In 2016, Disney’s Moana followed Tangled and Frozen in the animation revolution of the 2010s, but the film charted its own path at the same time. Moana is a Pacific Islander who, like many other Disney leading ladies, is ready to step into uncharted waters. Unlike many of Disney’s female leads, she is solely focused on her mission and her resulting personal growth, not on securing a love interest.
Along with the compelling story, the music in Moana resonates with each viewer and listener. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i created the phenomenal numbers that fans continue to enjoy, and members of Foa’i’s critically acclaimed Contemporary Pacific Islander band, Te Vaka, are also involved. Which song from Moana is the best?
10 You’re Welcome
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voices Maui, Moana’s Pacific Islander demigod companion. The initial conversation between Moana and Maui is set by the demigod’s solo, “You’re Welcome.”
The song is sassy and creative, but it’s not the most exciting one in the movie. Moana’s songs drive the plot’s action more than this one does.
9 Shiny
“Shiny” is the perfect song for a bedazzled crab like Tamatoa (voiced by Jemaine Clement). He starts off sounding like an evil crab and even attempts to eat Moana, but Maui tries to step in.
Tamatoa is one of those villains that can be distracted by his own sparkle. The glittery character makes for a unique musical moment, but there are still other songs ahead of this one.
8 We Know The Way
Opetaia Foa’i and Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote “We Know the Way,” which has English, Samoan, and Tokelauan portions. Foa’i told The Spinoff, “‘We Know The Way’ was the first song I wrote, in December 2013. They brought me over there and got me so inspired, saying it was about voyaging and I was just [like] ‘Yes!'”
While it’s nice to see a blend of languages, it’s also wonderful to see songs in the film that are left without English lyrics. Opetaia Foa’i specifically wanted to promote his culture and center Pacific elements.
7 Tuluo Tagaloa
Writer Opetaia Foa’i’s daughter, Olivia Foa’i, sings this Samoan song that opens the movie.
It perfectly sets the tone for Moana’s higher purpose with (translated) lyrics like, “Respectfully calling/The God of the Sea/So you can see/Our world…So you understand/How beautiful and good/So you can see/Our wonderful way of life.”
6 Logo Te Pate
“Logo Te Pate” is one of the liveliest songs in Moana’s journey. It is sung in Tokelauan, and writer Opetaia Foa’i’s translation reveals the energy behind every drumbeat with a call to “Listen and stand up/Listen to the log drum.”
The scene unfolds with Moana and Maui learning to work together. It’s delightful to see Maui shapeshift and play around with Heihei the chicken.
5 Where You Are
“Make way, make way!” This song has a great sense of heart and home, presenting Moana’s desire to go beyond the reef while her father urges her to stay on the island.
“Where You Are” also introduces the brave spark within Moana’s grandmother, who encourages the young woman to listen to her inner voice.
4 How Far I’ll Go
The brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda, “How Far I’ll Go” is certainly one of Moana’s most popular songs. There is a reason for that. The boundary-defying lyrics are a cry of empowerment and bravery. Moana lyrically and physically steps past “the edge of the water.”
Beyond the context of the movie, this is a piece that can strengthen anyone who is overcoming fears and rising to new heights.
3 Know Who You Are
“Know Who You Are” is the foundation for the powerful scene in which Moana restores Te Fiti. Watching fire and ruin turn into lush green life is unforgettable, and Moana’s voice cuts through the parted sea.
“I have crossed the horizon to find you…This is not who you are. You know who you are.” Those poignant lyrics and the gentle flow of Moana’s (Auli’i Cravalho) voice make this song one of the finest.
2 An Innocent Warrior
This song cascading around baby Moana is so beautiful and pure. On his website, writer Opetaia Foa’i classifies his song as a mix of Tuvaluan, Tokelauan, and Samoan.
Translated to English, the lyrics mean: “Your eyes so full of wonder/Your heart an innocent warrior/There’s a task for you/Our dearest one. Let it flow over you/This freedom you feel/And your deep thoughts/Our young girl. You’ll come to understand/There’s not much time left/To save the future/Of all our islands.”
1 I Am Moana (Song Of The Ancestors)
Taking pieces of “Where You Are” and “How Far I’ll Go,” “I Am Moana” reunites the title character with the spirit of her grandmother. Moana is then able to take stock of all she has already accomplished.
She knows who she is, and she’s ready to finish what she started. Because it so exquisitely incorporates moments from earlier in the movie and blends them with soul-stirring musical cues, “I Am Moana” is the winner.
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