Many people overlook the talent, fun and emotion in Broadway musical soundtracks. However, there are many gems that lurk through this music genre, and trust me, you don’t have to have seen the show to enjoy them. Here are some tracks that never fail to blow me away, and if you’re smart, you’ll give them a listen.
(image from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heathers-the-musical-world-premiere-cast-recording/887521244)
My personal top songs from Heathers the Musical are Meant to be Yours, Candy Store, and Seventeen. The soundtrack as a whole is a trip to listen through, with songs that make you laugh, feel, and laugh some more. Meant to be Yours is a combination of beautiful and intense, showing the complexity of the character JD, and is truly an adventure from start to finish. Candy Store is a power female number that is fun and upbeat, which contrasts with Seventeen. Seventeen is more on the emotional side, and it is truly beautiful to listen to at any mood you may be in.
(image from: https://www.amazon.com/Mean-Girls-Original-Broadway-Recording/dp/B07CCB1X13)
Mean Girls has something massive in common with the Heathers soundtrack: Barrett Wilbert Weed. She is a powerhouse of a belter, and her vocals overall are incredible. Apex Predator and I’d Rather Be Me are chilling and fun songs to sing and dance along to.
(image from: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Hansen-Original-Broadway-Recording/dp/B01N5AU6MD)
The entirety of the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack is a mix of beautiful vocals, (Ben Platt’s voice is INSANE), heartbreaking lyrics, and fun upbeat tunes. Personally, I can put all the songs on shuffle and listen to them all day. Each song brings out a certain mood, Sincerely Me provides a funny song that you want to sing and dance along to, where You Will Be Found and Waving Through a Window are emotional and empowering.
(image from: https://www.songonlyrics.net/soundtracks/memphisanewmusical2010-shes-my-sister-lyrics.html)
As someone who knows practically nothing about the actual show Memphis, I will always love the track Steal Your Rock and Roll. It always wants to make me scream the lyrics on the top of my lungs, and puts me in a fantastic mood. While I have never listened to the rest of the soundtrack, this song definitely deserves a listen.
(image from: https://www.amazon.com/Waitress-Original-Broadway-Cast-Recording/dp/B01F2TNCYE)
If you are a fan of Sara Bareilles, you will fall in love with at least one track from the Waitress soundtrack. She Used to be Mine has been a favorite of mine for years, and always hit me extremely hard emotionally. I wasn’t aware of the weight the song carried until recently when I saw the show and sobbed through the entirety of the song. Another song that I fell in love with upon seeing the show was The Negative. The harmonies are so pleasing to the ear, and the lyrics are funny.
(image from: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fun-home-a-new-broadway-musical/990340829)
Fun Home has a soundtrack that is truly fun! A personal favorite of mine is Ring of Keys. It is a beautiful tone that encoppases youth, curiosity and sexuality all in one beautiful and funny tune. Additionally, Come to the Fun Home is an extremely upbeat opener that will be a fantastic way to boost your mood on any day (the lyrics maybe a little morbid but hey! It’s got a fun tone!). Changing My Major is a hilarious love song where the main character professes her love to Joan after having spent a night with her. The lyrics will make you laugh, and the beauty of the song will keep you wanting more.