From the moment I first heard/saw it on the Laserdisk release, I’ve always loved this early version of Can You Feel the Love Tonight. It’s just Simba and Nala singing to each other, though not actually singing to each other. It’s quiet and intimate and there’s something raw-er and more emotional present here than in the “heavenly choir” version used in the film. And also something more… profound? That might not be quite the right word for it, but there’s a greater sense of two lions becoming aware of their attraction while also dealing with what they’re carrying from their past. It feels much more authentic and real than the polished and grand production number used in film. The simpler orchestration here also really works for me.
All in all, an absolutely lovely version and definitively my favourite version of the song!
Lynx Thoughts 