The Little Mermaid is one of Disney’s most prestigious musicals that, surprisingly, has never found a home in the West End. Despite that, it continues to enjoy successful tours and amateur productions all over the world. Featuring a score by the legendary Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, it’s also home to a cast album that’s well worth a listen.
The show follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human. Along the way, she falls in love with a human prince and ultimately chooses her own path in life. As someone who has a real soft spot for the show, I thought it would be fun to rank my top 10 songs from the musical. Hopefully, one day, The Little Mermaid will finally get the West End production it deserves.
10: Positoovity
Scuttle opens Act 2 with this high-energy, tap-dancing number! As Ariel has just gained her legs and is struggling to walk, Scuttle encourages her through this song. It’s not Menken’s strongest Act 2 opener, but it gives Scuttle a chance to shine (especially after the removal of Human Stuff in later productions). The choreography is crucial in making this an enticing start to the second act.
9: One Step Closer
After running away from the chaos of Les Poissons, Ariel and Eric finally find themselves alone. Wanting to get to know Ariel better, Eric suggests that dancing might help them communicate their feelings, creating a wonderful moment of relationship-building between the two. The song features elegant choreography, which pairs beautifully with Eric’s strong vocals. Ultimately, this is the first time we spend an extended period focusing on their relationship, helping the audience better understand Eric’s decision at the contest later in the story.
8: Kiss the Girl
Though Eric is unaware, this is Ariel’s chance to earn the kiss she needs to remain human forever. Sebastian makes the most of the moment with a song that playfully encourages Eric to kiss the girl. It’s a classic from the original film and remains just as strong in the musical, although One Step Closer has already developed Ariel and Eric’s relationship more than the film did. Likewise, the imagery of the boat scene is often visually stunning on stage.
7: Under the Sea
Another classic from the original film, Under the Sea has been translated perfectly to the stage! Sebastian attempts to reconnect with Ariel by reminding her just how wonderful life is under the sea. Although his efforts are ultimately fruitless, he delivers a fantastic number packed with energetic choreography and outstanding vocal performances. Tituss Burgess is consistently excellent throughout the cast album, but this number really allows him to exceed all expectations.
6: Her Voice
Surprisingly, Eric never had a solo in the original film, so Menken gave him two. Her Voice captures Eric’s fascination with the mysterious voice he heard when Ariel saved him. Sean Palmer’s vocals build beautifully throughout the song, giving Eric his moment in the spotlight while helping the audience understand his intentions more clearly.
5: Poor Unfortunate Souls
A classic from the original film, Poor Unfortunate Souls remains one of Disney’s greatest villain songs. Ursula finds Ariel at her lowest and manipulates her into swapping her tail for legs, presenting herself as a kind and caring figure. She cleverly deceives Ariel while having an absolute blast doing it. Sherie Rene Scott’s vocals are phenomenal, bringing exactly the right amount of sass to Ursula.
4: Beyond My Wildest Dreams
One of the most upbeat new additions to the cast album, Beyond My Wildest Dreams follows Ariel as she prepares for her first full day on land and becomes fascinated by this new world around her. The song helps us understand Ariel’s excitement, while Sierra Boggess’s vocals are stunning throughout. It’s also a vital addition to the stage musical, as audiences can’t rely on close-up facial expressions in the same way they can in the film, making Ariel’s thoughts much clearer.
3: She’s In Love
Menken really went above and beyond with this song, and it has deservedly become one of the musical’s fan favourites. The mersisters have a much larger role on stage, and giving them this upbeat, energetic number alongside Flounder was a stroke of genius as they try to make sense of Ariel’s newfound romantic feelings. It’s one of the strongest songs on the cast album and would be even higher if it wasn’t for its relatively limited emotional importance within the overall story.
2: If Only (Quartet)
The night before Ariel’s three days are up, she reprises If Only from earlier in the show. King Triton and Sebastian then join in with their own verses, blending beautifully with Ariel’s, before Eric tops everything off with a reprise of Her Voice. The structure of this song is phenomenal, and the harmonies between the four characters are simply superb. It’s also an incredibly effective storytelling device, allowing us to hear what each of the main characters is thinking at exactly the same moment, making it the best original addition to The Little Mermaid musical.
1: Part of Your World
The ultimate Disney “I Want” song has to take the top spot. Sierra Boggess has a truly sensational voice, and this song gives her every opportunity to show it off. Ariel dreams of the world beyond the sea, and this song perfectly captures both her longing and curiosity. It also sits at the very heart of the musical, driving the story forward from beginning to end. Part of Your World is one Disney song that will never grow old and remains completely timeless
Max
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