It's hard to believe that
Matthew Wilder ("Break My Stride") wrote these zesty, delightful songs along with lyricist
David Zippel. Mulan is the best Disney soundtrack in recent memory, with melodies you can instantly sing along with and lyrics that are amusing and thought-provoking.
Donny Osmond may not ever qualify as a rocker, but he shows himself the perfect choice for the male vocal lead here, with his best effort since his brief turn in the spotlight as one of the numerous singers for Jeff Beck's "Ambitious" video a decade earlier.
Christina Aguilera may have gotten the nod for the pop version of "Reflection," but it's Lea Salonga's heartfelt but not overwrought version that is the cornerstone of the album. Jerry Goldsmith's score keeps things moving, and topping it off is "True to Your Heart" by 980 and
Stevie Wonder. ~ Ross Boissoneau