“Frozen 2” has a hit song. It’s called “Into the Unknown.” Idina Menzel sings it beautifully.
But you will likely only hear her version of the song if you stream the soundtrack or if you see “Frozen 2” in theaters. The radio stations are too busy playing the cover from Panic! at the Disco.
For the original film, Menzel’s “Let it Go” won over the hearts of millions of adults and children. You probably can’t sidestep hearing the words “let it go” without thinking of the song. Everyone knows her version.
Menzel’s version of the new song will likely be the one that sticks in our heads. Radio stations, playlist creators and audiences alike should respect the Broadway star’s work and ignore the secondary option.
Which begs the question: why even have these pop music covers?
For “Let it Go,” the pop version was performed by Demi Lovato. No disrespect to Lovato, but that is Menzel’s song and hers alone.
Fast forward to “Frozen 2” and “Into the Unknown.” It’s a great tune, though likely not as “stuck in your head” as “Let it Go.” The Panic! at the Disco version, however, is flat and clearly a radio play.
Interestingly, the Panic! version is performed by a group of men, even though the “Frozen” franchise has always put women at the forefront. In Menzel’s Elsa, “Frozen” presents a strong female character who does not need a man to get the job done.
Look, there’s no question that fans of “Frozen” will remember Menzel’s version. There’s a good chance that her version will play at birthday parties, award ceremonies and through most streaming services for the next few months.
Panic! and Lovato’s versions don’t hit the right notes, and only give an alternative option where one is not needed.
Menzel’s work deserves to stand alone.