Top 10 Greatest Songs From Musicals That Don't Get the Credit They Deserve

#10: “King of New York”

“Newsies”
We’re glad this Alan Menken movie musical, initially a box office bomb, finally got the recognition it deserves from its 2012 Broadway run. This song in particular, about the newsboys’ elation at landing themselves on the front page, builds its own musical excitement. With typical “Newsies” panache, the number features cheeky rhymes and is filled with neat tavern choreography. Newspaper strikes have never been so stylish. Unfortunately, this song gets often overshadowed by “Seize the Day,” “Carrying the Banner,” and the showstopping solo “Santa Fe.” With so many flashier numbers, “King of New York” was bound to be overlooked. Not by us, though.

#9: “All the Things You Are”

“Very Warm for May”
Musicals may die, but their songs often live on. In 1939, Jerome Kern’s and Oscar Hammerstein II’s last musical opened to very mixed reviews, no doubt because of the changes to its book. We say no doubt, because one of its numbers, “All the Things You Are,” is a timeless beauty. Kern’s lush melody and Hammerstein’s poetic sensibility blend seamlessly together, rivaling even the latter’s romantic work with Richard Rodgers. In time, this piece became a standard by countless artists, including Ella Fitzgerald. But it is still mostly forgotten by today’s musical theater crowd, especially compared to celebrated romantic songs like “So in Love” and “If I Loved You.” It would make for a great audition song, at least.

#8: “Today 4 U”

“Rent”
“Rent” has countless unforgettable numbers, including the iconic “Seasons of Love.” So it’s no surprise that this upbeat number has been largely disregarded. Musically and lyrically, though, this number interweaves many allusions seamlessly, from “O Holy Night” to “Thelma and Louise” and everything in between. Jonathan Larson’s skillful adaptation of Puccini is full of wit and energy, and Angel is a cinnamon roll of a character. What can we say? When properly done, doing away with certain pets just makes for good musical theater. Unfortunately, the film version converted most of the recitatives into spoken dialogue, leaving only Angel’s part. Still, it doesn’t diminish this song’s light when properly done on stage.

#7: “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”

“The Phantom of the Opera”
An even better Puccini pastiche, “Phantom of the Opera”’s lush score never fails to stir the heart, from its main theme to “Music of the Night” and “All I Ask of You.” So Christine’s remembrance of her late father often gets overlooked among other set pieces. It doesn’t help matters that, while most of the music gets reprised in some way, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is mostly heard in this scene. But its climax does achieve classical gravitas, especially in an instrumental arrangement. Lloyd Webber’s talent at melody and scoring is still unsurpassed among modern composers.

#6: “Shadowland”

“The Lion King”
We’ve all heard this melody before. In the original animated film, this poignant Hans Zimmer leitmotif was played during Mufasa’s death and again after Simba vanquishes Scar. The “death” motif was repurposed in the stage musical into a sung solo for Nala, who decides to leave Pride Rock after Scar’s harassment. With its haunting lyrics and strong chorus, “Shadowland” makes its own impact. It also gives Nala more of a dramatic voice and arc, as well as showcases the pride’s familial bonds. It’s a shame that it doesn’t get as much love as the other Elton John material.

#5: “Get Down”

“Six”
“Six” follows the six wives of Henry VIII in their afterlife, sharing their stories and vying for who had it worse with their loutish husband. Of them all, Anna of Cleves had the easiest time, as Henry was quickly turned off by her appearance and refused to consummate the marriage. Her divorce from him was accomplished with no loss of life. The same can’t be said for Anne Boleyn’s sad end or Katherine Howard’s horrific tale of abuse. Maybe that’s why Cleves’ solo doesn’t get as much attention. But “Get Down” is still a bop, with Cleves boasting about her riches and casting shade on Henry’s shallow chauvinism. We’ll always get down for this song.

#4: “Do You Love Me?”

“Fiddler on the Roof”
It’s no “Tradition” or “To Life,” and it rarely comes to mind when you think of this seminal musical. But regardless, this number always strikes a tender chord. After accepting the inevitability of Hodel and Perchik’s marriage, Tevye finally thinks about romantic love. Specifically, he wonders whether he and his wife of 25 years have it. Tevye and Golde’s marriage was traditionally arranged, with five daughters as a result. Golde’s practical responses compared to Tevye’s insistence is charming. In a medium replete with passionate and sweet love songs, it’s a nice change to have a down-to-earth love song. Of course, that’s why it doesn’t get as much credit, but still. It’s a nice song to know.

#3: “The Abduction”

“Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”
This cult favorite musical is an unusual and quirky one in many respects. But this scene, with Anatole and Natasha celebrating their elopement, deserves its laurels. Beginning with a haunting Russian folk waltz, it becomes an upbeat celebration that definitely gives tribute to “Fiddler on the Roof”’s lively “To Life.” It’s a whirlwind of a song, but it gets overlooked by the show’s “Prologue” and other spectacular set pieces. It’s a complicated Russian novel to follow, and everyone’s got nine different names. But this song should be on everyone’s radar.

#2: “A Little Fall of Rain”

“Les Misérables”
We’re not crying, it’s just a little fall of rain in our eyes. Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s opera pastiche has tons of small and emotionally devastating numbers to pick. And that’s not to mention great, iconic heavyweights like “On My Own” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” For our part, we’re going with Éponine’s death duet with Marius, because even a heart of stone would be moved by these lyrics. The central metaphor is particularly touching. While popular with the fandom, “A Little Fall of Rain” is very often overshadowed by the more bombastic songs and even catchier recitatives. But let’s give it props.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Guys and Dolls”

This Tender Love Ballad Is One of Loesser’s Best & Least Appreciated Songs

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Roberta”

This Jazz Standard Outlived Its Own Musical, So We Must Give It Props

“What Would You Do?” “Cabaret”

For an Underrated Critique of Complicity in the Face of Fascism

“So Much Better,” “Legally Blonde”

Because Those Exuberant High Notes Are Empowering, & Need More Love

“Hard to be the Bard,” “Something Rotten”

Shakespeare’s Sexy But Hard Comic Number, Among Many Great Ones

#1: “We Both Reached for the Gun”

“Chicago”
Oh, yes, oh, yes, we picked this one for a very good reason. Granted, this song has had a great surge in popularity in recent years, becoming a viral TikTok audio. But it’s still a lesser song compared to the likes of “Cell Block Tango” and “All That Jazz.” Fortunately, the film’s version executes this complicated number masterfully, as Billy Flynn coaches Roxie Hart on her fake story for the media. This number is also impressive on stage, as Roxie’s actress must act like a puppet while Flynn’s actor does the ventriloquizing. Also, let’s face it—you never get this catchy refrain out of your mind.

Which other great musical song do you feel deserves more recognition? Let us know in the comments down below!