Sing for Us!

Of all Mamoru Hosoda’s films, BELLE’s probably the best known. I’m unsure if it’s my favourite, especially when The Wolf Children exists, but it’s his highest-profile thanks to a proper theatrical run and Oscar buzz. It didn’t win, but it’s deserving of discussion anyway. Specifically, its four songs, sung in English by Kylie McNeill. Let’s rank them, shall we?

(By the way, there’ll be minor spoilers.)

“Lend Me Your Voice”:

Arguably the weakest of the four songs, this is this movie’s answer to “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast, from which it draws inspiration. It’s unfortunate that the answer to what won Disney a Best Picture nomination is this film’s weakest entry, but that’s not to disparage it. Quite the contrary! If anything, it shows how powerful BELLE’s songs are, as Suzu wrote it so as to expose the beast’s vulnerability. It’s a ballad about opening “your voice” to unexpected sources.

The best part’s how Disney-esque it feels, right down to the orchestrations. Disney movies are notorious for ear-worm songs and orchestrations, and this is both. And while Japanese songs lack conventional rhyme structures, it’s no less poetic. I especially like how, while intended to get the beast to open up, it’s also, ironically, Suzu’s way of opening up since the passing of her mother. Because music can make you vulnerable when utilized efficiently.

The only flaw holding “Lend Me Your Voice” back from being higher is that it’s not immediately catchy like the other entries. Whether it’s that it feels more intimate, or that’s it’s tailored for a specific moment, I find I have to search for it when not watching the movie. I didn’t even remember its name until I looked it up! But it’s a nice song! And if it not being as memorable is its greatest drawback, then we only have to go up from here.

“A Million Miles Away”:

The big, climactic song, “A Million Miles Away” feels like Suzu longing for ages past. In truth, she’s connecting with two boys she’d accidentally outed. It’s the only song she sings as her authentic self, having requested that Justin, the leader of U’s police force, dissolve her Bell persona. It’s touching for many reasons, most-notably because Suzu’s singing for real now. She’s not hiding behind an avatar. That she’s able to sing, something she thought was impossible, become that much more powerful.

It's especially empowering for me, having struggled with speech issues because of my Tourette’s. I’ve had to overcome breathing problems when singing, as it requires intense concentration. Being able to sing without struggling is really challenging, and it makes me vulnerable in front of strangers. Seeing Suzu pull it off, and seemingly-flawlessly, gives me hope. Especially while saving two boys from their abusive father!

The song gets knocked down somewhat because of its sentimentality. For one, the crowd harmonizing with her, even if it works, is hokey. And two, Suzu regains her Bell persona after acquiring Justin’s sponsors, which feels like cheating. She even reacquaints herself with the humpback whale from an earlier song! But I can’t fault it too much. It’s a great piece to listen to, hearkening back to Suzu’s inability to connect with people after her mother died.

“Gales of Song”:

The song that launched Bell into U-superstardom, “Gales of Song” begins quietly and grows to a crescendo. Fitting, as it’s a metaphor for Suzu growing into her own skin. However, I’d argue that it goes further. The song Suzu first belts out in U is also a tragic story about her mother. Suzu never forgave herself for not being able to stop her mother’s selflessness, even if she didn’t understand at the time, and this is her beginning to grieve. The “gales” part, therefore, not only refers to Suzu’s mother, but also her inner-conflict.

I should mention Kylie McNeill’s singing voice. I mean no disrespect to her Japanese counterpart, but McNeill captures Suzu’s wallflower sincerity perfectly. This is a character who’s painfully-shy and insecure, having, as her father mentions, suffered quietly since her mother’s death. I’m unsure if it’s deliberate, but McNeill understands Suzu perfectly, and it shows in her vocals being soft and whispery while still having power. It’s beautiful.

It helps that this feels like an amateurish debut. “Gales of Song” doesn’t start with words, it starts with sounds. It only gains lyrics after a brief pause so Suzu can gauge her audience (or lack thereof). Once it gains momentum, especially as Suzu feels more confident, it leads to a powerful finale before dialling down into a soft whisper. I love it, given how honest it is. However, there’s one song I think tops it, which is…

“Millennium Parade”:

Arguably the most covered of BELLE’s songs, thanks to how upbeat and catchy it is, “Millennium Parade”, or “U”, introduces U as the opening narration explains everything. It’s interesting how the words don’t begin immediately, instead letting its tune captivate you. It’s sensory bliss, and only once you’ve gotten used to the marching of, well, a parade does Bell sing. It’s so catchy that I keep forgetting to be patient and tap my toes to the rhythm. That’s the sign of a banger.

But the song goes further, showcasing how Bell’s become somewhat of a phenomenon as she passes by atop a humpback whale with speakers attached. She pulls all the tricks, including using autotune and stereo-sound to give her melody layers. She also spreads her arms like wings and releases flowers, as if showing off. But she’s not. She’s engaging with the crowd, welcoming newcomers to U with a parade. A millennium parade!

This isn’t Suzu’s first song chronologically. That honour goes to “Gales of Song”, which comes a little later. It’s also not her most-intimate or emotional-those are reserved for “Lend Me Your Voice” and “A Million Miles Away” respectively. But it’s definitely Suzu’s most-upbeat and catchy song. It’s also my favourite, and a perfect introduction to BELLE. Give it a listen, because no words can do it justice. It’s that good!

And there you go: my ranking of BELLE’s songs. Remember to also watch this movie, as it’s excellent!