Lyricist Tim Rice, who was working with composer Alan Menken on songs for "Aladdin" (1992), was invited to write the songs, and accepted on the condition of finding a composing partner. As Menken was unavailable, the producers accepted Rice's suggestion of Elton John, after Rice's invitation of ABBA fell through due to Benny Andersson being busy with the musical "Kristina från Duvemåla". John expressed an interest in writing "ultra-pop songs that kids would like; then adults can go and see those movies and get just as much pleasure out of them", mentioning a possible influence of "The Jungle Book" (1967), where he felt the "music was so funny and appealed to kids and adults".