The Music of Animation

Welcome to my first in a series of March essays. This week, I will be looking at music in animation.

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In this first essay in my series for March, I will be looking at music and its influence on animation and popular culture. Throughout March, l will dig a little deeper into different areas of music in animation, its impact on culture, and how music influences the effects animation.

Music and animation are distinct art forms that have relied heavily on each other for generations. Whether it’s animated series and films that rely on catchy tunes, memorable melodies, and innovative soundtracks to enhance storytelling and captivate audiences or, more in the modern day, a blockbuster soundtrack that can stand the test of time, in this essay, I will attempt to embark on a harmonious journey through the world of music charts in animation and exploring how famous cartoons have used music to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Animated Soundtracks

Animated series and films have a unique capacity to craft visually stunning and musically enchanting narratives. Successful cartoons recognise the power of sound and leverage it to create unforgettable moments that resonate with audiences. Here, I will delve into three examples of famous cartoons that have made their mark on the music charts and created a cultural legacy through music.

The Simpsons-  The iconic show The Simpsons has been a stalwart in popular culture since December 1989. Some might argue that the music isn’t central to the show. However, the theme song, composed by Danny Elfman, deliberately features a whimsical yet familiar melody that encapsulates the theme and characters of the show.

One of the most notable examples of The Simpsons' musical success on the charts is Do the Bartman. Released in 1990, this hip-hop track featuring the voice of Bart Simpson himself, Nancy Cartwright, soared to the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia. It is rumoured to have been co-written by Michael Jackson, who couldn’t be listed as one of the track's writers because of contractual obligations. Its infectious beat and playful lyrics perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the mischievous Bart Simpson.

Moreover, The Simpsons has welcomed many musical talents onto its animated stage. The show has featured an impressive array of guest stars, from legendary artists like Aerosmith and Michael Jackson to contemporary acts such as Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams. These collaborations have enhanced the musical quality of the series and contributed to its cultural significance.

Regarding financials, The Simpsons' music has proven to be a lucrative aspect of the franchise. With numerous soundtrack albums, merchandise, and royalties from syndication, the show's music continues to generate substantial revenue. Additionally, licensing deals for songs like "Do the Bartman" further bolster the show's financial success, illustrating its music's enduring popularity and commercial viability.

Essentially, The Simpsons' music is not just a background element but a vital component of its identity. It has solidified its place in pop culture history through chart-topping hits and unforgettable collaborations while becoming a revenue stream.

Frozen: The Disney animated film Frozen took the world by storm in 2013, and a significant part of its success can be attributed to its music.  The music behind the film has undeniably left an indelible mark on the charts and popular culture.

Composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the soundtrack of Frozen captured the hearts of millions worldwide. One of its standout hits, "Let It Go," performed by Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, not only topped the charts but also became an anthem of empowerment for audiences of all ages. The song's soaring vocals and empowering lyrics resonated deeply, earning it critical acclaim and multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Beyond "Let It Go," the entire soundtrack of Frozen was a commercial success, with several songs charting globally. From "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" to the heartfelt duet "Love Is an Open Door," each song contributed to the film's narrative and emotional depth.

Moreover, the cultural influence of Frozen's music extended far beyond the silver screen. The soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, spawning covers, parodies, and countless renditions by fans worldwide. Its impact transcended the boundaries of cinema, permeating everyday life and cementing its status as a modern classic in animated musicals.

Steven Universe: This critically acclaimed animated series features a diverse and emotionally resonant soundtrack. The show's creator, Rebecca Sugar, weaves music into the fabric of the narrative with original songs that investigate themes of love, self-discovery, and identity. Steven Universe and its music have cultivated a dedicated fanbase, and several of its songs have climbed music charts, highlighting the show's emotional depth and cultural impact. 

The music of Steven Universe has left an imprint on both the fans of the animated series and the broader cultural landscape. Composed primarily by Rebecca Sugar, the show's creator, and a talented team of musicians, including Aivi & Surasshu and Jeff Liu, the soundtrack seamlessly weaves through genres, from catchy pop tunes to heartfelt ballads and even epic orchestral scores.

One of the show's standout tracks, "Stronger Than You," performed by Estelle, who voices the character Garnet, gained particular acclaim for its empowering lyrics and infectious beat. The song became a viral sensation and symbol of the show's love, acceptance, and resilience themes.

In addition to critical acclaim, the music of Steven Universe found commercial success, with several soundtrack albums charting on the Billboard 200. Its eclectic mix of styles resonated with audiences of all ages, contributing to its popularity.

Financially, the music of Steven Universe proved lucrative, with merchandise sales of albums, vinyl records, and concert tours adding to the franchise's revenue stream. The music also played a significant role in building the show's devoted fanbase, leading to increased viewership and merchandise sales.

Culturally, the music of Steven Universe has had a profound impact, inspiring countless covers, remixes, and fan creations. Overall, the music of Steven Universe stands as a testament to the power of storytelling through song, leaving an enduring legacy of creativity, diversity, and emotional resonance.

The Intersection of Animation and Music

The success of these famous cartoons in music culture is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between animation and music. Energy amplifies the emotional impact of songs, and music enriches the storytelling in cartoons. This intersection has significant implications for both the entertainment industry and popular culture as a whole.

Cultural Resonance: Animated series and films with chart-topping music become cultural touchstones, connecting with viewers profoundly. These songs often transcend the boundaries of the screen and become anthems that people carry with them throughout their lives.

While Disney often dominates the animated film industry, several non-Disney soundtracks have found remarkable financial success. DreamWorks Animation's Shrek series stands out with its eclectic mix of pop and rock tunes. Notably, the smash hit All-Star by Smash Mouth. Another standout is The Prince of Egypt, blending powerful vocals with epic orchestration.

Legacy and Longevity Cartoons that excel on music charts attract diverse audiences.

Children, teenagers, and adults alike are drawn to these shows, creating a broad and enduring fanbase.

The impact of music on famous cartoons contributes to their longevity. These shows and films remain in the public consciousness, often sparking revivals and reimaginings for new generations to enjoy. 

Conclusion

In animation, music is not merely a reflection of popular tunes but a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through sound and visuals. Famous cartoons like The Simpsons, Frozen, and Steven Universe have harnessed this power, using music to captivate audiences, top the charts, and leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. As animation continues to evolve, the harmonious relationship between music and storytelling will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of popular culture.

Next Week

I will be investigating the cultural changes in fashion in the iconic Scooby Doo. So hold onto your hats, ascots and turtle necks.