Lesson of the Day: ‘How the “Encanto” Soundtrack Became a Smash’

4. Mike Elizondo, one of the album’s producers, recalls Miranda urging, “Let’s not try and water anything down” while making the music to the soundtrack. Do you think they succeeded? Have you ever felt that movies “watered down” a culture, tradition or style? Why does that matter?

5. The article ends with a tasty metaphor for the soundtrack’s success:

“They’re like potato chips: you can’t eat just one,” said Gary Trust, Billboard’s senior director of charts. “With ‘Encanto’ songs, you can’t just listen to one. You want to relive the whole story.”

Do you agree? If you haven’t already watched the film or listened to the album, does reading the article persuade you to give them a try? Where would you place the album in your own Top Ten list of movie soundtracks?

Going Further

Option 1: Yes, let’s talk about Bruno!

Want to find out more about the story behind the smash hit — even if the song exhorts you not to delve into the mysteries of Bruno?

Read “We’re Going to Talk About ‘Bruno,’ Yes, Yes, Yes,” to learn how the mysterious, outcast uncle was originally named Oscar, until Miranda pushed for Bruno, allowing for the catchy “Bruno, no, no, no” refrain. Or, to find out how Jamal Sims, the film’s choreographer, and his team created the “Bruno” dance moves for the animators to render digitally, incorporating elements of cumbia, the Colombian national dance that features African, Indigenous and European influences, along with salsa and rumba.

What did you learn about composing a hit song? Does it make you understand and appreciate the song more fully? What questions do you still have? If you could ask or tell the composer Miranda anything, what would it be?

Option 2: Write a music or movie review

Write a review of the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” the “Encanto” soundtrack or for the animated Disney movie itself.

Make sure to move beyond “2 thumbs up” or “Five Stars.” Assert an opinion about the work — whether positive or negative — and back it up with relevant and descriptive details from the work itself. The more specific you can be, the better. But also have fun writing your review. Bring readers into the experience with you by using sensory images.