Billboard-Climbing ‘Pocahontas’ Album Just One Of Film’s Audio Products

Think you can escape the “Pocahontas” hoopla by closing your eyes?

Forget it.

Just as “Pocahontas” is more than a visual experience, the Disney promotional program includes more than just products for the eyes.

A month before the release of the movie, Disney began marketing a line of “Pocahontas” audio products, including a sing-along cassette with lyric book; a playalong tape with pop-up play set and plastic “Pocahontas” figures; and a read-along tape with 24-page book.

The centerpiece of the audio line is the eight-song “Pocahontas” soundtrack, composed by Disney veteran Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, the latter of whom is best-known for writing the music and lyrics for “Godspell.”

The album has been in the Billboard pop album chart since its release and this week is No. 3.

Menken, with the late Howard Ashman, won six Academy Awards for his contributions to the music of “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.” This is his first Disney film without Ashman.

For “Pocahontas,” Menken has created a range of catchy songs, from the lively “The Virginia Company,” performed by Mel Gibson, the voice of John Smith, to the dreamy “Just Around the Riverbend,” sung by Broadway star Judy Kuhn, Pocahontas’ singing voice.

The album also includes a few tracks that incorporate American Indian rhythms, instruments and chants with Schwartz’s earnest lyrics. “Steady as the Beating Drum” begins with the words of an authentic Northern Algonquin chant.

But “Pocahontas” probably will be remembered not for its use of American Indian rhythms but for one standout ballad: “Colors of the Wind.” The song is clearly Disney’s designated hit and is included twice on the soundtrack - sung once by Kuhn and once by pop star Vanessa Williams.

Two other pop singers - John Secada and Shanice - also are included on the soundtrack, singing on the duet “If I Never Knew You” that plays during the closing credits.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Janet Weeks/Los Angeles Daily News