5 Musical Soundtracks you must listen to (and see when theatres open!)

After being dark for far too long, live theatre is starting to return.

For the past 16 months, I’ve been getting my musical fix by blasting soundtracks in my car on my commute. At the moment I’m particularly loving some newer musicals. There have been some truly stunning musicals created in the last few years, here are 5 of my current favourites on my must-see list -

Come From Away

38 planes land in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland when the US airspace closes following 9/11 and the story chronicles the impact on the residents and passengers. A musical set in the aftermath of 9/11 doesn’t sound like an uplifting experience, but I challenge you to listen to the soundtrack and not have it restore your faith in humanity. This soundtrack won me over with the folky inspired score and fun Newfoundland accents. This musical is top of my list to see when theatres re-open.

Always on repeat:

Me and the Sky – I love a female anthem in a musical. This song follows the story of a female pilot, who struggled to be accepted and is now at the top of the game

Welcome to the Rock – The opening number of the show, introducing you to small town life in Gander. You’ll be singing ‘I’m an Islander, I am an Islander’ continually after listening to this song.

Usually skipped:

Stop the World – Although this is a cute love song, I find the fake English accent of one of the singers a little grating

Where can I see it? Phoenix Theatre, West End from 22^nd July 2021

Six

Imagine a pop concert headlined by Henry VIII’s wives. This musical dives into more detail than just ‘divorced, beheaded, died’ and gives a voice each of the six Queens. A refreshing take on history, which is usually only told through Henry’s eyes, communicated in the style of Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Adele and more. If only history lessons at school were more like this. My only complaint is that, as a one act musical, it’s a bit short.

Always on repeat:

Don’t Lose Ur Head – Anne Boleyn’s tale of meeting, marrying and getting executed by Henry VIII, in the style of Lilly Allen

Get Down – Anne of Cleves’ song is full of attitude. Whilst the other songs detail how the Queens have been wronged by Henry, Anne of Cleves is quite happy with her divorced status and is loving life.

Usually skipped:

Haus of Holbein – A bizarre mix of German folk music and a club anthem.

Where can I see it? Currently playing at Lyric Theatre, WestEnd and UK tour

Waitress

A pregnant waitress in an unhappy marriage has an affair with her gynaecologist. She also happens to be an expert pie maker, naming them after her life events (‘Betrayed by My Eggs’ pie, anyone?). The pop driven songs, written by Sara Bareilles, are so catchy and make for really easy listening.

Always on repeat:

She Used to Be Mine – The heartbreakingly beautiful ballad with a stunning vocal performance

It only takes a taste – The awkwardness of Dr Pottimer, the gynaecologist, is really endearing in this number, which manages to be both humorous and romantic at the same time

Usually skipped:

Take It From an Old Man – Although I like the folk inspired style, it’s not got the same sing along factor as the rest of the soundtrack.  

I Love You Like a Table – Because tables aren’t very romantic

Where can I see it? Unfortunately, Waitress won’t be re-opening in the West End. Catch the UK tour from 4^th September 2021

Hamilton

The record breaking, award winning musical Hamilton certainly lives up to the hype. The story of the rise and fall of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, told mainly through rap, hip hop, RnB and jazz. The language and play on words used throughout makes it seem as if every line has been cleverly crafted. Every time I listen, I feel I find something new that I hadn’t heard before. One of my proudest achievements is being able to rap (not necessarily well) Guns and Ships, known for being ridiculously fast paced.

Always on repeat:

The Schuyler Sisters – A feminist anthem for the 1700s

Satisfied – A testament to sisterly love, through an incredibly fast paced mix of stunning vocals and rap

The Room Where It Happens – A jazz style number sung by Aaron Burr, the former vice president who shot Hamilton (not a spoiler, they tell you that in the first song).

Usually skipped:

Hurricane – Compared to some of the amazing vocal performances on the soundtrack, I find the delivery on this song a little weaker than others. At this point in the musical I find Alexander Hamilton particularly unlikeable, which probably hasn’t helped me warm to this song.

Blow Us All Away – Sometimes, when a song is just too upbeat, you know something bad is about to happen

Where can I see it? Victoria Palace Theatre, West End from 19^th August 2021

Dear Evan Hansen

A teenager with social anxiety ends up fabricating a story of a friendship with a classmate who committed suicide. This is a musical looking to inspire and drives home the message that ‘You are not alone’. This is definitely a musical for the modern day and maybe something that we all need to listen to sometimes.

Always on repeat:

Waving Through a Window – The relatable tale of feeling that you are on the outside looking in, delivered with an impressive vocal performance.

Sincerely Me – The light comic relief moment that is needed in this soundtrack, writing letters between Evan Hansen and his classmate who committed suicide (funnier than it sounds).

Usually skipped:

To Break In a Glove – A song that could be a conversation instead (yes, I know that’s the point of a musical). I wouldn’t describe it as a sing-along track.  

Words Fail – This comes quite late in the soundtrack, and I just feel we’ve had a few songs with the same message by this point

Where can I see it? Noel Coward Theatre, West End, from 26^th October 2021

Which shows are on your must-see list when theatres return? Comment below…