This weekend, the documentary "Hamilton's America" will air on PBS. The story of Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash hit Broadway musical that has taken the world, and the year 2016 by storm. If you're obsessed with Hamilton, here are 11 Musical Soundtracks you should definitely check out, or add to your next Spotify Playlist.
1. In The Heights
The first big hit musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda before his "Hamilton" fame is definitely one to check out. With Latina influence that takes place in the Washington Heights district of New York, it is full of songs you can't help but get stuck in your head. Notable tracks include "In The Heights" and "96,000." You will definitely be jamming in your car, or on the treadmill all day long.
2. Waitress
Waitress, the new musical with music written by Sarah Bareilles, is definitely one of the sweetest and charming soundtracks of 2016. With songs like "She Used To Be Mine" and "I Love You Like A Table," your sure to get a few laughs, and smiles. Waitress is the story of a waitress at a diner in the Deep South who makes pies that seem to be life-changing for all who eat them, and is trying to change her life. Based on the movie by the same name, directed by the late Adrienne Shelly, the show is doing great on broadway. Check out this sweet soundtrack!
3.Matilda
Matilda, based on Roald Dahl's novel, became an instant hit when it hit the great white way in 2010, and still remains one of the most popular soundtracks for theater geeks everywhere. Songs include "When I Grow Up" and "Revolting Children" are definitely those that you will get stuck in your head. If you liked Matilda when you were a kid in the 90's, make sure to check out this soundtrack. It does not disappoint!
4. Newsies
Although Newsies actually had its final performance on Broadway in 2014, the musical and cast recording based on the 1992 movie by the same title remains a favorite. Songs on the soundtrack include "King Of New York" and "Seize The Day," both of which will have listening to this soundtrack on repeat all day.
5. School Of Rock
"School Of Rock," the Jack Black movie of the same title that we all know and love, was released as a musical on Broadway in 2015 and was written by "The Phantom Of The Opera's Andrew Lloyd Webber. It has been nothing but successful, with songs like "You're In The Band," this is definitely one of the most catchy soundtracks around right now.
6. Something Rotten!
A take on when the first musical was created back in Shakespearean days is something you can't help but giggle about when you listen to this awesome soundtrack. For those who are fans of "Monty Python," you will get an extra kick out of this album. Songs like "Welcome To The Renaissance" and hilarious titles like "God, I Hate Shakespeare," you can't help but laugh. The show is doing great on Broadway right now, so be sure to check out the album on Itunes.
7. Hairspray
After being very successful on Broadway, Hairspray became a movie we all know and love. Luckily, we will be able to catch the new version of this show, when NBC brings us "Hairspray Live!" on December 7th. Until then, it will be fun to go back and check out all of the songs we love, like "You Can't Stop The Beat" and "Welcome To The 60's." This album is sure to be one you can't stop listening to.
8. Wicked
Okay, I think we'd all be lying if we said we hadn't at least heard the song "Popular" or "Defying Gravity," at least once in our lives, or multiple times. "Wicked" continues to be one of the most popular soundtracks of all time. We know the story, and we know the songs. Now is the perfect time to revisit this awesome album!
9. Chicago
Most of us have probably seen something related to the movie Musical "Chicago" at one point or another. Songs like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango" are definitely ones that we can't get out of our heads once we get them stuck. Chicago remains to this day one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, trailing behind "The Phantom Of The Opera." Definitely be sure to revisit this album that has been popular all of these years!
10. Dogfight
Obscure things seem to be all the rage this year, so what's better than an obscure musical?! "Dogfight The Musical" is a show that was actually off-Broadway, but was one that took off amongst Musical Theater Performers and Geeks following its' premiere in 2012. If you are into Vietnam War history or the era that surrounded "Hairspray" this is definitely for you. Songs like "Before It's Over" have become anthems for graduating seniors, and vocal recitals all over the US. Check out this little-known gem and I guarantee you'll be hooked.
11. Shrek
Chances are if you were a kid in the early 90's, you loved and watched your favorite green ogre over and over again. Guess what? If you haven't heard already, they created a smash hit musical with the same story! Although the musical closed on Broadway in 2010, it was definitely a success, with the notable Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona. If you loved the movie, you will definitely love the musical. Songs such as "Freak Flag" and "I Know It's Today," make this soundtrack irresistible.
If you love Hamilton as much as the rest of the country, these musicals are hidden gems that you need to check out the next time your looking for new tunes for your rides to class, work, or working out at the gym. Next thing you know you're going to be the next big Broadway Star! In your car at least.
