Like most avid Hamilton fans, I could not wait for the release of the highly anticipated Hamilton Mixtape. Overall, I was impressed by the finished product and the loved most of the tracks but found several tracks that didn’t live up to my expectations.
1. No John Trumbull (Intro)- The Roots: A fantastic way to kick-off the album, The Roots paint an accurate picture of what life was like amongst the Founding Fathers.
2. My Shot (Rise Up Remix)- The Roots feat. Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz & Nate Ruess: When I heard Nate Ruess would be featured I was overjoyed however his vocals are very much just background noise.
3. Wrote My Way Out- Nas, Dave East, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Aloe Blacc: Aloe Blacc’s vocals mixed with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rapping….What could be better? Nothing.
4. Wait For It- Usher: Not one of my favorite covers however, if you’ve ever wondered what Broadway meets EDM would sound like
5. An Open Letter (Interlude)- Watsky feat. Shockwave: One minute and eight seconds of pure fun. 10/10 would recommend.
6. Satisfied- Sia feat. Miguel & Queen Latifah: Without a doubbt my favorite collaboration from the album.
7. Dear Theodosia- Regina Spektor feat. Ben Folds: poignant and beautiful, I found myself loving this version more than the original.
8. Valley Forge (Demo)- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Cut from the original production, Valley Forge is raw and beautiful in an unfinished sense.
9. It’s Quiet Uptown- Kelly Clarkson: One of my favorites from the original production, I had very high expectations for Kelly Clarkson’s version. I was ultiamtely dissapointed as Clarkson oversang arguably the saddest song on the album.
10. That Would Be Enough- Alicia Keyes: In case you forgot Alicia Keyes can sing, well here’s your reminder!
11. Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)- K’naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC, Residente: Pleasantly surprised by a group of artists I had never heard of before.
12. You’ll Be Back- Jimmy Fallon & The Roots: I laughed and then I was silenced as I realized Jimmy Fallon can reallly sing…
13. Helpless- Ashanti feat. Ja Rule: The early 2000s are back in the best way. Turn this track all the way up.
14. Take A Break (Interlude)- !llmind: You know when people on youtube think they can remix famous songs? That’s what this sounds like, just unneccessary and overwrought.
15. Say Yes To This-Jill Scott: Absolutely beautiful but in no way similar to the original, Say No To This.
16. Congratulations- Dessa: Subpar in comparison to Renee Elise Goldsberry but beautiful in general.
17. Burn- Andra Day: Stunning and heart-wrenching. If you’re looking to cry, look no further.
18. Stay Alive (Interlude)- J.PERIOD & Stro Elliot: Genuinely not sure why this thirty-three second piece was included on the album.
19. Cabinet Battle 3 (Demo)- Lin Manuel Miranda: Slower than the two Cabinet Battles included on the original album still filled with digs and Hamilton’s argumentative nature.
20. Washingtons By Your Side- Wiz Khalifa: The most surprising track for me, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this track.
21. History Has Its Eyes On You- John Legend: When John Legend announced he was taking a gospel approach to this song, I had my doubts but they were totally unnecessary. This version is legendary.
22. Who Tells Your Story- The Roots feat. Common & Ingrid Michaelson: Lacks the emotional depth of the original track but still a unique take on the song.
23. Dear Theodosia (Reprise)- Chance The Rapper & Francis and the Lights: Let’s just say there is a reason Chance The Rapper is nominated for seven Grammy Awards.