A while back, Aaron Wallace asked for music to listen to while at Disney World on Twitter. By that, he wanted songs that would match perfectly to a ride experience to change it up. I gave a recommendation or two and thought it was a great idea. Just keep your earbuds in and have a brand new soundtrack to the attraction? Brilliant!
Today, I begin a series of On-Ride Playlists, here to add a new layer to beloved attractions. This week, we’ll be staying strictly n the realm of R&B and Hip-Hop music…let the playlist begin!
- “Formation” by: Beyonce – Tower of Terror – The song begins with a horn-type sound, giving off an uncomfortable vibe. This unusual opening leads to a breathy first verse and into a trap chorus. The song helps set the mood for the creepy elevator ride you are about to take and flows in the same way the attraction does. Okay riders, now let’s get in formation. (WARNING: EXPLICIT!)
- “Super Bass” by: Nicki Minaj – Astro Orbiter – Have you ever heard a song that screams for wind in your face? For example: When I listen to “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry, I feel obligated to be riding in a convertible with the top down. (Is that weird? I don’t care.) “Super Bass” has the same effect for me. A very peppy beat with a infectious chorus screams for constant motion. Astro Orbiter is the best choice because this song paired with the circus or Agrabah feels off. (WARNING: EXPLICIT!)
- “Think Like A Man” by: Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross – Peter Pan’s Flight –I recently discovered this four-year-old song and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Jennifer Hudson is a god among us. The song’s belt-tastic chorus would pair nicely well with the fun turns of the ride, while the 1-2-1-2 piano in the background will match to the flow of the rest. However, Jennifer Hudson would pair with anything, so…
- “Work” by: Rihanna ft. Drake – Test Track – Now, if we were trying to pick a song to pair with the first incarnation of Test Track, this would not be the song. However, we are looking at the current Tron-esque version (which I sort of hate, but that’s another story for another day). While Daft Punk would match perfectly, this is an unexpected choice. The song’s ethereal background notes helps add to the very sterile and electronic attraction. The song is based around these two higher-pitched bell-like half notes played in succession. The verses from Rihanna and Drake also add to the floaty quality of the ride, but the chorus brings the fun for this thrill ride. (WARNING: EXPLICIT!)
- “23” by: Mike Will Made-It ft. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J – Rockin’ Roller Coaster – This is your reminder that Juicy J has an Oscar. Now that that’s out of the way, I am obsessed with this song. I am “Mr. Show Tune” and yet this song puts me in the best mood. I used to jam out to it on the way to my high school’s football games my senior year, so I always associate it with happy times. Rockin’ Roller Coaster is home to blacklight and an L.A. motif, and this is what this song is. The song you’d hear in the L.A. club with blacklights and strobes shining. This song is the perfect match. (WARNING: EXPLICIT!)
- “212” by: Azealia Banks ft. Lazy Jay – Primeval Whirl – This song has a constant beat that yearns for fast-paced, jerky movements. This song plays, and you all of a sudden must start bobbing your head and shaking your hips. With this in mind, the spinning from Primeval Whirl should add a fun element, allowing you to “dance to the beat” while seated and strapped in. I’ve been obsessed with this song ever since The Bling Ring came out in theaters, so I am excited to try it out on this attraction! (WARNING: EXPLICIT!)
That’s my list for Hip-Hop and R&B songs. I’m sorry for the abundance of explicit songs, but I thought they paired nicely. I promise it won’t be so inappropriate next time. Let me know what genre you’d like to see next, along with if you rode the rides with any of these tracks.