Just in time for Dia de Los Muertos, we are highlighting Pixar‘s Coco original soundtrack! Not only does it have a beautiful score by one of my favorite composers, Michael Giacchino, but beautiful lyrical tunes that hit on just about every emotion written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Germaine Franco, and Adrian Molina.
Coco is my favorite Pixar film, naturally its soundtrack would be one of my favorites as well. The score is a gorgeous composition that accents the story so well. “Crossing the Marigold Bridge” accompanies the scene perfectly, making the moment when we see the Land of the Dead even more special. It has the proper amount of pomp and reverence as we are shown the different parts of the world.
Music is integral to the story, and this group of song writers do not disappoint. Each song is catchy and has an emotional impact on the audience. Once again adding to the overall essence of the film.
“Un Poco Loco” is such a fun song and the scene is beautifully animated. It is also a favorite of my two-year-old niece. She dances and sings along to the music and that adorable sight makes it even more special.
“Everyone Knows Juanita” should be a funny song, but the way Gael García Bernal sings this song is heartbreaking. In this scene we are seeing the darker side of the Land of the Dead and the tragic end of your time there, being forgotten. The song is a last request of a friend about to pass on, and Bernal’s performance has that ache in it.
Coco’s original soundtrack also features Academy Award Winning “Remember Me,” which comes for your tears. Well, the lullaby and reunion versions do. They are so achingly sweet, a simple song that everyone can feel the sentiment from. Bernal’s lullaby version destroys me. The longing you hear in his voice is palpable. Anthony Gonzalez does a fantastic job in the reunion version. The tears you hear in his voice cause tears to come from my eyes.
“Proud Corazón” gets me every time. This bittersweet song I feel in my chest. It marks the end of the journey and encapsulates all the feelings of losing someone, but knowing they are at peace now and watching over their family. Every time I hear it, I think of Hector finally going to visit his daughter; the love this family has for each other; the support given to Miguel; and a family celebrating those they have lost, while those same family members watch over them. This final scene is the icing on the cake of a beautiful film.
Further Recommended Original Soundtracks: Luca by Dan Romer
You can listen along with me and my tears here and let us know which is your favorite, or which makes you cry the most off of the Coco original soundtrack!