Top 10 Underappreciated Songs By Former Disney Stars
#10: “He Said She Said” (2007) Ashley Tisdale
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You probably know her best as “High School Musical’s” Sharpay Evans, but in her first foray into the music industry, Tisdale left her iconic character far behind. Her second single, “He Said She Said” was criticized for some not-so-subtle innuendo - that you probably still missed as a kid. The song hits different now that we know exactly what she’s talking about. The music video was rated PG-15, but more shockingly, the actress ditched Sharpay’s signature pink. Tisdale was still touring with the “High School Musical” cast when the song was released. So she got to perform it as part of the show. However, Disney insisted that some of the lyrics were adapted to something more age-appropriate. So ‘kissing like that’ became ‘dancing like that.’
#9: “Push It to the Limit” (2006) Corbin Bleu
“Jump In!” - a Disney original movie about competitive jump rope - may not have had the cultural impact of “High School Musical.” But it was fun, and that title track was super catchy. It was used to cross-promote the movie and also featured on Corbin Bleu’s debut album “Another Side.” He described the song as “kind of R&B mixed with pop” and compared the style to Justin Timberlake and Usher. Whatever the influences, “Push It to the Limit” is a nostalgic piece of the noughties that will still get you dancing today. Bleu has since turned his hand to musical theater, but his short-lived solo career definitely had its moments.
#8: “Love You Like a Love Song” (2011) Selena Gomez & the Scene
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Selena Gomez first hit the charts back in 2009, with her band “The Scene.” They made three studio albums together before she went solo, all boasting some underrated gems. “We Own The Night” is Selena’s mom’s favorite. But “Love You Like a Love Song” has got to be the biggest earworm. Selena was ready to take her music in a new direction and this dance track was a great beginning. Back in the day, we all wondered whether it was about her then-boyfriend Justin Bieber. But Gomez doesn’t actually have a writing credit on this one. However, she did eventually dish the dirt. “Forget Forever” is just as danceable and almost as underappreciated. And Selena has confirmed that it’s all about Bieber.
#7: “Replay” (2013) Zendaya
We all know that Zendaya can sing, but nowadays she’s primarily known as an actress. “Replay” was the lead single on her self-titled debut album. It charted in the Top 40 and was praised by music critics. But the song didn’t reach the heights you might expect from the superstar. Zendaya was almost seventeen when “Replay” was released and just starting out in her music career. Maybe this electro-R&B track was ahead of its time. Will another solo album ever be on the cards? Who knows. But since “Replay” has a chorus worthy of its name, at least we can get it playing on repeat.
#6: “Collapsed” (2005) Aly & AJ
Although they starred in their own Disney Channel Original Movie, sisters Aly & AJ are best known for their music. In 2017, they made a comeback with a whole new sound and their “Ten Years” EP has some serious eighties vibes. But their original stuff is pure 2000s. Forget the synths, it’s all about those electric guitars. “Potential Break-Up Song” is their most recognizable hit. But for those who grew up playing the “Bratz” video games, “Collapsed” is where it’s at. This underrated track from the duo’s debut album, “Into the Rush”, is so completely ‘of the time’ that it’s bound to bring back memories of the early-aughts. Even if they just involve “Bratz: Rock Angelz.”
#5: “Stranger” (2007) Hilary Duff
Now that the noughties icon is back on our screens in “How I Met Your Father,” maybe it’s time to revisit the underrated back catalog of Hilary Duff. She first showed off her vocal talents in “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” and her early solo hits weren’t too much of a departure. But by the time she released her fourth studio album, the Disney star was moving away from her girl-next-door image. Duff’s later songs are more mature and increasingly experimental. “Stranger” is a prime example. The lyrics tell the story of her own parents’ relationship and the music incorporates Arabic and Bhangra influences.
#4: “Nightingale” (2013) Demi Lovato
There’s no doubt that Demi Lovato has a great voice. But the singer has sometimes struggled to find their niche, in a market that wants its stars to fit a cookie-cutter mold. The lyrics of Demi’s songs often speak to the marginalized. That precedent was set early on with “La La Land,” which is about daring to be yourself in LA. They’re not afraid to tackle sensitive or personal subjects either. In “Father,” Demi talks to their dad, who passed away before they could resolve the issues between them. But perhaps Demi’s most touching track was written for a friend who took his own life. “Nightingale” is criminally underrated, not just for its message, but for its simple, uplifting melody and heartfelt vocals.
#3: “7 Things” (2008) Miley Cyrus
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After “Hannah Montana,” but before “Wrecking Ball,” Miley Cyrus was just starting to find her feet in the pop scene. She’d graduated from the House of Mouse and her roots were in the Country music world. In those early hits, you can hear all those influences at play, as well as a hint of things to come. “7 Things” may not be Miley’s most sophisticated bit of songwriting, but it’s got all the ingredients of a feel-good summer tune. She penned the love-hate lyrics while busing around on the “Best of Both Worlds” tour. And the boy in the song? It’s probably Nick Jonas, although Miley never confirmed the rumors.
#2: “That’s Just the Way We Roll” (2007) The Jonas Brothers
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The Jonas Brothers have had a welcome revival in the last few years and their new stuff is definitely worthy of a comeback. But let’s not forget the classics. Even in their early Disney days, they had some properly underrated tunes. Their self-titled second album included some big hits. But we reckon “Hold On” deserves more love. And who could forget “That’s Just the Way We Roll?” Well, apparently quite a few since it’s on an underappreciated list, but the song did get a TV spot. The brothers performed with Miss Piggy from “The Muppets” on “Studio DC” in 2008. Piggy decided that it was time to introduce a ‘Jonas sister’ and the boys incorporated her into the band. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Say OK” (2006), Vanessa Hudgens Zac Efron Stars in the Video For This Mid-Tempo Ballad “This Is My Time” (2004), Raven-Symoné Raven’s Big Song From “The Princess Diaries” Sequel “Burn So Bright” (2018), Bella Thorne The “Shake It Up” Star Recorded This For a Movie Soundtrack “Like Woah” (2007), Aly & AJ One of the Sisters’ Catchiest Tracks “Who’s That Girl?” (2004), Hilary Duff An Angsty Ballad From the Former Lizzie McGuire
#1: “Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father)” (2005) Lindsay Lohan
Like the majority of teenage Disney stars, Lindsay Lohan tried her hand at a music career. She began with the usual bubblegum hits. “I Decide” featured on the soundtrack for “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” and it’s got a great hook. But Lindsay had her troubles and when she started writing her own songs they began to reflect the heartache in her real life. The actress’ father was sent to prison for drink-driving in 2005. This song was her brutally honest response. The critics called it cliche, but they praised Lohan’s conviction and also the music video - which she directed and starred in herself. The heartbreaking lament feels almost intrusive to watch, but it’s a testament to Lindsay’s talent.
