Top 10 Best Musical Numbers on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
#10: “Hit Me Again”
"Cruisin' for a Bruisin"
By now, we’ve all heard that Johnathan Nieves apparently left “Rise of the Pink Ladies” before its first season wrapped, seemingly leading to some…creative workarounds. Regardless of what happened, we’re thankful that he performed this rockin’ song. The number, which takes place in a parking garage, is edgier than the usual “Grease” fare, but that’s part of what makes it so compelling. At this point in the season, Richie has just lost everything at a casino, and paired with his recent romantic loss, he’s feeling hopeless about his future. His emotional turmoil fuels a self-destructive mood here, eventually causing him to stumble over a wall and crash down on a car. Full of emotion and grit, it’s unforgettable.
#9: “Please Please Please”
"Racing for Pinks"
Student-teacher relationships are an oft-criticized aspect of teen shows. “Rise of the Pink Ladies” puts its own spin on the trope. Though Olivia’s relationship with Mr. Daniels led to her tarnished reputation the previous year, she agrees to marry him at the end of the first season. And her friends stage a much-needed intervention in the form of a heartfelt musical appeal. In a stunning black and white fantasy sequence, they beg her not to settle for the life of an overworked and underappreciated housewife. Their good points are hard to ignore, and when combined with a catchy beat and immaculate girl group vibes it’s a compelling argument to say the least. Even if Olivia’s not ready to hear it.
#8: “Land Don’t Look So Bad”
"Or at the High School Dance"
The focus of most episodes of “Rise of the Pink Ladies” is, unsurprisingly, the Pink Ladies. But it’s also a treat to hear songs fronted by the show’s other endearing characters. After wisely choosing to leave the Frosty Palace, Hazel (who joins the Pink Ladies later on) and Wally walk home together and have their first romantic number. Titled “Land Don’t Look So Bad,” the soulful song sees Wally comparing Hazel’s love for the stars to his love for the sea. The sweet, flirtatious energy of this number serves up rainy romance as only Hollywood can. Wally’s care for Hazel and her interests is evident in the lyrics and, by the song’s end, it’s hard not to root for their success as a couple.
#7: “Crushing Me”
"Or at the High School Dance"
Nancy prides herself on being an independent woman, so when she realizes she has a crush, it feels like the end of the world. In “Crushing Me,” she describes her newfound feelings for Potato in song, likening it to a sickness that she needs to get rid of in order to re-focus on her career. For Cynthia, love is “crushing” for an entirely different reason. Taking on the next verse, Nancy’s fellow pink lady vents about having overwhelming feelings for a girl. As the pair begin to alternate lines we can feel all of their angst and confusion acutely. It’s a relatable display of two people commiserating over their shared fear of being in love - a fear that’s perfectly highlighted by the song’s intense beat.
#6: “Merely Players”
"You Can't Just Walk Out of a Drive-In"
“Merely Players” is our first introduction to the romantic pairing of Cynthia and Lydia - and what an introduction it is! While rehearsing for “Romeo and Juliet,” Cynthia is overwhelmed by nerves, anxious to have a first kiss on stage. Lydia suggests they lock lips to alleviate this anxiety. Cynthia agrees, and is taken aback by the emotions that ensue, wondering how acting can feel better than real life. The pair go on to deliver a love song that honors classic cinema, with the number confirming Cynthia as a queer character in a completely natural and refreshingly original way.
#5: “Good Girl Act”
"We're Gonna Rule the School"
By the end of season one, Jane is the face of the Pink Ladies. But she doesn’t start out that way. In episode one, the rebellious Olivia gives us a look into Jane’s persona through rumored stories about her New York past in an effort to help. According to the number, the girls in the Big Apple are less conservative than those in Rydell, wearing high heels and tight sweaters while smoking and stealing. But Jane apparently resisted these vices, becoming a social pariah threatened with violence. Although we’re hearing the information secondhand, the song is a fun and insanely catchy way to deliver important backstory about our protagonist. Plus, almost all the girls in home economics class have a blast, and we do too!
#4: “Finding My Light”
"Sloppy Seconds Ain't My Style"
When Cynthia fails to show up to opening night of “Romeo and Juliet,” Nancy says that Hazel should portray Juliet in a last minute replacement. After all, she knows every line, and has rehearsed with the show’s leading man. Hazel is initially hesitant to be in the spotlight, but eventually comes into her own after stepping out onto the stage. As she sings “Finding My Light,” we can see her embrace her role and herself in front of an auditorium full of people. The number brilliantly plays to Shanel Bailey’s talents as a performer, and the visual of her character being lifted above the stage is awe-inspiring.
#3: “Pulling Strings”
"Cruisin' for a Bruisin"
Instead of progressing in a purely linear fashion, “Rise of the Pink Ladies”’ seventh episode travels back in time, giving us new perspectives on days we’ve just experienced. Soon, we’re on the “Romeo and Juliet” stage again, but this time our focus is Buddy. He feels as if he has been handed, well, pretty much everything else he previously thought he had “earned.” In “Pulling Strings,” he vents about this unique privilege, likening himself to a puppet with no control due to his family. Jason Schmidt’s vocals for the song are fantastic, while the number’s puppet-like choreography and creative visuals make it a true stand-out.
#2: “Face to Face”
"You're Dropping Out of Rydell?"
A late season song summarizing the central protagonists’ journeys could have easily been a drawn out bore, but thankfully “Face to Face” is anything but. Stuck at Rydell High while a storm rages outside, Jane, Nancy, Cynthia, and Olivia each come to terms with the consequences of their actions. All of them conclude that their respective dreams were much better in concept than reality, and belt out this catchy tune to express their personal reservations. In addition to its narrative importance and stellar vocals, “Face to Face” also has some of the show’s most dynamic editing and choreography. Indeed, it cuts between the four characters in a way that’s both seamless and entertaining, and the result is flawless.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Boom,” "You Can't Just Walk Out of a Drive-In"
Sometimes Teen Drama Can Feel as Life or Death as War
“Girl Gang,” "Too Pure to Be Pink"
Grown-up Gossip Causes a Panic
“Same Sky,” "So This Is Rydell"
Feeling Homesick, Hazel Finds Solace in the Constellations
“Brutal Honesty,” "You're Dropping Out of Rydell?"
Nancy’s Reality Check Mirrors Frenchy’s From the Original “Grease”
“All In,” "Racing for Pinks"
Cynthia Finally Goes “All In” on Loving Lydia
#1: “I Want More”
"Too Pure to Be Pink"
Justin Tranter served as “Rise of the Pink Ladies” lead songwriter, and has said “I Want More” is the last song the team wrote for the introductory season. At that point in production, they were very aware of Marisa Davila’s skills as a performer and could write to her strengths. And that consideration paid off in a big way! In “I Want More,” Jane grapples with her longing for more out of life than the typical ‘50s woman is supposedly “meant” to have. Davila’s vocals passionately portray the character’s secret desires, while the growing disruption in the hallway symbolizes Jane’s increasing capacity to finally take what she wants. Does anyone else have chills?!
