Best Original Song - 1989

"After All" from Chances Are sung by Peter Cetera and Cher

Movie Synopsis: A man is killed and reincarnated 20 years later and finds himself in love with his own daughter.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? N/A.
Is it important to the plot? Uh...
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid sung by Samuel E. Wright

Movie Synopsis: A mermaid trades her voice to a sea witch for legs so she may pursue a human prince.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, Sebastian sings it to set the mood so Eric can kiss Ariel.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid sung by Samuel E. Wright

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, Sebastian sings it to convince Ariel that life is better under the sea.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"I Love to See You Smile" from Parenthood sung by Chorus

Movie Synopsis: The Buckman family is a Midwestern family all dealing with their lives: estranged relatives, raising children, pressures of the job, and learning to be a good parent and spouse.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Uh...
Is it important to the plot? N/A.
Is it pleasing to the ear? D.

"The Girl That Used to Be Me" from Shirley Valentine sung by Patti Austin

Movie Synopsis: A middle aged Liverpool housewife goes on a trip to Greece with her best friend. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Character introduction.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B-.

So what won?

"Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid

What would I have voted for?
"Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid

Out of all the songs from The Little Mermaid, my favorite is "Part of Your World" and I think it's the one that should have been nominated over the other two. But I like this one over "Under the Sea" mostly cause I like love songs and this one is pretty damn romantic.

Analysis
And the domination of Disney begins...The songs from Shirley Valentine and Chances Are are exceptionally 80's, in different ways and likable enough. But why the fuck does Randy Newman keep getting nominated for writing the same damn song?