The movie Encanto, released November 24, 2021, has three nominations at the 94th Academy Awards (The Oscars): best-animated feature, best original score and best song for “Dos Oruguitas” (Two Caterpillars).
The music genre is the musicals/soundtrack and Columbian music. The album has catchy songs with an incredible dance vibe. Each tune sets the tone of various scenes from the movie and gives an idea of what to anticipate. Germaine Franco, the composer, did a remarkable job with the rich and impressive compositions. Lin-Manuel Miranda did incredible work with the arrangements to reflect Columbian music and culture nicely.
The cast of Encanto is full of incredible singers, including Stephanie Beatriz and Olga Merediz. Their voices are bold and fantastic. Two other performers are not from the cast but have songs for the film Sebastián Yatra and Carlos Vives. The performances of these singers are remarkable – Jessica Darrow, Carolina Gaitán, La Gaita, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, John Leguizamo, Maluma, Diane Guerrero and Rhenzy Feliz. The blend of these voices is impressive.
The soundtrack has heart and soul. The songs are from the movie and represent the storyline. The lyrics are well-written, covering the central theme, which is family. The song The Family Madrigal is an introduction that sets the tone for the film- it’s cheerful and cute. All of You is another profound piece about family and love for each other. There’s also comic relief like in We Don’t Talk About Bruno and All of You.
Other songs cover challenges families face, such as the piece Surface Pressure. The tune What Else Can I Do is powerful, full of hope – it also deals with challenges and struggles.
There are three other songs by Columbian singer Sebastián Yatra: one in Spanish, Dos Oruguitas, and the English version Two Oruguitas. The words are rich and poetic. Carlos Vives has his original song Colombia, Mi Encanto, which is upbeat and full of hope.
The songs are bold and well-written.
The soundtrack for Encanto is available.
