You know where the best kind of music comes from? Musicals. And do you know what the best kind of musicals are? The underrated ones. Here are seven relatively hidden gems you should definitely check out if you’re in the mood to expand your musical horizons.
Some of these are movies and some are Broadway musicals. These are in no particular order because there’s no way I could rank them. I totally get that a whole soundtrack can be a bit intimidating. Have no fear, I added my favorite song from each one to give you a starting point!
1. “Jersey Boys”
The movie “Jersey Boys” came out in 2014. It is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same title. The story follows Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on their journey to fame. John Lloyd Young, the actor who plays Frankie in the movie, also played him on Broadway, so the role was in good hands.
Favorite Song: “Walk Like A Man” by John Lloyd Young
Via @erichbergen on Instagram
2. “Mean Girls”
“Mean Girls” made its Broadway debut in spring of 2018. Needless to say, it is based on the iconic film of the same name. Everyone and their mother has seen the movie, but most people haven’t listened to the soundtrack. While I love the movie just as much as the next girl, the Broadway version might actually be better. It’s updated and the jokes are more timely. It’s just as funny, too. If you’re a fan of the movie, I highly recommend you take a listen.
Favorite Song: “Sexy” by Kate Rockwell
Via @meangirlsbway on Instagram
3. “Spring Awakening”
Who doesn’t love a classic coming-of-age story? Set in the turn of the century Germany, “Spring Awakening” follows the lives of teens discovering their sexualities. And as an added bonus, Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff star as star-crossed lovers, so you get to hear them before they were Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James! Just as a warning, there is definitely some sensitive content in this musical, so view at your own discretion.
Favorite Song: “The Bitch of Living” by Jonathan Groff, John Gallagher Jr., Skylar Astin, Jonathan B, Wright, Gideon Glick, and Brian Charles Johnson
Via @nbcrise on Instagram
4. “Rocketman”
Elton John. Need I say more? Okay, I’m super biased on this one because, in case you couldn’t guess, I love Elton John. But “Rocketman” brought something new to the table. Taron Egerton, who plays the lead role, does all the vocals himself. His voice just adds something a little more that makes the music even more special.
Favorite Song: “Honky Cat” by Taron Egerton and Richard Madden
Via @rocketmanmovie on Instagram
5. “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
If I’m being totally honest, I wasn’t all that thrilled when they announced there would be a second “Mamma Mia” because I didn’t know where else they could go with the plot. Thankfully, I was super surprised at how well the sequel holds up! Obviously, the first one is still fantastic, but we can’t discount its sequel. I mean, the final scene alone is enough to make it iconic.
Favorite Song: “Why Did It Have To Be Me?” by Josh Dylan, Lily James, and Hugh Skinner
Via @mammamiamovie on Instagram
6. “High School Musical 3”
Unpopular opinion: “High School Musical 3” is the superior HSM film. And it clearly has the superior soundtrack, too. There isn’t a single bad song out of all 13 tracks on the whole album. End of discussion.
Favorite Song: “I Want It All” by High School Musical Cast, Ashley Tisdale, and Lucas Grabeel
Via @highschoolmusical on Instagram
7. “Hercules”
So many Disney movie soundtracks are phenomenal, but so many of them are super popular. People always seem to forget about “Hercules”. The movie is great on its own, but the soundtrack is what really makes it. The soundtrack is even a little educational because it teaches you about Greek mythology.
Favorite Song: “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” by Susan Egan
Via @disney on Instagram
So there you have it, collegiettes! Seven soundtracks you definitely should have on your radar.