8 Musical Soundtracks Even Theater Haters Will Find Themselves Humming At Random Times During The Day
Start writing a post
Entertainment

8 Musical Soundtracks Even Theater Haters Will Find Themselves Humming At Random Times During The Day

I promise there is more to musicals than jazz hands!

67
8 Musical Soundtracks Even Theater Haters Will Find Themselves Humming At Random Times During The Day
Sami Newland

Not everyone is into musicals, I get that. And sometimes I can see why; many are overacted with a plethora of jazz hands (even though I still love it). But, that is not a reason to discredit all theater-born music. Many give it a bad rap without realizing how expansive the genre is. Sure, some musicals can be vaudeville-esque, but others can be folksy or funny or even hip-hop heavy. Here are a few examples of musical soundtracks that break away from the traditional chorus line ensemble and will probably find a permanent home on your Spotify:

1. "Once."

"Once" is based on the 2007 movie of the same name. The storyline follows the struggling Dublin-based musician Guy, ready to give up on the dream — until he meets Girl. The songs are powerful and passionate, as the cast also serves as the orchestra, playing the entire folksy score onstage while simultaneously acting. This creates an intimate and unique experience at every live performance. And, whether or not you ever choose to see "Once" live, you know the soundtrack is solid, as "Falling Slowly," written for the movie and reprised in the musical, won Best Original Song at the 80th Academy Awards.


2. "The Book of Mormon."

One, it’s hilarious. Written by the creators of “South Park,” I guarantee you will crack up within the first song, regardless of whether or not you’re into the whole singing instead of speaking thing. Two, the adorably dimwitted Elder Cunningham is played by none other than Josh Gad, AKA Olaf from “Frozen”!!!


3. "Across the Universe."

This is the perfect introduction to musicals for the non-theater frequenter, as you most likely already know all the songs. Composed completely of Beatles songs, the movie musical follows the love story of pre-"Westworld" Evan Rachel Wood and British dreamboat Jim Sturgess in the midst of the Vietnam War. Psychedelic, political and filled with nods to the greatest band of all time, "Across the Universe" has something for everyone.

4. "The Wiz."

It's Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. TBH, nothing else needs to be said.

5. "Rent."

I guarantee you've heard "Seasons of Love" before, and I also guarantee you loved it. The musical tackles the AIDS and HIV epidemic in a Bohemian neighborhood of New York City. Plus, anyone can have the Broadway experience, as the 2005 film of the same name consists of almost the entire original stage cast. And it's amazing.

6. "The Lion King."

One of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, "The Lion King" is an easy way to begin embracing the world of musical theater. Plus, Elton John wrote all the music, so you know it's the jam.

7. "Hamilton."

I know, I know, every person on the planet has told you how sick "Hamilton" is, BUT IT'S BECAUSE IT IS! Lin Manuel Miranda somehow perfectly molded the world of hip-hop and history to make a musical. Plus, hip-hop fans may notice Eminem and Biggie easter eggs brilliantly scattered throughout the soundtrack. Last year I drove almost 900 miles each way just to see this show. If I can do that, you can look it up on Spotify.

8. "Motown."

"Motown" follows the real-life rise of music mogul Berry Gordy and the music acts he helped project into stardom. The soundtrack includes hits from The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. It's super dancey and every single track will get stuck in your head — but in a good way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

7913
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

940619
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

116802
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments