Musical theater has come into mainstream music recently, but we’ll try to limit our obsession with Hamilton. There are plenty of other songs to justify you listening to this seldom appreciated genre of music. In no particular order, here are ten amazing musical theater songs to introduce you to the genre!
1. “What You Own” – Rent
This song is edgy and has a distinct, “Take the society” rock and roll vibe.
2. “Defying Gravity” – Wicked
A classic. This song makes you want to stand up for what you believe in.
3. “Alexander Hamilton” – Hamilton
The integration of rap and hip-hop into musical theater was certainly unexpected, but more than welcome.
4. “Opening Up” – Waitress
This folksy sounding tune comes straight from singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles.
5. “One Day More” – Les Miserables
A classic musical and song. Extra points if you try to sing all of the parts at the same time.
6. “La Vie Boheme” – Rent
It’s another ensemble piece! I happily sang this before I knew what some of the one-liners truly meant (sorry Mom).
7. “Prologue” – Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
This song has bagpipes in it — bagpipes, everyone. Your toe will tap and you might have a sudden desire to overthrow the bourgeois.
8. “Once Upon a December” – Anastasia
This haunting ballad is from the recently adapted animated movie. I used to think that maybe I, too, was a lost princess and would dance around in my room.
9. “96,000” – In the Heights
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first major musical introduced him as a master wordsmith, as he honored his Latin heritage.
10. “Dead Girl Walking” – Heathers
This song is a true win for YOLO. Veronica owns the stage and is in complete control of everything she sees.
Give these songs a whirl and find out if you might be a secret musical theater junkie!