5. The show is incredibly well-written and produced | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

15 Reasons You NEED to Listen to 'Hamilton' Right Now

You haven't heard it yet? Shame on you.

161
15 Reasons You NEED to Listen to 'Hamilton' Right Now

I still remember the very first time I heard a song from Hamilton's soundtrack. My AP European teacher played it to the class, and it seemed as though I was the only one on the edge of my seat. I ran to my next class and listened to the entire soundtrack throughout that day, and from there on, I was hooked. Composed of rap music, sorrow and sadness, a raw historical tale of an American founding father, you are bound to rethink the early America you once knew.

Here are my 15 reasons you NEED to listen to Hamilton's soundtrack NOW:

1. Sequential history

Giphy

"Hamilton" is a sequential musical that highlights the life of Alexander Hamilton— one of the founding fathers— and the events that shaped the America we know today. Listening to the soundtrack from start to finish is the proper way to listen to "Hamilton."

2. You need to learn that Hamilton was NOT a president

Most people I have asked who Alexander Hamilton was have responded with "a previous president." Ignorance is bliss, but come on, guys… he was not a president, although he would have made a pretty great one!

3. Diverse cast

Giphy

If you remember correctly, America was pretty white-washed at the time of Alexander Hamilton. However, if you weren't aware of this, you would believe America was diversity-rich based on "Hamilton" on Broadway. In Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton: An American Musical", the cast consists of incredibly diverse actors and singers, producers, and writers.

After hearing this soundtrack, I am sure you would agree that is how Hamilton would have wanted it.

4. Integrated hip-hop music

Giphy

As you listen to this perfectly orchestrated soundtrack, you will hear many hints of hip hop and rap. These musical additives make this a Broadway musical production unlike any other. This soundtrack appeals to the ears of so many different people, and that is why "Hamilton" has become so successful.

5. The show is incredibly well-written and produced

Giphy

A musical of this caliber has a talented, esteemed writer behind it, and he is named Lin-Manuel Miranda. His work was inspired by a growing interest into the life of Alexander Hamilton (combined with a love for the art of hip-hop and rap music). His writing has sparked an interest among people of all backgrounds, uniting an extensively large fan base to follow this show as it heads to multiple cities. Every situation within the soundtrack is written perfectly, allowing the listener to want to hear more.

6. It's raw and so real

Giphy

This soundtrack highlights the history in the realest and rawest way possible. Miranda leaves no important detail absent, instead he includes all he could obtain (and that took A LOT of research!). Miranda connects to the story of Alexander Hamilton to his own family's journey, and that's pretty cool.

7. There are SO MANY scandals (yes, even in the late 1700's- early 1800's!)

Giphy

Hamilton's alleged affair was without a doubt the biggest scandal of the late 1700's. Throughout his career, many were looking for ways to take Hamilton down, but it was only him to blame for this scandal. In the song "Say No To This," we hear exactly what the events leading up to this affair were— and trust me, it's a catchy tune.

8. Feminism!

Giphy

Can someone say GIRL POWER? The Schyuler sisters demonstrate all that is great about feminism today and the women that they were. These sisters were independent, intelligent, and witty, beyond imagine. These women advocated for voting, women's rights, and the declaration that all men are in fact created equally.

9. "Hamilton" pushes social issues

Giphy

Most of us have probably heard that Miranda was not shy of delivering a powerful message to Vice President Mike Pence at a showing of the production in New York City. This powerful message demonstrated the exact reason of this powerful production: inclusion. And the cast of "Hamilton" wanted to make sure he knew their motive, too. The platform Miranda has built has allowed a voice for so many, and this platform has no shied away from letting America know how they feel.

10. Oh, the intricacy

Giphy

This musical is one of innate complexity. Everything seems to fit in a perfect puzzle, each aspect acting as a puzzle piece forming "Hamilton" as we know it today. Each aspect has a motive, from the diversity, to the rap music, even the hidden social motives.

11. The lyrics

Giphy

The lyrics are thick with subtle hints of historical complexity. Each event has a connection to another, carefully connecting each song together in a sequential order. The lyrics hold so much meaning, whether they are in the format of rap or a ballad.

12. Education (you are learning SO much)

Giphy

No, you aren't just learning how to count to ten in French as Eliza and Phillip sing a beautiful melody. You are learning a historical sequence of the rich American foundation. Everything from Hamilton and Burr's dual, to gaining independence from Britain, and even the juicy stuff like Hamilton's alleged affair.

13. The cabinet battles

Giphy

When you listen to this soundtrack, be prepared for an "OMG" moment when you hear the cabinet battles. These songs embody everything that was true of debating/deciding how to deal with affairs in the America it once was (minus the slang and rap, of course). These songs are legitimately rap battles and I still cannot figure out how to deal with this amazing music.

And of course, these founding fathers roast each other on a whole new level!

14. Heartache and sadness

Giphy

While this music is sure to have you on your feet, dancing like there's no one watching, it may also bring tears to your eyes. Many of the final songs such as "Stay Alive," "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story," and "It's Quiet Uptown" are sure to make you rethink you entire existence.

15. "Hamilton" is seriously inspirational

Giphy

Each time I listen to this soundtrack, I get chills. I become so excited to be alive in a time where we have productions and soundtracks that prove the very existence of our America. For a production that exemplifies exactly what Hamilton and his predecessors would have wanted for our America. One of diversity, equality, and success.

Moral of the story: go to Spotify right now and listen to "Hamilton: An American Musical" at once. You will not be disappointed. As for me, I will be here pining over Miranda's impeccable work and hoping he will see this article so I can finally get tickets to see this beautiful creation.

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

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

37829
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

18758
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

319447
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

31680
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

12301
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments