographics–a song comes at the right time. It becomes a huge hit and a classic.
“Let It Go” is a perfect illustration!
