ZAYN & Zhavia Ward, A Whole New World (End Title) | Track Review

While ZAYN and Zhavia Ward sing well on the new take of “A Whole New World (End Title),” the Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle version remains the one to beat.  

The soundtrack for Disney’s original, animated version of Aladdin (1992) is among the crème de la crème of Disney soundtracks IMO.  Just examine the children’s classics – “Friend Like Me”,  “Prince Ali”, and the crowning achievement, “A Whole New World” (performed by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane). “A Whole New World” is the centerpiece of the soundtrack, featuring both the film version as well as a fabulous end title performed by R&B standouts Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.  In the live action film, Disney turns to ZAYN and Zhavia Ward to remake the Grammy-winning pop performance.  Do they recapture the magic? Um…

Covering an iconic Disney classic isn’t easy, mainly because it will always be compared to the original. From the start, “A Whole New World” in the hands of ZAYN has a different feel, which is off-putting for die-hard fans of the original, adult contemporary pop/R&B styled version. But, you can’t stay in 1992, so, it is neat that there are some Arabic cues, giving it more of a Middle Eastern vibe.  Vocally, the pop star delivers a well-rounded, soulful performance.  The same can be said of Zhavia Ward, who picks up the intensity as she goes along.  When both performers join forces singing in harmony, the results are successful enough. But… this updated take just doesn’t reach the same heights, no matter how many runs either singer serves up, or even adding some 808s.

Final Thoughts

Likely, age plays a factor in how you evaluate the ZAYN/Zhavia Ward take on a “A Whole New World.” Personally, as fan of the Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle take, this one underwhelms. Both vocalists sing fine, and it’s understandable that some updated production was necessary so that the record didn’t sound anachronistic, but it falls shy of the glory of the original IMO.  Those lest invested in the original should be more enthused.

Various Artists • Aladdin (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Walt Disney • Release: 5.22.19

Photo Credit: Walt Disney