WNYC: An I-Don't-Like-Musicals Musical Theater Playlist | WNYC
Tonight the cast of "Hamilton" performs via satellite at the Grammy Awards, and this fall the cast album’s #12 debut on the Billboard 200 was the highest outing in the category since 1963. To put that in context, it’s the first time since Keanu Reeves was born, since Andy Griffith was on TV, and since AstroTurf was invented.
Even more impressive, "Hamilton" snagged the #1 spot on Billboard’s rap albums for the week of November 28th, beating out Fetty Wap (#2) and Drake (#3).
Musical theater geeks know, though, that the "Hamilton" cast album, superb as it is, doesn't hold the sum total of showtunes capable of crossing into the mainstream — not when there’s the familiar folk of "Once", the earnest emo of "Bloody Bloody Bloody Jackson" and the lovable Latin hip-hop of "In the Heights." While "Hamilton" fans may be all about not giving away their shot, even begrudging Broadway converts should consider offering one to this musical theater playlist. These seven songs are so much more than showtunes.
Lonely Woman
This song from musical theater songwriter Joe Iconis belongs on your feel-good morning playlist, with Ben Folds-esque piano thumping and a chorus you'll hum at your desk all day.