Top 10 Best Songs from Hairspray (2007)

“Hairspray” might be a bubbly musical on the surface, but at its core are several meaningful themes regarding civil rights and acceptance. Through this spirited solo, African American Seaweed J. Stubbs opens up about the persecution he’s endured over the years. Although many have treated him like a second-class citizen, Seaweed remains optimistic that the tides will soon turn, bringing about a better future for the black community. Thus ensues a joyous musical number that’s deep and heavy while also being energetic and hopeful, much like the film itself. A song that’ll have you jumping out of your seat to bust a move, it’s definitely worth spreading the word about.

The first time you see John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, you can’t help but giggle. The fact that Christopher Walken plays her husband Wilbur only adds to the comedy. Although their relationship could’ve solely been played for laughs, we soon come to care about this couple. “(You’re) Timeless to Me” acts as a testament to their undying love for each other - an acknowledgement by Edna and Wilbur that though their marriage might not be conventionally glamorous, they wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even as the world around them changes, their feelings stay the same. This lovely number is almost like something out of a Fred and Ginger picture, albeit with a few quirky twists.

Whenever there’s progress, there’s bound to be somebody like Velma Von Tussle working against it. This villainess, and producer of “The Corny Collins Show,” maintains a biased mentality that only the white and thin belong on TV. As Tracy lines up to audition, Velma daydreams about the day she was crowned Miss Baltimore Crabs. Her insults and mean-spirited one-liners are capped off with the ultimate diss towards Tracy, who’s kicked out for her weight and willingness to integrate. This song encompasses the dangers of nostalgia, which sometimes keeps people stuck in a narrow-minded past. Nonetheless, it’s a catchy number that ranks right up there alongside similarly sinister villain songs from other classic musical films.

After Link gives Tracy the confidence to pursue her dreams, our young protagonist is swept off her feet into a romanticized fantasy. Completely detached from reality, Tracy imagines her first date with Link, their wedding day, and even the day that death inevitably parts them. Wrapped up in her own little reality, Tracy naturally attracts a few raised eyebrows from her classmates. In this moment, though, Tracy’s mind is fixated on her life with Link. Believe it or not, actress Nikki Blonsky was reportedly ill the day she recorded vocals for this whimsical number. Perhaps that’s fitting, as Tracy has clearly come down with a case of lovesickness.

Throughout the film, “Motormouth” Maybelle sings two inspiring songs about embracing yourself and treating others with equality. While “I Know Where I’ve Been” is a very passionate ballad, “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” has just a bit more spunk to it. Much like soul food, this number fills you up and makes you feel right at home. Even the apprehensive Edna Turnblad is sucked in by Maybelle’s nurturing nature, not to mention the buffet on display. Edna walks away from the number with a more confident self-image, finding that big is beautiful. An additional reprise was written for the scene in which Velma tries to seduce Wilbur, who thankfully already thinks big is beautiful too.

“The Corny Collins Show” is a riff on “The Buddy Deane Show” and other such teen dance programs that, despite feeling a little corny in retrospect, were all the rage back in the day. The show provides Tracy with a much-needed escape after a long day at school. This infectious number features a troop of young adults with all the right moves and heads full of hairspray. Although television has changed a lot since the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, it’s always been a nesting ground for teen idols. The Nicest Kids in Town are everything Tracy wants to be, and this number speaks to any teenager that’s ever dreamed of being a superstar.

Society has a habit of driving diverse pairs apart. At one point, the young couples must decide whether to conform to social norms or fight for love. In this uplifting number, everyone realizes that a life without love is hardly worth living. Link looks past Tracy’s large figure, which he’s been culturally conditioned to see as a bad thing, and finally sees her as the kind, passionate and beautiful woman that she is. Meanwhile, Seaweed and Penny prove that chocolate and vanilla are a winning combination, no matter what people say. Though the four teens find themselves separated by enormous barriers, with this upbeat song, they’re committing to tearing down those walls.

The later half of the ‘50s into the ‘60s was a time defined by the progress of American Civil Rights. This social movement not only spoke to African Americans, but anybody that had faced bigotry. Being a victim of sizeism, Edna has spent years cooped up in her house. However, the forward-thinking Tracy convinces her mama to give the new decade a chance. Aside from being delightfully fun, “Welcome to the 60’s” encourages us all to step out of our comfort zones and usher in a brighter future. The song additionally works in a cameo from Jerry Stiller, who originally played Wilbur in the 1988 version of “Hairspray.”

The film’s opening number perfectly sums up Tracy Turnblad’s entire character in just a few glorious minutes. A ray of sunshine, Tracy is always eager to find a silver lining, especially when it comes to her hometown of Baltimore. She’s the kind of person that can put a positive spin on anything, whether it’s rats on the streets, a bum on a barroom stool, or a flasher played by “Hairspray” creator John Waters. Just as Tracy sees the good in everything, she hopes that one day the world will wake up and discover the beauty in her. Until then however, Tracy and Baltimore are a match made in heaven.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
· “The New Girl in Town”
· “Ladies’ Choice”
· “It Takes Two”

If you want to leave your audience on a high note, be sure to save the best for last. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” is the definition of a show-stopping finale, sticking with you long after the credits roll. From Tracy, to Penny, to Edna, to Maybelle, every major character makes an appearance, allowing the whole ensemble a chance to shine. In addition to being one of the catchiest songs of any modern musical, this outrageous number epitomizes the movie’s message about triumphing over intolerance. Even in 21st century America, prejudice remains a significant issue. While we’ve got a long way to go, songs like this remind us that nothing will ever stop the beat.