Top 10 Catchiest Songs from Classic Broadway Musicals
#10: “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1949)
Lorelei Lee is an icon. Whether played by movie legend Marilyn Monroe or the originator of the role, Broadway legend Carol Channing, she is a woman who is not afraid to tell people what she wants out of life. Her philosophies about men, romance, and jewelry make up a lot of the humor in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Men can be unpredictable and disappointing, but diamonds are forever. The sexy and brutally honest lyrics of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” vary between its stage and screen versions, but the singer’s point is blazingly clear each time.
#9: “Don’t Rain On My Parade”
“Funny Girl” (1964)
Introduced by Barbra Streisand in the original Broadway production and made famous in the Oscar winning movie, this song became the calling card of every person who ever felt counted out. It’s a big, bold, and driving number that occurs at the end of the first act of “Funny Girl.” Fanny Brice is determined to defy advice to the contrary and go after the man she wants, no matter what stands in their way. Streisand made it a classic, but its timeless themes of perseverance and positivity against all odds have made it a favorite of many performers and Broadway fans alike.
#8: “If I Were a Rich Man”
“Fiddler on the Roof” (1964)
Tevye the milkman has a few questions for God. He delivers his milk, he raises his daughters, and lives virtuously. But who would it hurt if he was rich? Tevye daydreams of an easier life, where he has a huge house, all the material comforts of wealth, and the respect of his fellow citizens. Original actor Zero Mostel’s improvised chanting may be one of the most notable features of the song. Even if you think you haven’t heard anything from “Fiddler on the Roof,” you’ve probably heard “If I Were a Rich Man.” Gwen Stefani’s 2004 reinterpretation of the song became a Top 40 hit.
#7: “America”
“West Side Story” (1957)
With its complex rhythm and sometimes biting lyrics, this song is a distillation of everything “West Side Story” is about. Presented as an infectious number with eye-popping choreography and hilarious back-and-forth between the characters, “America” captures the dissonance at the heart of the story. The song portrays a difference of opinion about life in America among the show’s Puerto Rican characters. While the song was originally introduced as an unequivocally pro-America number, the lyrics have undergone rewrites since its original Broadway premiere. What has remained is its clear musical and rhythmic inspirations from Latin music, its boundless energy, and its toe-tapping catchiness.
#6: “Ease On Down the Road”
“The Wiz” (1975)
Another way to make sure no one forgets your song: Keep singing it over and over again. “Ease on Down the Road” is “The Wiz’s” answer to “We’re Off to See the Wizard” from the original “Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy and her magical friends launch into it every time they set off on the yellow brick road once again. It’s a driving and energetic song, with a memorable chorus and a danceable beat. This R&B Broadway classic has been reinterpreted by many, but probably most famously by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in the 1978 film version of the show.
#5: “Let the Sunshine In”
“Hair” (1968)
When this counterculture musical premiered on Broadway in 1968, it alienated many Broadway stalwarts. However, several of its songs entered the pop lexicon. One of the biggest was the dual track, “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” recorded by The 5th Dimension. “Aquarius” is the show’s big opener, a slow, funky introduction to the show’s peace, love, and understanding ethos. But “Let the Sunshine In” is the real star of the score. Although in the show it’s a sad counterpoint to the cost of the Vietnam War, in context or out, it’s a song that never fails to rouse an audience and get them singing along.
#4: “Ya Got Trouble”
“The Music Man” (1957)
When Professor Harold Hill, conman and musician, rolls into River City, Iowa, he’s got a mission to whip its citizens into a frenzy of puritanical hysteria. “Ya Got Trouble” is the first step. Warning of the moral and spiritual disaster that’s sure to come now that River City has a public pool hall, Hill’s rapid-fire siren song wraps everyone within earshot around his finger. Despite its tongue-twisting landslide of dated and satirical lyrics, “Ya Got Trouble” is such a fun song to try to sing. And even if you don’t catch every lyric, you can hum until you remember.
#3: “Do-Re-Mi”
“The Sound of Music” (1959)
No one could write an earworm quite like Rodgers and Hammerstein. They knew the quickest way to make sure everyone walks out of the theater singing your song is to make it as joyful and deceptively simple as possible. “Do-Re-Mi’s” repetitive lyrics and structure are perfectly suited to stick in your brain. Also, who can say “no” to a free singing lesson? Seeing that Maria performs this song as a mnemonic device to teach the Von Trapp children how to sing and hear music, it can be used to introduce kids to music theory in the real world as well.
#2: “It’s the Hard Knock Life”
“Annie” (1977)
The red-headed optimist and her fellow orphans have a roof over their head, but that’s about it. Living under the thumb of the abusive Miss Hannigan, the girls are tasked with backbreaking work to earn their keep. They sing of their woes in the cutest way possible. Despite the song’s dark lyrics, like the rest of the show, it’s also a testament to Annie and her friends’ ability to at least want something better. No wonder she’s always singing about “Tomorrow,” today is terrible. “It’s the Hard Knock Life” clearly resonated with a lot of people. It even found new life when Jay-Z sampled the familiar tune in a 1998 track.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“I Hope I Get It,” “A Chorus Line” (1975)
One of the Most Exciting Opening Numbers Ever
“I Got Rhythm,” “Girl Crazy” (1930)
This Song Has Become a Standard That Far Outlived Its Original Show
“I Could Have Danced All Night,” “My Fair Lady” (1956)
A Euphoric Eliza Doolittle Realizes She’s Falling in Love
“Turkey Lurkey Time,” “Promises, Promises” (1968)
A Quirky Burt Bacharach & Hal David-Penned Holiday Number
“I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “South Pacific” (1949)
A Fun & Defiant Song That’s Just Perfect for Singing in the Shower
#1: “Cell Block Tango”
“Chicago” (1975)
The six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail are the black widow spiders of the Broadway stage. Their repetitive chanting lulls you in and embeds itself into your brain. Their zingers make you laugh, but they’re just as deadly as the ladies delivering them. “Chicago” is an explosive celebration of murder, justice, and general bad behavior. Its memorable opening number is a tribute to speakeasies, booze, and every other jazz era vice. What makes “Cell Block Tango” so memorable is that it strikes the right note of humor, horror, and good, old-fashioned Broadway catchiness. Every lyric hits, every joke lands, and every moment counts. By the end of this one, not only are you singing along, you’re cheering them on.
Did any of our picks have you singing along? Let us know in the comments.
