The Lion King: Special Edition

2004 reissue includes a newly remastered version of the 1994 soundtrack with one new song written & recorded by Elton John & Tim Rice ('The Morning Report') as well as a remixed version of the Elton John hit 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight'. The bonus disc ('Rhythm Of The Pridelands') features songs written by Lebo M that were inspired by the original 'Lion King', many of which have gone on to become part of the stage show. Bonus tracks, 'Circle Of Life', 'He Lives In You', 'Hakuna Matata', 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight', 'Kube', 'Lea Halalela (Holy Land)', 'It's Time', 'One By One', 'Warthog Rhapsody', 'Lala', 'Busa', & 'Noyana'. 26 tracks in all. Disney.

Elton John doesn't seem like a natural choice to write for a Disney musical, but he rose to the task on The Lion King, transcending his usual penchant for the softest of soft rock. Sir Elton's collaboration with Tim Rice (former writing partner of Andrew Lloyd Webber) helps connect the soundtrack to the theatrical lineage of all Disney musicals--so much so that, like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King was eventually adapted for Broadway. Undistinguished songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" are far outnumbered by stirring, stately tunes that lent the film so much of its sense of pageant and play. --John Sanchez