Hamilton: An American Musical is a work of art unlike anything we have ever seen on Broadway. It takes history and places it into a brand new context, one which differs greatly from the history you could find in a textbook. Released on September 21, 2015, Hamilton is a broadway breakthrough which both took our ears by storm and which took our hearts on an emotional ride. Nearly a year later, Hamilton still hooks new people onto it’s musical brilliance. These are the five songs which I believe will make you a fan of the musical if you haven’t listened to it already.
1. “Satisfied”
“If it takes fighting a war for us to meet, it will have been worth it” -Alexander Hamilton
Angelica Schuyler looks back on the time when she met Alexander Hamilton, and introduced him to her sister, Eliza. She also thinks about what could have been between her and Hamilton. Angelica really kills it in this one, and she sends us on an emotionally sad and moving ride.
2. “You’ll Be Back”
“I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love” -King George
In this number, King George sends the colonists a message, however it is placed in a satirical and hilarious light. Jonathan Groff plays the King’s role perfectly, in a creepy and hilarious fashion.
3. “What’d I Miss?”
“You haven’t met him yet, you haven’t had the chance” -Aaron Burr
Thomas Jefferson returns from his high lifestyle in Paris to a country fighting for its freedom, immediately becoming Secretary of State.
4. “Cabinet Battle #1”
“Madison you mad as a hatter so take your medicine” -Alexander Hamilton
The cabinet meeting transformed into an all-out rap battle between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. The issue on the table, Hamilton’s plan to create a national bank and have the government assume the debt from the Revolutionary War. Jefferson wants none of this. This song has a great beat to it, you may find yourself placing this one on replay for a while.
5. “Guns and Ships”
“Guns, and ships, and so the balance shifts” -Marquis de Lafayette
America’s favorite fighting Frenchman has returned, and is here to support the colonists in their fight to free themselves from Britain. Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by Daveed Diggs, hits the stage with a slew of lyrics which will send your mind flying. On top of this, the final bit by Christopher Jackson(George Washington) the end of the song will send a good chill down your spine. This is arguably the fastest-paced song in broadway, and Daveed Diggs is nothing short of a legend.
There’s no way I can rank each and every song justifiably because the musical as a whole is simply too great. If you have never heard of the album or have never listened, I encourage you to choose either one of these songs or one that a friend recommends, you will not be disappointed.
