Ever since this soundtrack has been released, music lovers and broadway fans have been dying to get their hands on a ticket to go see this show live. Even if you haven't made it to Broadway yet, many of us have had this soundtrack on repeat for a while now. With so many amazing tracks, who can pick a favorite? I sure can't, but here's a top five.
5. "That Would Be Enough"
This track is the displays the clearest picture of Eliza Schuyler's role as a wife — loyalty, pride, and few expectations. She is gentle, kind, and understanding toward Alexander despite the lack of reciprocation from him. She is a model of a loving, true wife that deserves a husband who values her equally. Ultimately, the sensitive, raw nature of this track gives listeners prospective and opens up their eyes to the mind of Eliza Schuyler.
4. "Wait For It"
Who doesn't want to hear Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr) passionately explain his family past? For one, the way he restrains his voice is phenomenal, and lyrics like "I am the one thing in life I can control" and "What is it like in his shoes?" catch your attention and show the realities of trying to earn success in a tough world. Although this song is typically more over looked than other pieces on the soundtrack, it is amazing and truly deserves your attention.
3. "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story"
This finale number gives justice to the phenomenal story that proceeds it by perfectly summing up the story of the great Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton lived to be remembered; survived by his caring wife Eliza Schuyler, Hamilton's story lived on through his writing, her memory, and her mission to ensure he wouldn't be forgotten. This piece is the perfect compilation of the amazing story that was Alexander Hamilton's life.
2. "Take A Break"
Though this piece also tends to be overlooked, I believe it is the best snapshot of Eliza and Alexander's family dynamic and how Angelica plays into that. It captures the lack of true support Eliza's loved ones show her while emphasizing the immense amount of stress Alexander is being put under. With such a vital job and a family to support, Alexander often takes the little things, such as family time, for granted, until we get to the following piece...
1. "It's Quiet Uptown"
This delicate, heart breaking track is my absolute favorite for one reason — it is simple and raw. It's transparency can often be overlooked as overly simple, but given a few listens you can see it truly captivates the dynamic between Eliza, Hamilton, and the whole town as they mourn the loss of their son, Phillip. Eliza's one line, "It's quiet uptown," is all that needs to be said about the emptiness she feels in reaction to the loss of her son, and the reinforcement of the concept of forgiveness that follows is simply brilliant.
Okay, Lin-Manuel Miranda, I'm hooked. As for getting tickets, I guess I'll have to be "willing to wait for it," but these tracks are the next best thing. What are your top 5?
