10 Of My Favorite Song's From Musicals

 

 Wicked the film adaptation based on the Broadway musical has been dominating the box office since it's debut the week of Thanksgiving. It has made almost $400 million worldwide in just a few short weeks. Sitting at a 2 hour and 40 minute runtime, I plan to see the movie when it releases for home viewing (I'm always good for a nap in movie theaters these days by the way). The popularity of the film got my brain running about song's from my favorite movie musicals. 

Just to clarify, I classify a musical as a film where the music advances the narrative not just a movie with performances in it. With that here are 10 of my favorite songs from musicals. 

10. Grease-You're The One That I want

The finale of the 1978 classic film Grease. The song is a reflection of the 1950's era that the film (and play) is set in. It's an infectious pop and rock and roll beat that will make you tap your toes soon as you hear it. The carnival scene help's sell the song and the vibe that everyone is just having a good time. As a single it has sold 4 million copies and it is still played in many films and commercials. Quite frankly it is a classic.

9. Little Mermaid-Under The Sea

Disney produce's some of the catchiest and timeless movies in the history of filmmaking. The Little Mermaid is no exception, and I love me some Under The Sea. Especially when my daughter who love's Disney Princesses was in her everything Little Mermaid phase. I could not help but to sing the song over and over again. Inspired by sounds of the Caribbean including genres such as calypso and reggae Under The Sea even if your too cool for school will have you do a little dance. Honorable mention Kiss The Girl is another favorite from this film.

8. Hairspray-Welcome to The 60's

If you love Motown music and the sound's of the 60's a blend of doo-wop, soul and rock and roll, you will enjoy this song. The song is about counter-culture and woman empowerment, coming into their own in the 1960's hidden by a beat that one would think was produced by The Funk Brothers themselves (Motown's In-House band). This is another one if you don't at least tap a foot while listening to it, you may not be living right.

7.Dreamgirls-Patience

Patience performed by Eddie Murphy and Anika Noni Rose was an original creation for the 2006 adaptation of the play Dreamgirls. It became so popular that it was eventually incorporated into later renditions of the musical, and for good reason. Meant to evoke social protest song's of the 1970's, the song gives you every bit of feel's as Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder did during that time. Eddie Murphy get's to show off his singing chops with a mix of r&b and gospel infused in this song.

6. Lion King-Just Can't Wait To Be King

Ask any Millennial to sing their favorite song from The Lion King, the response is either going to be Hakuna Matata (which truthfully maybe how many of us learned how to navigate through life). Or my favorite I Just Can't Wait To Be King. Not sure if it's the horn's or the drums but when you hear it your bound to just start belting out how you want to be in charge one day. It's just an upbeat fun song that has stuck with me all these years later.

5. Newsies-King Of New York

1992's Newsies still to this day does not get the credit I believe it deserves. I enjoy just about every song in the film but The song King Of New York stands out to me. Maybe it's because everyone dream's of what they would do if they had infinite riches or were "king" for a day. Which makes this song so relatable and fun. The dancing in a restaurant which is kind of absurd when you think about it help's sell the song too.

4. Moana-You're Welcome

This song from 2016's Moana I must admit I just love this song. It's one part a history lesson in Polynesian mythology where the demigod Maui explains everything he has bought to the world. It's two part a damn good catchy Disney song. I enjoy the song so much, I actually was a bit disappointed when we took my daughter to a Disney on Ice show, and Moana was apart of the show and this song was not performed. I was ready to sing along like I was 6 years old.

3. Hairspray-You Can't Stop The Beat

The finale to Hairspray the song's theme is about how time changes and you have to move forward with the changes, no matter how hard one tries to change it. A powerful message about moving towards a progressive society wrapped up in a bubbly, over the top and crowd pleasing song. If you danced to Welcome To The 60's, then you will absolutely be out of breath dancing to this one.

2. Rent-Seasons Of Love

If there is such thing as a perfect song, I think this one personifies a perfect song. The piano keys hooks you in and touches your soul, then the cast have a united boombastic intro singing the chorus. There are several people walking this earth who only know how many minutes are in a full calendar year thanks to this song. The song is relatable to anyone listening in whatever maybe occurring in their life at the time. And then Traci Thomas's high note at the end just take's it home.

1. The Wiz-Brand New Day

This celebratory song in The Wiz is a damn good time. When I need a song to put me in a good mood I often turn to this, and when I need a song that gives me an uplifting message I also turn to this. The song's title A Brand New Day also known as Everybody Rejoice, can be interpreted so many way's. Since the film was a Motown film production, you hear hint's of that Motown sound in the beat. And legends like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson along with Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross, and background vocals by one Luther Vandross just make this song legendary.