AceShowbiz - "Moana 2" has emerged as a financial success, breaking the Thanksgiving box office record with $225 million over the five-day holiday frame. However, the film's music has not received unanimous acclaim.

Critics have argued that the new songs lack the catchy hooks and Disney magic of the original's Lin-Manuel Miranda-composed soundtrack. Some have even suggested that better songs were needed to elevate the sequel.

Abigail Barlow, one half of the songwriting team responsible for the "Moana 2" tunes, responds with humor, suggesting that the songs will soon be ubiquitous. "Give it a month, all the kids will be singing it, and you'll be tired of it," she humorously responded. Barlow and Bear, who comprise Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, are the youngest composers ever hired by Disney.

Bear chimed in, "I would say that everyone has an opinion." She added, "Writing a sequel is really difficult because obviously, you're never going to be able to recreate the feeling of the first one. And so, people like what they know, and this is new. So, of course, they're going to have opinions. And I don't know...music is subjective."

Despite the initial criticism, the filmmakers defend the music, emphasizing that the sequel required a new direction to match the evolution of the film's heroine, Moana. Barlow and Bear were tasked with crafting songs that reflected Moana's journey of self-discovery.

The duo received guidance from director Jason Hand, who praised their ability to capture Moana's continued evolution. They also had access to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who provided insights on lyric writing and musical storytelling.

The music in the sequel is described as distinct from the original, mirroring the new philosophy that Moana encounters. Moana faces new responsibilities, including being a big sister, and embarks on a quest to find a hidden island and break a curse.

Barlow and Bear highlighted the emotional stakes involved in Moana's journey, particularly her struggle to balance her desire to explore with her responsibilities. They also considered Auli'i Cravalho's vocal development since the first film.

Director Dana LeDoux Miller credits Barlow and Bear for capturing Moana's complex motivations and emotions. The music was a collaborative effort, with composers Mark Mancini and Opetaia Foa'i contributing their expertise.

Despite the mixed reaction to the music, director Hand remains confident in its quality and timeless appeal. He believes that the songs will grow on audiences over time and become integral to the film's legacy, just like the story of Moana herself.