This text accommodates spoilers for “Moana 2.”
“Moana” is arguably the most effective movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios within the final 10 years, which meant “Moana 2” had a fairly large shadow solid upon it from the very starting. Originally intended to be a sequel series for Disney+, “Moana 2” was introduced as a theatrical function again in February 2024, and the Home of Mouse has been protecting plot particulars fairly near the chest. Again in August, a trailer was unleashed during the D23 celebration, which gave followers a have a look at a extra mature Moana, the introduction of her little sister Simea, the crew becoming a member of her on her new journey, her reunion with the demigod Maui, the return of the Kakamora, and a largely unseen menace, cloaked in darkish purple mild, that challenges everybody’s favourite wayfinder. Not a lot is thought about this film’s Huge Unhealthy, which is able to probably be an important shock for audiences after they watch the movie and understand that not solely is that this character not the Huge Unhealthy, however she’s additionally the supply of the most effective track on the soundtrack.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was the songwriter behind catchy tunes like “How Far I am going to Go” and “You are Welcome,” however the torch has been handed to Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear for “Moana 2.” The duo is most well-known for his or her Grammy Award-winning “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” and because the songwriters for “Mexican Pizza: The Musical,” the Taco Bell-sponsored manufacturing that includes Doja Cat and Dolly Parton. As of publication, each “Past” and “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” from “Moana 2” have been nominated for the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Award for Greatest Authentic Music in an Animated Movie, however for my cash, it is the track “Get Misplaced” that would be the soundtrack standout — becoming the same mould as “We Do not Speak About Bruno” from “Encanto.”
Let me clarify.
We should always all be speaking about ‘Get Misplaced’
Each “Past” and “Can I Get a Chee-Hoo?” are nice numbers in their very own proper, with “Past” fulfilling the time-honored custom of Disney feminine protagonists’ having a large quantity exhibiting off a formidable vocal vary that serves as the guts of the movie’s plot. Nevertheless, “Get Misplaced” is considerably of a mysterious quantity — a cross between the deception of “Mom Is aware of Greatest” from “Tangled,” Ursula’s feigned empathy with “Poor Unlucky Souls” in “The Little Mermaid,” and the outright denial of reality in “I Will not Say (I am in Love)” from Megara in “Hercules.”
Carried out by Awhimai Fraser because the shape-shifting Matangi, “Get Misplaced” is a life lesson hidden below the guise of a menace. Matangi is telling Moana she must embrace chaos, reside dangerously, and cease being so strict with following the foundations, which, relying on intent is both good recommendation or an ideal setup for a lure. Polynesian musical stylings mix completely with the dominant themes related to Disney Villain songs, however as the post-credits scene shows, there could also be extra to Matangi than meets the attention.
I beforehand in contrast “Get Misplaced” to “We Do not Speak About Bruno,” not as a result of I feel the track can have the same Billboard chart-shattering efficiency, however as a result of it’s very obviously the best song on the soundtrack but will undoubtedly be outshined by the more familiar offerings. I can solely communicate for myself, however Barlow/Bear’s music for “Moana 2” is extremely sturdy, and a part of that energy is their distinctive method to songwriting that differentiates from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s model. “Get Misplaced” is the most effective instance of that, and I apologize upfront for the way usually you may be singing it round the home.
