I’ll admit, I had never heard of 'Children Of Eden' before my high school choir director announced it as my freshman year musical. It never went to Broadway, and there weren’t any instantly recognizable breakout songs from the album. That’s not to say the album’s bad; on the contrary, this is a powerhouse full of catchy and emotional tunes you won’t get out of your head. Here are my picks for the best songs from 'Children Of Eden.'

10. The Pursuit of Excellence

The only ‘villain’ song in the show, this catchy number harkens back to the old days. It’s no surprise that Eve would’ve been enticed to eat the fruit if this is how she was convinced. (I may be a little biased because this was my song.)

9. In Whatever Time We Have

Although this piece may look like another sappy love song, “In Whatever Time We Have” is a heart-wrenching duet that shows just how much Japheth and Yonah are willing to sacrifice for each other.

8. In The Beginning

This number neatly ties up the stories of Act One and Two into one beautiful message about acceptance and forgiveness. There’s no way you’re making it through this number live without bawling your eyes out.

7. The Return of the Animals

6. Close to Home

It’s a simple song, but the childlike innocence combined with the pain that everyone is feeling serves as an emotional interlude in the most intense part of the show. Not to mention that Young Cain and Abel are absolutely adorable!

5. Stranger to the Rain

This powerful anthem from Yonah is one of my go-to songs when all seems lost. The powerful vocals and unfaltering determination in the face of doom creates a masterpiece for facing any challenge ahead of you.

4. Children of Eden

The title track to the show, this song closes out Act One and the Adam and Eve chapter of the story. It’s full of both regret and hope for the future, but most of all, it’s painfully human. It touches both the lost innocence of youth and the worry for those who come after us to finish on a high note.

3. A World Without You

Choices are some of the hardest things we face in life, and what choice could be harder than choosing to give the rest of your life to? Adam faces the choice between Father and Eve, and this song tears your heart in two as Adam is forced to make the hard decisions in life.

2. Lost in the Wilderness

A rock anthem for those waiting to spread their wings and fly, you can’t help but jam along as Cain airs his grievances and longs for the world beyond his sheltered childhood.

1. The Hardest Part of Love

This is one of those songs that just gets more touching the older you get. It doesn’t make much sense if you’re young, but anyone who has a child or younger sibling will be moved to tears every time they hear this and think of them growing up.