Ranking Original Songs from Tangled the Series

In case you didn't know, Tangled has a series owned by Disney (not me, I wish) chronicling the two or three years in between Rapunzel rejoining her family at the end of the movie and the Tangled Ever After short about Eugene and Rapunzel's wedding. The series is voiced by the original cast & comprises three seasons, and each season has a soundtrack of original music. While there are certainly things about the show that make it imperfect, I love so much about it, especially the music. So, here's my personal ranking of the original songs from the series.

***Obviously mild spoilers***

(NOTE: this does not including Kevin Kliesch's absolutely gorgeous instrumentals or the Hurt Incantation, all of which were introduced in season 2).

24. "Hookfoot's Ballad" (season 2)

I'm sorry. I don't like the song, I don't think the character singing it was necessary, and frankly the storyline attached (ruffian falls for a mermaid) was a silly distraction from the season's arc.

23. "Living the Dream" (season 2)

While this song is a nice throwback to "I Have a Dream" from the movie, it's just not my style. No shade to Fred Tatasciore.

22. "Waiting in the Wings Reprise" (season 3)

Okay, "Waiting in the Wings" was WAY too good for the reprise to be this meh. Sometimes children singing is adorable, and sometimes it's...not. Also I firmly disagree for the predictable (and admittedly expected) 'twist' reveal accompanying this reprise.

21. "Through It All" (season 3)

This song is fine. Everything about it is fine. But when you've already been blessed by a magnificent call to arms song two seasons prior, "fine" is actually kind of disappointing.

20. "I'd Give Anything" (season 3)

Listen, I love Cassandra + Rapunzel's friendship just as much as anyone, and Mandy Moore's voice sounds really beautiful when singing the lullaby like this one. But the lyrics are just repetitive and nonspecific for my taste. Also, the sentiment isn't exactly true since we've already established there ARE a few things Rapunzel wouldn't give up for Cass...her boyfriend, her chameleon, and the fate of her kingdom, to name a few things...

19. "With You By My Side" (season 2)

There's nothing explicitly wrong with this song; it's sung well and the lyrics/meaning are fine. It's just that if you're going to sing a song about supporting your besties, you shouldn't exclude one of the best characters in the series. Lance Strongbow erasure loses you a lotta points 'round these here parts.

18. "If I Could Take This Moment Back" (season 2)

I love me a breakup song, and this one reminds me a LOT of "If I Never Knew You" from Pocahontas. 

17. "I've Got This" (season 1)

I think this song is adorable. Is it the most "Disney" of them all? Yes. Is it clearly written for children? Also yes.

16. "Bigger Than That" (season 3)

Lance's first solo? Check. Song about being bigger than your fears? Check. Gorgeous vocals by James Monroe Iglehart? Check. The only reason it's not higher on the list is because I desperately wanted Lance's first (and only) solo to be more related to his personal development, like Cassandra and Varian's were.

15. "Listen Up" (season 1)

Danielle Brooks sang the heck out of this and that's all you need to know.

14. "Wind in My Hair" + reprise (season 1)

Cute. Reminiscent of the movie. A nice shot of positivity about the situation before things get dark. It's also the opening theme (meaning I've heard it like 100 times) and I'm not sick of it yet so that's a good sign, right?

13. "Let Me Make You Proud" + reprise (season 1)

So Varian is voiced/sung for by Jeremy Jordan. Meaning every song of his sounds like a musical theatre song. And I love musical theatre. So...yeah.

12. "Stronger Than Ever Before" (season 3)

This song is basically "With You By My Side" from season 2 but with Lance rounding out the trio instead of Cassandra and I love Lance so here we are. Listen for a delicious harmony between Zachary Levi and James Monroe Iglehart in the second pre-chorus!

11. "Life After Happily Ever After" (season 1)

The 100% best part of this song is Zachary Levi's solo. Also the lyrics set up the overarching conflict of the series very well and it's a sunny, boppy vibe overall.

10. "The View From Up Here" (season 2)

A light and sweet duet between Eden Espinosa and Mandy Moore that's extremely catchy and WILL get stuck in your head.

9.  "The Girl Who Has Everything" + reprise (season 3)

The star of the show with this one is the reprise. Not only is it a beautiful, gentle, and hopeful song, we love a lady who ain't afraid to propose to her man!!!

8. "Buddy Song" (season 2)

A duet between Eugene and Lance (aka Zachary Levi and James Monroe Iglehart) about being best friends? YES PLEASE. If you like any of the songs from The Road to El Dorado, this totally embodies that vibe.

7. "Ready As I'll Ever Be" (season 1)

THIS SONG IS A JAM. This is how you do a call-to-arms with a quick villain solo!!!!

6. "Next Stop Anywhere" (season 2)

This song is the kind that would play over the starting credits of an iconic early 2000's rom com. It captures the "adventurous road trip" vibe that made season 2 so much fun and everybody (except Lance because of course) gets a lovely little solo. Also the lyrics have multiple meanings when you compare where the characters started the season to where they all end up, which is super cool.

5. "Set Yourself Free" (season 1)

An empowering song about freeing yourself from abuse and fear that manages to not be depressing? HELLO.

4. "Nothing Left to Lose" (season 3)

A Jeremy Jordan and Eden Espinosa duet. Need I say more????

3. "Waiting In The Wings" (season 2)

This song is the classic 'I Want' solo sung beautifully by Eden Espinosa. Even if you don't agree with the character's choices later in the season, the beauty and heartache of this song forces you to consider her point of view. If anyone ever wants to record themselves performing this song and send it to me, please do because it's so gorgeous.

2. "Crossing the Line" (season 3)

This song makes me want to lie on the floor. It's so beautifully sung, the lyrics are phenomenal, and it sounds like a combo of Heathers and Wicked in the best way. And Cassandra's last verse...Eden Espinosa DID. THAT.

1. "Everything I Ever Thought I Knew" (season 2)

How did Zachary Levi manage to act the everliving daylights out of a song even though the show is animated? Couldn't tell ya. This song is a masterpiece, y'all. While it's a tragedy it's the only Eugene/Flynn solo we get from the series, I am so glad this one delivered.