The Songs of Frozen!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving! Today we are looking into the culture shifting music of the Disney “Frozen” films! I was also lucky enough to ask the songwriters; Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, a couple of questions!

Few animated films in recent memory have left a musical imprint as deep as “Frozen” (2013) and its sequel “Frozen II” (2019). The songs at the heart of these films didn’t just propel the story; they defined a generation of Disney music. From the soaring anthem “Let It Go” to the introspective “Into the Unknown,” these melodies captured both the emotional core of the characters and the audience’s imagination. The creative duo behind this achievement, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, blended Broadway storytelling with the emotional immediacy of pop, crafting songs that felt both timeless and contemporary.

The backstory of Frozen’s music began with a challenge: how to musically express Elsa’s journey from fear to freedom. “Let It Go” was written in a single day, inspired by the idea that Elsa’s power was not something to be feared but embraced. The song reshaped the entire film; forcing the creative team to rewrite Elsa as a more complex and sympathetic character. The Lopezes’ ability to fuse character psychology with lyrical precision gave “Frozen” its soul. In the sequel, they expanded this emotional landscape with songs like “Show Yourself” and “Into the Unknown,” which explored identity, destiny, and self-acceptance with an even more mature sensibility.

The reception was nothing short of phenomenal. “Let It Go” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a cultural touchstone, covered, parodied, and performed on stages worldwide. Its success elevated “Frozen” beyond animation; it became a musical and social phenomenon. The sequel’s music continued this tradition of depth and ambition, with “Into the Unknown” earning another Oscar nomination and showcasing the Lopezes’ continued evolution as storytellers. Critics praised the way both films used music not as ornamentation, but as emotional architecture; songs that move the story forward rather than pause it.

Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s work on “Frozen” cemented them as among the most influential songwriting duos in modern cinema. Together, they brought a sincerity and sophistication that bridged classic Disney sentimentality with contemporary resonance. Their songs have been translated into dozens of languages, performed in concert halls around the world, and embraced by audiences of all ages. Beyond the awards and commercial success, the legacy of Frozen’s music lies in its emotional truth; songs that teach courage, empathy, and the beauty of self-expression.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: Which of the songs that you’ve written for “Frozen” is your favorite?

Robert: “The Next Right Thing” (for Frozen 2).

Kristen: I think it’s “Lost in the Woods” because I was able to channel my love of the 80’s ballads.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Robert: To apply for the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop- it’s where I met Kristen!

Kristen: To stay in my own lane. You can’t focus on your own talents if you are too busy worrying about everyone around you.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo