Ranking All the Phantom of the Opera Songs

With the Phantom terrorizing the theater, Raoul concocts a plan to put a stop to the fear raging throughout the opera house. Queue “Notes/Twisted Every Way,” a song detailing the plot of Christine’s fiancé to fool the Phantom. The lyrics paired with vigor and a strong desire to protect make for a convincing telling of Raoul’s plan, followed by vocals from Christine which bring a much more gentle and sensitive mood shift to the number. Though not one of the play’s more memorable or captivating melodies, the song is representative of the story’s premise and the inner struggle Christine endures.

When the Phantom appears for Christine at a mausoleum, the scene for a sweet and comforting song is instantly set. Christine and the Phantom join in delivering beautiful harmonies during “Wandering Child,” which is abruptly ended by Raoul’s arrival and witnessing of the power the Phantom holds over his fiancé. Tension and anger quickly build leading into “Bravo, Monsieur,” which sees the Phantom taunt Raoul as he tries to challenge him. Like most numbers in the play, the shift in musical tone keeps us on our toes and simultaneously packs a tender yet fearful punch.

In a panicked state, following a chaotic ordeal at the hands of the Phantom, Christine tries to express to Raoul just how powerful the masked terror is through “Why Have You Brought Me Here/Raoul, I’ve Been There.” Rapidly delivered lyrics and subsequent vocals of desperation do well to build tension indicative of fear, while still managing to translate the whirlwind of feelings Christine is experiencing. Those who know the story are well aware of the emotional rollercoaster Christine is on throughout the play, and this number is one that conveys it most transparently.

One of the more theatrical and campy musical numbers, “Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh” takes place during a premiere at the opera house. Incorporating comedic flair and over-the-top vocals, the song takes a sharp turn when the Phantom arrives and disrupts the performance. The chill-inducing baritone of the Phantom promptly stops the lightheartedness of the setting, and an erupting evil laugh wreaks havoc throughout the theater. The stark deviation from musical entertainment to vocalized terror demands attention from the audience. Not to mention it is the perfect segway to dive into the darkness behind the Phantom’s mask.

Sung by the lead stagehand of the Paris Opera House—Joseph Buquet—“Magical Lasso” is a taunting melody meant to instill fear of the “opera ghost” and the noose-like weapon it wields. Creepy lyrics and chilling vocals precede the entrance of Madame Giry, who advises Buquet to stop his eerie antics. The childlike feel of Buquet’s part in the song and the commanding voice of Madame Giry make for an entertaining exchange that isn't produced by the titular characters. They’re certainly no duo like the Phantom and Christine, but we appreciate the number nonetheless.

This song signifies a key moment in the musical—one that drastically advances the plot. While the Phantom is at his organ, a curious Christine sneaks up behind him and removes his mask. She witnesses the disfigured visage that had so desperately been kept hidden, inevitably enraging the embarrassed Phantom. The number evokes a variety of negative feelings like self-disgust, shame, and anger, but it also holds profound vulnerability and empathy as the Phantom expresses his desire to be loved. When listening to this, it's nearly impossible not to relate to or sympathize with the deeply held insecurities communicated through music.

Through “Little Lotte,” Christine sweetly details to Raoul how an angel taught her to sing so beautifully when it visited her as a child. “The Mirror (Angel of Music)” follows, as the Phantom tells Christine to behold a mirror in which she can lay eyes on him. Delivered with power and conviction, the song is all things tempting, engaging, and captivating as Christine, and us listeners, cannot help but feel drawn to the vocals and lyrics of the melody. The hypnotizing number holds a degree of tension that manifests as a pinnacle moment in the play—one we can easily associate with the undeniable connection between Christine and the Phantom.

A crescendoing song that marks the Phantom’s concluding musical performance, “Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer” is equally emotional and intense. It’s easy to identify and feel the genuine pain and distress in the Phantom’s voice as he powerfully sings to Christine—something only truly talented musicians can do. The lyrics are delivered as the Phantom angrily brings Christine to his lair, an apropos setting for a musical number that screams pure desperation and ultimate transparency. Guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings, the rendition is the Phantom’s swan song that perfectly sums up the emotionally-charged journey he’s taken with his true love.

To no surprise, the Phantom deems his protege Christine the singer fit to star in an Opera House performance. He makes his case through a convincing deliverance of “Notes,” which precedes the much more comical and way less meaningful “Prima Donna.” Sung by stagehands Firmin and André to Carlotta, the duo reassures the opera house’s star diva that she will remain the lead of the show. “Notes/Prima Donna” is without a doubt not nearly as emotionally impactful as “Phantom’s” slew of romantic and seductive duets, but it is a refreshing and entertaining piece that reminds listeners of factors existing out of the world of the story’s three most prominent characters.

The reprised version of “All I Ask of You” might not be as top-tier as the original, but it still manages to pack a punch. Performed by the heartbroken phantom who overhears the love exchanged between Christine and Raoul, the lyrics detail the vengeful pain that is felt when the Phantom endures an overwhelming sense of inadequateness, jealousy, and rejection. If nothing else, this is an all-too-relatable feeling sure to resonate with any and all listeners. The song concludes Act 1 of the play, so of course, a powerful instrumental sequence also plays and marks the end of the first half of the whirlwind love story.

The opening number set in the masquerade ball of Act 2, this is the perfect introduction to the latter half of the compelling story of Christine and the Phantom. Before tensions reach their peak, the ensemble delivers a refreshingly whimsical and over-the-top number in impeccable harmony. The joyous masquerade melody is halted by the Phantom’s entrance as he leads into “Why So Silent”—a devious mood shift that keeps us on the edge of our seats every time. In singing, the Phantom claims ownership of Christine—an occurrence that wouldn’t be nearly as powerful without suspensefully curated music and fearful lyrics that encompass how consumed the characters have become with one another.

Equally devastating and beautiful, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is a telling of Christine’s grieving for her departed father. The tender and endearing solo performance is a deviation from the pure passion and intensity found in much of the rest of the soundtrack, providing us with a realness easy to empathize with. With tender lyrics, soft instrumentals, and deeply sad vocals, the performance is an undeniable tear-jerker. Good music speaks to the soul, and is there anything more emotionally significant than the grief experienced when we seek the guidance and love of those we’ve lost?

Instantly setting a consistent and distinct tone for the iconic play, the “Overture” is what initially got us hooked. Few musical openers accomplish what this masterpiece has, as the attention-commanding orchestra produces an instrumental sequence that can be quickly recognized and linked to the story. We all know exactly what we’re listening to when we hear that iconic organ play. Though not as easily distinguishable or memorable as the overture, the musical’s prologue also does well to introduce us to what is about to unfold, just in a softer manner. The same goes for “Entr’Acte” —a more lighthearted, slow-building musical compilation of the play’s songs that encompass the evolving plot.

In delivering an aria worthy of endless standing ovations, Christine gives us a solo bound to have gotten stuck in your head at some point. The sweet and hypnotizing melodies alone are enough to grab your attention, but the effortlessly flowing lyrics make the number that much more memorable. As if the song isn’t impressive enough throughout, the ending is especially impactful. Each time we hear Christine’s powerhouse vocals conclude the number, we are left in a state of awe. The song is sung early on in the play, making it the number that highlights all the talent and heart Christine has to offer.

Arguably one of “Phantom’s” most memorable numbers, “Angel of Music” is the quintessential song indicative of the complex dynamic between Christine and the Phantom. As the character who does not live in pure fear of the Phantom, Christine regards the opera ghost as her “angel of music” and details her perception of him through the tender melodies and lyrics this song holds. It's not hard to sense the longing and curiosity experienced by Christine as she delivers this number—beautifully communicating how drawn she feels to her shadower and guiding force.

Chock-full of passionate tension that builds throughout the play’s course, “The Point of No Return” is a culmination of Christine and the Phantom’s growing feelings. The baritone Phantom instills a real sense of seduction in this number as he gives Christine a big ultimatum. The lyrics draw you in, the vocals speak to your senses, and the harmonic chemistry between the Phantom and Christine leaves us entranced with each listen. As the highly anticipated musical exchange taking place in Act 2, this song is the appropriate interaction between the forbidden lovers who can’t fight their connection.

A romantic duet for the ages, “All I Ask of You” is sung by the engaged Christine and Raoul. It holds a promise that the two so sweetly make to each other—to love and protect one another as they commit to a life together. Evoking genuine senses of purity and vulnerability, this duet is a softly sung representation of what two people seek when choosing their life partner. There is no need for overwhelming orchestra instrumentals in this number, as the lyrics alone are enough to convey the loving message intended to be communicated by the pair.

The titular theme song known worldwide is one that captures the true essence of “Phantom.” With an opening organ sequence that is all things hypnotizing, powerful, and captivating from start to finish, “The Phantom of the Opera” curates the perfect amount of suspense needed to set the mysteriously romantic mood. Incorporating a fusion of percussion and reed instruments and synthesizers, the unforgettable number is the dramatic piece that will forever rank among some of the best musical works to come from Broadway. You know a song is legendary when all it takes is one note to identify exactly what it is.

Have we heard “The Music of the Night” a million times? Yes. Do we care? Not one bit. This iconic masterpiece is truly timeless and is the epitome of what “Phantom” is all about. It is a serenade so hauntingly beautiful that it takes you on a journey of versatile emotions—sensuality, vulnerability, fear, and romance all at once. It is not as intense as other favorites, rather it is gentle and calmer. But the subtlety contributes to its meaning and heart, making it an indisputable contender for the best song of the musical. When delivered properly, the song packs a chill-inducing punch sure to stir up all the feels.