Reflections on Shakira's "Zoo" from 'Zootopia 2' and Disney's Intentional Attempt to Go Viral - Atwood Magazine

      Disney enthusiasts have recently ventured back into the realm of ‘Zootopia,’ featuring fresh characters, a new message, and an original track by Shakira/Gazelle.

      Stream: “Zoo” – Shakira

      It has been nearly a decade since Disney fans were introduced to the unexpected pair of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. In the original animated film Zootopia, they worked to improve the world, breaking down stereotypes about naive bunnies and cunning foxes in the process. The endearing pop star Gazelle, voiced by the real-life pop icon Shakira, also made a memorable appearance.

      In Zootopia 2, Gazelle has returned with a new hit song titled “Zoo,” performed alongside her tiger backup dancers. The track mirrors Shakira’s earlier music style, distinctly influenced by Latin pop and emphasizing danceability.

      Zoo – Shakira from Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’

      “Come on, get on up,

      We’re wild and we can’t be tamed.

      And we’re turnin’ the floor into,

      A zoo, ooh, ooh.”

      – “Zoo,” Shakira

      The lyrics are catchy, though somewhat repetitive… and when compared to “Try Everything” from the original Zootopia, this new theme feels a bit lackluster and diluted. I fear that neither song will be remembered alongside classics like “Circle of Life” or “A Whole New World.”

      “I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in,

      ‘Til I reach the end, and then I’ll start again.

      No, I won’t leave, I wanna try everything,

      I wanna try even though I could fail.

      I’ll keep on making those new mistakes,

      I’ll keep on making them every day,

      Those new mistakes.”

      – “Try Everything,” Shakira

      There’s a lingering sense that songs created for today’s media tend to prioritize simplicity over creativity and depth, aimed at being easily digestible or, more accurately, trending on TikTok – a notion that Shakira’s dance for “Zoo” seems to reinforce.

      Others have criticized this trend, especially regarding the straightforward lyrics featured in Netflix’s reality show Love is Blind. The often absurd songs describe exactly what is occurring with the characters, and while they are entertaining for a show that focuses on conversing with a wall, the concern arises when this approach permeates other Netflix content and cinematic works in general.

      Zootopia 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

      Even writers for the streaming service have mentioned that a frequent request from executives is to “have… character[s] announce what they’re doing so that viewers who have this program on in the background can follow along” (via N+1 Magazine.)

      In an era of streaming movies at 1.25x speed and quirky TikTok dances, is this the type of music we can anticipate? Is this what we truly desire? Will this music actually lead to financial success and impact pop culture?

      Admittedly, the standard for music in Disney films is high. However, not all original soundtracks for major films fall into this category. The soundtrack for Fantastic Four: First Steps is quite impressive – kudos to Michael Giacchino.

      Shakira’s Gazelle in ‘Zootopia 2’ © Disney

      It would be remiss not to acknowledge this year’s top animated film, KPop Demon Hunters, as a striking and exciting example, particularly regarding its original soundtrack. The response has been extremely positive, with “Golden” earning a Critics’ Choice Award nomination. Yet, that wasn’t produced by Disney; it was from Netflix.

      As I queue up “Zoo” for my morning coffee run, I can’t help but wonder, is this song genuinely good? Or have I simply heard it on Instagram countless times?

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      Stream: “Zoo” – Shakira

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      © Disney

      Original Motion Picture Soundtrack