Ever since I was little, I always loved going to see musicals. They fit any sort of mood I’m in, whether happy and wanting to dance all around my room or sad when I need a good cry. Also, every time I listen to an album of a show that I’ve seen, it brings back the memories I have of seeing it live. Since Covid has shut down theaters, I can find comfort through the songs that play through my headphones. So here are my favorite musical albums to listen to.
1. Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical, although a very weird musical, was the first Broadway musical I saw. Some people I have talked to about this musical have given it negative critiques, but I actually think the music is really good. It features songs that range from heartfelt ballads to hilarious musical numbers. Plus Brian d’Arcy James and Sutton Foster’s voices are amazing on this album.
2. Waitress
Waitress tells the story of a woman named Jenna who dreams of owning her own pie shop, but is trapped in a bad marriage and finds out that she is pregnant. There are lots of upbeat numbers and powerful ballads, and they are all written by singer Sara Barellies.
3. Dogfight
This is a very underrated musical and totally worth listening to. This musical is about marine Eddie Birdlace and how he and his army buddies host a party called a dogfight where they each pitch in $50 and whoever brings the ugliest girl to the party wins all the money. Eddie takes this girl Rose who he soon realizes is really sweet and beautiful both inside and out. This album is perfect to listen to if you are interested in cool harmonies, songs that pull on your heartstrings, and beautiful guitar parts.
4. Hadestown
This musical is Greek mythology mixed with musical theatre. It tells the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. A great storyline but also great music. Beautiful love songs combined with New Orleans-style jazz.
5. Everybody’s Talking about Jamie
I went to see this musical with my friend when I was in London. Everybody’s Talking about Jamie is about a teenage boy named Jamie who dreams of becoming a drag queen. This album features a lot of upbeat numbers and ballads that allow you to follow the emotional journey Jamie and his family and friends goes through.
6. In The Heights
This musical tells the story of Usnavi and his friends in Washington Heights. This musical album is filled with upbeat songs with salsa rhythm. The vocals on this album are amazing and Lin-Manual Miranda’s lyrics are killer!
Hope you enjoy these recommendations!
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