Neal Justin: Taylor Swift's 'I Knew It, I Knew You' is one of the greatest Pixar songs of all time
Published in Entertainment News
Taylor Swift is poised to add a shiny new toy to her collection. “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which plays over the closing credits of the recently released “Toy Story 5,” is the superstar’s 15th No. 1 single and the early front-runner to win an Academy Award.
It would become the fourth tune from a Pixar film to take home an Oscar. But some of the most memorable original songs from the company’s 30 titles have never gotten the attention they deserve. Here’s a rundown, in ascending order, of the best ear candy from these animated gems.
“Remember Me” from “Coco” (2017): written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, performed by various characters. This Oscar-winning tune’s greatest attribute is its versatility. The simplistic melody and words make it easy to convert into a mariachi number, a lullaby or a pop song without losing its wistful message. Even the version belted out by Benjamin Bratt of “Law & Order” fame delivers the goods.
“Carried Me With You” from “Onward” (2020): written by Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth, performed by Carlile. The COVID-19 pandemic damaged this movie’s chances at the box office, but this uplifting anthem is destined to endure. Like so many Pixar songs, it’s all about unbreakable friendships, but the lyrics are just a little bit smarter and more spirited than more familiar fare like “We Belong Together” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
“Born To Play” from “Soul” (2020): written and performed by Jon Batiste. The versatile musician recruited key members of his “Late Show” house band for yet another one of his odes to joy. The piano-driven jam session comes across like a late-night treat you only get around closing time at an underground jazz club.
“Our Town” from “Cars” (2006): written by Randy Newman, performed by James Taylor. This heartbreaker about the economic struggles in rural America may have been penned by Newman, but it has a lot in common with Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” and Taylor’s own “Her Town Too.” The ballad is one of Pixar’s most downbeat songs, which may be why it gets overlooked.
“Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” (2008): written by Thomas Newman and Peter Gabriel, performed by Gabriel. The former Genesis singer returned to his role as environmentalist, urging listeners to spend less time reaching for the stars and more time taking care of our planet. The message really hits home when the Soweto Gospel Choir joins in.
“Real Gone” from “Cars” (2006): written by Sheryl Crow and John Shanks, performed by Crow. This unabashed tribute to the South is as stubborn and sprightly as a Tom Petty rocker with Crow wailing away on guitar and vocals. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your next workout.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” from “Toy Story 5″ (2026): written and performed by Taylor Swift. The biggest superstar in the world returns to her ingenue days with this country-flavored, playful hoot that’s bound to put a big, broad grin on your face. If Swifties needed proof that their idol has finally found true love, this is it.
“Learn Me Right” from “Brave” (2012): written by Mumford & Sons, performed by Birdy and Mumford & Sons. Here’s another great pick-me-up for the next time you’re flailing on the treadmill. The Celtic-rock touches perfectly match the movie’s Scottish setting and main character’s pluck. Mumford & Sons loved the tune so much they rewrote it under the title “Not With Haste.”
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story” (1995): written and performed by Randy Newman. This bouncy number failed to win an Oscar, but it’s easily the most celebrated of all Pixar songs — and with good reason. Newman resists the urge to slip in his trademark cynicism, gracing us with feel-good anthem of friendship as durable as “Stand By Me” and “I’ll Be There.”
“When She Loved Me” from “Toy Story 2″ (1999): written by Randy Newman, performed by Sarah McLachlan. If this list was dedicated to the greatest tearjerkers of all time, it might also come out on top. Anyone who doesn’t choke up when they hear McLachlan yearn for affection is a potato head.
©2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC












Comments