The 2017 Mexican-American computer-animated musical fantasy film "Coco" is renowned not only for its vibrant visuals and heartfelt story but also for its rich and evocative musical landscape. The film's soundtrack, released by Walt Disney Records on November 19, 2017, is a comprehensive collection that features eight original songs, four alternate versions, and 26 score pieces. This musical compilation played a crucial role in bringing the film's themes
of family, memory, and the Day of the Dead to life, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
The Collaborative Genesis of Coco's Music
The creation of "Coco's" musical elements was a collaborative effort involving several talented individuals. Michael Giacchino, a celebrated composer, was confirmed to be scoring the music for the film on July 14, 2017, at the Disney D23 expo. His work provided the foundational orchestral soundscape that underpins the film's emotional journey. Alongside Giacchino, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, known for their songwriting prowess, contributed several original songs. Germaine Franco and co-director Adrian Molina also joined the team, further enriching the musical tapestry with their unique contributions.
Recording for the score commenced on August 14, 2017, marking a significant step in the production process. Germaine Franco, in particular, played a pivotal role, orchestrating the score and writing additional music. Her dedication extended to making numerous trips to Mexico to record local musicians, ensuring an authentic and culturally rich sound. Franco's contributions also included several original songs, such as the joyous "Un Poco Loco" and the heartfelt closing number, "Proud Corazón," which became iconic pieces within the film.
Evolution from Full Musical to Score-Driven Narrative
Interestingly, "Coco" was not originally conceived in its final musical form. Early plans for the film envisioned it as a "break-into-song" musical, a style where characters frequently burst into song to advance the narrative or express emotions. Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez initially wrote many more songs for the film than what ultimately made it into the released version. For instance, one song that remained in storyboard form until late in production was an expository piece designed to explain the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos to viewers at the beginning of the film. Another song featured Miguel's mother explaining the family tradition of shoemaking and how it precluded his pursuit of music.
However, following early test screenings, the decision was made to scrap the plans for a full musical film. This shift allowed the narrative to be driven more by the score and select, impactful songs, rather than a continuous musical format. This strategic change likely contributed to the film's ability to balance its emotional storytelling with its musical moments, making each song feel more significant and integrated into the plot.
Global Reach and Chart Success
The impact of "Coco's" soundtrack extended far beyond the film's initial release. The score itself was released in an impressive 17 languages, demonstrating the film's global appeal and the universal nature of its music. These languages included English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, Polish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian, Kazakh, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a wide international audience could connect with the film's musical elements.
The soundtrack also achieved commercial success, particularly after the film's recognition at major awards ceremonies. Following the 90th Academy Awards ceremony, where the song "Remember Me" won the award for Best Original Song, the album experienced a significant surge in popularity. It broke into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 charts, jumping from position 120 to 39. Although it later dropped to 64, this chart performance highlighted the renewed interest and appreciation for the film's music. In the week of March 8, the Miguel version of "Remember Me" alone garnered 1.58 million plays via online streaming, according to Nielsen Music, further solidifying its cultural impact and enduring appeal.
