What did everybody think of it's use in the movie? Did you all think it fit? I did.
'Hercules' is my personal favourite of the Disney movies, I remember watching it all the time, and watching it back again, I think it's hilarious (especially Hades), and the songs are great (especially 'A Star is Born' and 'I Won't Say I'm in Love, which might be the best song in the movie)
It was an out-of-the-box idea, and I can see why the directors went with the idea since the film has anachronistic stand-ins that serve as comparisons to modern day popular culture. For example, Thebes is referred to as the "Big Olive" which is an allusion to New York City (nicknamed the "Big Apple"). Since the Muses sing about the gods, the contemporary version of that is gospel which sings and praises the actions of the Christian God.
While some may have preferred to use classical Greek music, the gospel music adds an extra feel of soul that makes the film much more distinctive. The women who voiced and sang the Muses are phenomenal. Howard Ashman would have had a blast with composing the songs since Little Shop of Horrors has doo-wop and early R&B music, The Little Mermaid uses calypso and reggae, and he wanted the Genie to be voiced by a black entertainer. So, while it doesn't work for everyone, I'm glad some appreciate it.
What we do in life, echoes in eternity.
I know I'm a bit late to reply, but I just re-watched Hercules on TV last night so I came here. I really like the gospel-like songs of the Muses, I think that style of music goes very well with this film. I agree to what Cristianos wrote above.
shareYeah, the gospel music was lively, it really made the movie fun. Sure, it wasn't authentic, but modern audiences wouldn't respond to what passed for music in those days.
What was authentic and interesting, was using the Gospel Muses as a fairly genuine Greek Chorus, something that's almost impossible to do in modern entertainment. The only other example I've seen is the trio girls in the "Little Shop of Horrors" musical, and in both movies the Chorus comments on the action and occasionally participates in it, just like the Choruses of ancient Greek drama. So thumbs up from me.