Guns And Ships: As Awesome As It Is Fast

 This song is only two minutes and eight seconds long, yet the hype it fills me with after every listen lasts much much longer. In my once a month Hamilton post journey as we head towards the musicals 10th anniversary, I decided today to touch on the song "Guns And Ships" the moment where Layfette gets to shine, and is a great prelude to "History Has Its Eyes On You", so much like the two instances in this song of amazing speed rapping lets waste now time and jump right in, or in the case of the show jumping on and off the table which just adds even more to the hype.

The song is introduced by Burr, rapped by Layfette as we are caught up to what he has been doing, and then he convinces Washington to bring Hamilton back on to the front lines. This is a moment that is in-between pivotal emotional moments, which was "That Will Be Enough" and "History Has Its Eyes On You", the song even ends on the piano that leads into the latter. The song is meant just to transition back to the war, and yet it is so exciting and so much fun. The lyrics are great as is the instrumentation, and the mid song tone shift to Washington happens so naturally and also works super well. The use of the opening song also shows is a great use of theming at the beginning and the second half of the song.

Seeing three actors play Hamilton's friends, in Act One and then play his son and Enemies in Act Two shows the range of the actors but also the scope of the story. Using the opening song to show the line "We fought with him" and "Me, I died for him", in two different lights and meanings yet being the same words is still mind blowing to me. In this case the fought with him happens to be on the same side. The song is just super fun and the energy in this song is absolutely amazing.

The song is so fast paced that I dare not sing along with the lyrics lest I make a fool of myself, but I still love listening to this song. The lyrics are great and and I just have so much fun with it. The speed of the raps really making this song stand out, as I said where in other shows this would be a short song to get us from point A to B or even not a song at all. The fact that every song in Hamilton is the entire framework of the show with little to no speaking at all, means every song has to push the plot along while also being entertaining, driving the plot along, and even connecting to the one listening to it. The lyrics to this song pack quite a punch, being super memorable and working as a musical song that has to convey emotions and not halt the story. 

This is a great song to listen to as you go through the show, or even on its own, as it does not take up a bunch of time, which is another level of why this works so well. The song does not overstay its welcome and moves the plot of the show along without throwing off the pacing of the narrative. The song has to work as a song while still keeping the plot going, and this works with super entertaining speed rapping. 

After the first batch of lyrics which are great, the listen is treated to a second round that hits just as hard as the first set. The moment it slows down, the song begins to work its way into the next, and even though the tone and mood change, it happens so quickly and naturally that the song ends on a slower note. It ends on the note of preparing for something big, asking Alexander to come and be a part of what he has dreamed of, as history is about to be made. "The world will never be the same.." close out the song, changing from fun and upbeat to having a piano score to add the weight of the moment.

This song may be over in the blink of an eye but it is worth a couple listen, picking up the great lyrics, the balance of comedy, drama, and moving the plot along, all while not overstaying the welcome, makes this song great. Either as you listen to the whole show, or just on its own with other music, this song is just great, and pure fun from start to finish, all while keeping the momentum going. They may finally got the guns and ships they needed, but they also got them in the most entertaining way possible with great lyrics that pack a punch. 

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory: The Classic That Is Still Packed With Pure Imagination

 With Easter almost here at the time of this post, one thing comes to mind for many, and that is candy, and there is one candy themed musical movie that is still sweet no matter how many times I watch it. The original "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory" starring Gene Wilder, this classic musical about dreams, hope, golden tickets, and lots of candy of so many different types. This is one of my all time favorite movie musicals still, after plenty of rewatches throughout so many stages of my life.

The way the movie looks is so amazing, the feel of the movie makes the chocolate factory feel so special, the world is so drab and melancholy before hand. Even the songs like "The Candy Man" and "Cher Up Charlie" are more soft, and somber, as we are introduced to our lead and the world he lives in. Charlie feels like a regular kid, he loves his family but he also gets upset, and has dreams, that can ger dashed. The setting of the film is so whimsical, having childlike wonder in it, while still having and edge and trying to teach a lesson or two to the audience. The pacing of the story and the events that atmosphere matches each mood trying to be conveyed perfectly. 

The writing in this movie is great, it's comedic, heartful, and inspires the creative mind. The song "Pure Imagination" has been performed alongside so many other songs from this film as timeless classics. Each one being households names for either being fun, or even sweet and somber. Each song much like the way the movie is filmed, acted, and written also fits the mood of each scene so well. This at the end of the day is a story of how doing the right thing, and living a life of integrity, not being greedy, or spoiled, will lead to something good someday. A moral seen countless times in media but still is conveyed well, watching someone achieve a dream from a position where even dreaming itself seems like a waste of time. 

The world of the factory having surprise after surprise around the corner for the audience and the ones walking through it in the story, all while Willy Wonka himself has the air of someone who has actual good advice for those willing to listen. The lessons are simple yet effective each accompanied by Oompa Loompa ballads that are way to catchy while still having lessons on moderation, living life, and even raising children. 

The acting from the entire cast is great, from comedic moments to even the more quiet ones. There are tons of jokes that just fly by, or a line from Willy Wonka that blurs the line between comedy and inspirational, which is great for the character. The moment you meet him, you wonder how much of him is real and how much is a show, there is always a mysterious layer of him which leads to great payoffs as the movie draws to a close, perfectly acted by Gene Wilder. Willy Wonka has a whimsy to him but also a cynical edge as well, being jaded as someone who has grown older yet still wishes to have those hints of imagination and wants to pass it on to someone who still has that pure imagination.

The songs are great in the context of the movie and even outside of it, I can listen to "Cheer Up Charlie", "I Got A Golden Ticket" and "Pure Imagination" any day, and they set the mood of either hanging on to your dreams, fulfilling your dreams, or in the case of "Pure Imagination" creativity itself. The melodies and instrumentation classic, recognizable and timeless. The lyrics are catchy and fit each song, being memorable and fitting both withing and outside the movie on their own. Each song is varied, stands on its own, and just has such range. From the children, to the adults, each song is memorable, and not one is weak or doesn't feel out of place in this movie. 

This movie is just great, I saw it plenty of times as a kid, as an adult, and I will plenty of times more. This is just a great movie that still hits the same feeling as the first time I saw it when I was young, and is a great film for all ages. A movie that inspires me through its setting, music, and themes. I could listen to the original soundtrack or covers of these timeless songs, they are great to fit the mood, but also just as songs. A film that still inspires me to imagine and create, a classic now, and will always be. 

Why Do They Keep Making Willy Wonka?

 One book spawned three movies, a stage musical, and a social media diester last year, and I don't think those will be the last of the adaptations either. The world of Willy Wonka has brought a world of pure imagination to generation, after generation, unless we are talking about the experience that conned many people out of their money, or certain opinions on the multiple film adaptations, my favorite still being for the original. I have an indifference towards the Tim Burton outing and the recent prequel film starring the man who's name I love hearing being pronounced by Adam Sandler ,and have never listened to or seen the stage adaptation, aside from listening to song or two, and never read the book, I have seen all the movies and have asked myself, "Why does Willy Wonka keep being adapted?". 

This world of golden tickets and chocolate rivers has been given an origin story and even retellings and from looking at a plot synopsis and the track list, the musical is surprisingly not a straight adaptation of  the classic film starring Gene Wilder, it carries a couple songs but even those have different spins on them, making it stand out while paying homage.

Wonka even kept that song and "Oompa Loompa" but hosted a cavalcade of new songs in a different styles as it tries to tell its story. Fans today are still split on the Tim Burton adaptation but that too, tried a variety of styles of music. It ended with "Pure Imagination" but before you get to the classic lyrics you have to listen to original ones that tie to the plot and setting of this film that do not hit as hard, only when the song goes back into the territory that we all know did it fit and stick the landing 

I think it is because of the impact of the original film, which did not do well in theaters but rather did through television and over time, and has become a household name. The music and songs are timeless and recognized in being played, covered, or even parodied. "The Candy Man", "I Got A Golden Ticket", "Pure Imagination" and of course "Oompa Loompa", all of these have great lyrics and can be hummed so easily. But it isn't just the songs, the atmosphere of the chocolate factory, and the bright colors it holds, the varying locations such as the chocolate river or the nightmare tunnel stay with the viewer and are easy to recognize elsewhere. 

Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory is timeless for so many reasons and I will dive into that, sooner then later. I can see why movies have been made since, and I am sure more will come.

Wonka in 2023 was so successful and was enjoyed by critics and audiences, I am even okay with it, not fond of just okay, and I could see that getting a sequel and then even lead up to yet another remake of the classic film that so many of us have grown up with. With the massive success of this film, as well as Wicked I am sure the chances of a  sequel will happen is more likely then not.

This property keeps getting installments, because it is profitable, recognizable, and each one does its best to be different. Those are the obvious answers but in terms of being recognizable, I feel like there is a bit more. I feel like that the original is timeless, and is so beloved that we like going to this world, we like hearing "Pure Imagination", and we want to see how the new adaptation will divert the path of the plot. Some retelling in different ways, and now we have a prequel.

As long as there even a hint of that charm, a hint of that wonder that has brought so many to just sit back and enjoy, the audience and even myself will be curious. The classic story of an outcast with a pure heart being brought from the ordinary to the extraordinary, into that world we never knew, and how even the most bitter of hearts can be changed. That is why I think we have gotten so many, and will get many trips, either as prequels, remakes, or retellings, into the chocolate factory. 

Just An Ordinary Sunday: Sunday In The Park With George And How It Became My One Of My Favorite Musicals

Spring is here, the weather is getting warmer and the sun is out longer. One musical I associate with this season, summer, and many other aspects of life outside of weather and one I listen to all year round is Sunday In The Park With George. My favorite Sondheim musical, one about love, art, ambition, and where we find our artistic drive and inspiration. The music simply beautiful, a work of art itself come to life as we follow two artistic Georges, who must navigate life as artists, and deal with criticism from the world around them while they just try to bring their passions to life. I have been listening to songs from this show since 2017, and even discussed it on this blog, and I am certain much like some of my favorites, I will again, but today I wanted to talk about it once again. This show is just that good.

I wish to see this show someday, I want to, but until then I have the cast albums from the original and the 2017 revival which I listen to regularly and the proshot from PBS all those years ago.  From the moment I first heard this album, I never stopped listening to it, either the whole album or even just one song that I am in the mood for. 

From the moment things begin we are thrust into a world of art, beginning not with introductions to the cast, but rather the art. The art is the not only the main subject but I would even say it is the star of the show. The art created in the past in the first act, and the present of the second act is the subject of most of the songs in the show. The themes are love and art, dealing with others opinions both positive and negative, and how we find creative inspiration. 

Songs such as "Finishing The Hat", "The Dog Song" and "Putting It Together", tackle the art making process and trying to bring fourth creative inspiration. The song "Finishing The Hat" talking about making art, but wanting to be in love, leaving the first George to decide to just focus on the art for now. He balances back and fourth between his piece and the heartbreak he is currently battling, feeling unsupported as we watch him pick his art time and time again over the woman he loves. Bemoaning the fact that the woman he loved is not there to see the art piece, as he makes a hat where there never was a hat. 

You see the second George having what is seemed as success but not without the cost of great stress and tons of criticism You see him navigating the social side and politics of creating art, until he has a moment similar to the first George, and finds inspiration at the right moment.

In both renditions of "Sunday" , the lightbulb goes off, the world fades away, and the artist is left with the inspiration they were seeking. They are left with just themselves, the fundamentals that are echoed throughout the show, and the art they are about to create. A beautiful sweeping song, at first listen that seems to just be describing a painting, but then the instrumentation, the descriptions, and the way the ensemble comes together makes it so much more. It makes the song a work of art itself, it sweeps and soars into a soft and powerful piece. One that sits with me, and has with many, when Stephen Sondheim passed away, many gathered in Time Square to sing this song. Even if you do not watch the proshot or listen to the album, listen to this song. Ending on one of the most beautiful harmonies I have ever heard, that still gives me chills. 

In or out of context of the show, the music is amazing. The album itself helps tell the story and shows the narrative moving along even without knowing the general plot. The first time I heard the album, I got the main gist of the story and how the plot was progressing, even the change to the second George because everything is explained through the music. The lyrics and instrumentation work together to make each song have its own unique feel as if they were all paintings hanging in a gallery, some somber, some are comedic and light, and some are deep. 

The music connects this narrative and works well to establish feelings that connect and resonate with the ones listening, while still telling its story well. I am crushed when the love falls apart, I feel inspired to create when I hear the talk about art, and I feel moved, even sometimes to tears at the beauty of "Sunday"

This Sunday may have been ordinary for the ones being painted, but the work left behind which is still seen and discussed and has been for ages, and will be for ages, but this show is far from. My favorite work of Sondheim's and one that in so many ways can connect to the listener. This is still one of my top 5 musicals and will always be, one that can inspire and move me, containing a wide range of emotions. "What An Ordinary.. Sunday"

The Room Where It Happens: Burr's Ambition

 Sometimes we just wish to involved. In art, in work, socially, it is never fun to look on in from the outside. But what about in U.S History? What about in the creation of a newly independent nation? If the person in question was an outsider by choice, and has now seen the fruits of that, has seen what waiting for it truly costs, and wants something a little bit more. As we continue on this monthly Hamilton journey culminating with celebration of the shows tenth anniversary, I wanted to talk about the other side of the coin, Hamilton's ambition is a focal point of the show, but so is Burr's a very different, more relaxed form of ambition. But I wanted to take a peek at a point in which those philosophies and ambitions collided, in "The Room Where It Happens", one of if not my favorite song in ACT 2. 

The song follows Burr as an outsider seeing politics play out and commentating on it, interacting with Hamilton in which Hamilton tells Burr how you can't wait for things to accomplish your goals, that getting love, getting hate, will always be more then just waiting for the perfect moment to dive in. Hamilton willing to compromise to see his dreams come true, as Burr throughout the whole show this point has only waited until the moment was right, or where he would benefit most, even changing political sides and ideologies to see which fares better. Burr then being left wanting to be a part of shaping the nation, the politics, to be in the room where it happens. 

We see two sides of ambition, one who is willing to do everything, and one willing to do what is needed but only when needed. Seeing Burr being tested at this moment changes the emotional trajectory for the rest of the show, seeing people around him doing such things, and he is on the outside. Leading to an emotionally charged moment where he wants to just be there, where he knows what it takes, with lyrics such as "We dream of a brand new start. But we dream in the dark for the most part, dark as a tomb where it happens, I got to be in the Room..". He has spent the whole time mentioning what these deals are made of, and how so few know what truly happens besides closed doors. 

This song much like so many of the show is packed with genuine, real, emotion, an emotion of wanting to be a part of something. It shows that at the core of decisions we question in this life, that sometimes there were once real feelings and longings. 

The song is packed with great lyrics, and a great instrumentation. Making it great within the story, but also just so fun to listen to on its own, as just stated with many songs in this musical. This song has emotions that can relay back to the audience and resonate with the one listening to the song, perhaps as Burr or as Hamilton. Hamilton's ambition, willing to compromise with enemies, and the work he is put in is evident throughout this song, even though it's not his song. Which can be true of many of Burr's songs, very seldom of them don't involve Hamilton, even "Wait For It" shows his views on Alexander's life. Seeing a moment where Alexander calls everything that Burr stands for into question, showing that standing for nothing leads to falling for everything.

Calling back to a poignant and wonderful song from ACT 1 that defined a character and the decisions they made, and with those comments, pushing that character into wanting to be something more. This song has comedy in it as well, with some well placed jokes from those on the inside, tying everything into a very real song. This song has great pacing, does not overstay its welcome, and propels the plot forward as a stepping stone that led to that fateful duel. All because of a desire, a deep want to help shape, and to match the ambition of someone, to join those viewed as ahead. The want to be in the room where it happens. 

Five Musical Movie Adaptations I Want To See

 The Oscars are now well over and I did not watch them, opting to watch clips and recaps afterwards, the only award ceremonies I actively seek out are the Tony Awards and the Game Awards, the latter purely for memes and announcements. But with Wicked taking home two awards, I thought to myself what movie musical adaptations I would love to see, Tick Tick Boom, In The Heights, and Wicked are proof that movie musicals can work. I love a good proshot and I am so excited for the SIX movie to be in theaters, and was so happy that Waitress was able to get one. Hollywood is going to keep producing movie adaptations, and I am fine with that, there are great musical movies, and great musical proshots, they coexist. So these are five musical movies, in no particular order that I think not only could work, but also I would go and see on opening night in a heartbeat. 

5. Hamilton

I would go and see this, now I know we have the proshot on Disney Plus, but I would still want to see how this would fit into a movie. As a part one and two? Would there be dialogue between the songs which would make it stand out from the stage version. If it is a straight adaptation, it would mean people could see it without paying for a stage show, having to wait on a tour or travel, and won't even need Disney plus. The reason I want to see this, is because I want to see it attempted, and see who would be cast, seeing who could bring their own unique style to this mega musical. This is something I have heard plenty of speculation, and even want for it, and I want it too, just to see how it would turn out, as someone who has seen it live, and loves the proshot. 

4. Come From Away

The music in this show, and the story is powerful, I think would work on film, this spot was originally going to be for Shucked, but that is already getting a musical movie, that I am sure to review when it comes out. I know the proshot already exists but that is on Apple TV as we see with many proshots, some are available for purchase, some on DVD, and some are streaming. Many are on different streaming sites, all with their own price tag, and I think this would work as a film. The story is inspiring, the message about coming together is powerful, and the show itself is already movie length. If anything I would love to see the proshot get a run in movie theaters, having seen one in theaters it is a great experience, I want more people to discover the amazing message, great story, and fantastic music of this incredible show. 

3. Into The Woods 

I want a remake of this movie. Yes the movie and proshot exist, but I want to see the full musical put into a movie. With movie lengths getting longer in some cases these days, the whole show can fit into a run time, without cutting the songs and characters. I want to see the entirety of into the woods put into a film, and if this was a part one and part two, the "to be continued" would hit so much harder. I love Into The Woods and I think if other films or animated classics can be remade, musicals can be too. Annie has been made so many times, I would love to see Les Mis, and Phantom Of The Opera, and so many others get second tries to combine the wonders of musical theater and the irreplicable format of film into a perfect harmony. 

2. Sunday In The Park With George 

Speaking of harmony, Merrily We Roll Along is getting a film, which is a great, and so many Sondheim greats have gotten movie adaptations, in the case of West Side Story getting two. But my favorite has yet to take the big screen, this beautiful work about the art of making art, criticism, tragic love, and where we find the balance between art and life, deserves a movie. This would work incredibly well using either two separate actors or the same to play the two Georges, and film can easily do the transition we see after intermission into the future. This musical is a masterpiece and would make an incredible film, the messages are strong, the music is powerful, and the story relatable in so many ways. I feel this story should be told and would be an incredible movie, and you can never go wrong with Sondheim. 

1. Legally Blonde The Musical

Yes I am back to this again, but if Mean Girls can get a movie, this one deserves it. One of the best examples of a film adaptation that not only stands along side, but to many surpasses what it is an adaptation of, including in my eyes, this show is great. Packed with comedy, a strong female lead, and an inspiring message of finding oneself, this would be perfect for the big screen. A movie adaptation would give room to make changes, maybe add a song or two, and cut some things that are very much of the time it was made it, possibly making it a definitive version of the musical. It could stand side by side with the proshot that I find myself watching too many times to count, characters could be given more, and there are plenty of ways to improve the show. I love this and after seeing the Mean Girls movie, thought how I enjoyed it in some places, and had a couple of qualms in other areas of the film, but it made me want to see Legally Blonde in this format. I think the message, comedy, and energetic music would be perfect for movie theaters today, and with films such as Barbie exploring such areas, why not do it in musical form. Much like Mean Girls or The Color Purple, a musical new take on a beloved movie just might work, and to me, I think this would not only work, but could be one of the best examples of how its done, if done well. 

Ranking Every Legally Blonde Song From My Least Favorite To Most Favorite

I have not done one of these in a very long time, but I can not think of a better show return to this style of post with. International Women's day is approaching, I wanted to talk about one my favorite shows with a unforgettable leading lady, great comedic, a fantastic message and showstopping music. I will talk about this show once more, and I am sure this won't be the last, it constantly inspires me and is still my favorite musical of all time, ever since I first heard it in high school. Having watched the proshot countless times, listened to the music, and even seen it live in 2022 which was a dream come true, I am including songs you can only get by watching the proshot or seeing a live production. This is my ranking of every song in Legally Blonde The Musical. As long as it sung and there is dialogue in between it, in the case of the proshot the sing along words come on screen which has made this so much easier.  Finally some of the content of this musical is dated and is reflective of its time, but there is so much in here that has aged well and is timeless in its own right, this is all my personal opinion so if you would think different, that is totally fine. Some thoughts will be expanded, others I will not have much to say, with all of that out of the way, grab your dog, your bag, and let's look at my ranking of every song from my favorite musical. 

21. You Are A Delta Nu

This song lasts less then fifty seconds, it is a sweet moment, and is very fun, but barely counts as a song. It helps Elle connect with Brooke and that is great, but alas the short run time holds it back. Still fun though.

20. The Scene Of The Crime

This is the remnants of Legally Blonde Reprise. It is full of jokes and is a fun little moment, to let the ensemble get some fun jokes in towards the end of the show. Another song that is super short, but still fun. And even gives the judge a good moment in the second half of it, and some solid jokes as well.

19. Daughter Of Delta Nu

This is like two lines, but it is still hilarious. I laugh at it every time, every SINGLE time. So of the songs that are super short, this is my favorite. This was a fun bonus to add, now on to all the songs you can either see in the show, or hear in the album, even though some of them are quite short as well.

18. Harvard Variations 

This song is meant to establish Harvard and introduce us, even to a couple characters we see throughout the show which is good, but. There are a couple characters that end up not going anywhere in this show, so I wish the song was dedicated to Warner and Vivian even over an outdated character, and one who does not add to show ever again. We get their names and then nothing else, the song is catchy, has a couple laughs in it, but aside from that, it is one of the songs that differs from the style of most songs in the show, and it is just okay.

17. Serious (Reprise)

This song is hilarious but also has a bitter sweet ending to it, it starts with some nice jokes but really hammers in that Warner has just dropped Elle, trying to hammer in his disbelief in here. Trying to justify why he dumped her, you see Elle trying to hard to win him over, only for the song to end abruptly thanks to Vivian, a good reprise. 

15. There Right There 

This song is funny, this song is catchy, but at the end of the day it is just one joke. I like the ending where it showcases Emmit and Elle's skills in the courtroom, but this song at the end of the day is just one long outdated joke, for like three minutes. Part of me wishes this part was regulated to just a scene with some jokes in it, because this song came right after a joke heavy song with Bend And Snap. This song is funny, it's catchy, but it adds almost nothing to show, so it is ranked low for that reason, and because it is not the best joke told in the show, and it keeps on going for a while. 

15. Ireland (Reprise)

Less then a minute long but this reprise goes so hard. It has some good comedy in it, and cements Paulette as not only someone with her own story but also a good friend to Elle, arguably Elle's first friend since she came to Harvard. A joke or two, and some great lyrics and instrumentation, making this short and sweet, but a great listen.

14. Serious.

The song that sets the plot in motion, I really like the instrumentals and some of the comedic pay offs in this song, and the slower songs stand out because of the amount of fast paced ones. This one is a nice listen, and is important, but of the slower songs, this one is the one I listen to the least, a good song, that is kind of relaxing the more I think about it, until Elle rightfully screams at the end, and then the comedy as well as the waterworks are flowing.

13. Bend And Snap

This song is super funny, but feels like a follow up to a song from earlier in the show. The beat is good, some of the lyrics are funny, and the choreography is fun, and it is just a fun time. It has some good comedic layers and a good pay off, just a fun time to give the audience some time to breath and laugh before the latter half of act 2. 

12. Blood In The Water

This is a great villain song and sets the tone of the stakes, as well as what Elle is up against. We get a great showcase of Vivian's cold nature, as well as her Professor/Future Bosses philosophy. The warm and bright world that Elle was in at the beginning of the show is now cold and full of sharks in the water, looking for blood. The different style of this song meant to mimic that of 50's radio is also great, and uses the ensemble incredibly well. A good song right after Harvard Variations that really sets up the environment our lead is in.

11. Oh My God You Guys 

A high energy opening, that establishes some of the larger themes and aspects of our leads character. It shows her strengths and some areas she may need to grow. All from the eyes of her sorority sisters, the song establishes the fast pace of the songs, that the show has comedy elements in it, and that it is in fact a movie adaptation as it begins where the film does. As an opening this does everything it needs to, and starts us off on the right foot through a fun, high energy song.

10. Legally Blonde

This song is a punch to the stomach, hitting the emotional low point of the show. Filled with powerful lyrics a sweeping score, and excellent pacing to not only show the weight of the moment, but hammering in how quiet and sad it is compared to all the comedy that came before it. Even some of the serious moments had jokes in them before, but not this one. This ballad of lost hope, and being too late fits perfectly into the moment, and not only is a great listen, but is packed with emotion. And it leads to another song, I will discuss later.

9. Positive 

This song fires on all cylinders, not only comedically, but as a song. It is packed with jokes as well as being incredibly catchy. I laugh and sing along to this one every time, the jokes in it are great, the instrumentals are fantastic and it is just plain fun. One of my favorite uses of the Greek Chorus.

8. Whipped Into Shape

This ranks this high purely because of the choreography. If seen live or on the proshot, this song is impressive, yes it is a good opener to Act 2, but it also is incredible to see. Singing while jump roping is something I would only dream to pull off, but doing that, dancing, and BELTING, this song is a great way to get the energy back up right after intermission. A great introduction for Brooke, with a song that leaves me breathless just from watching it.

7. What You Want 

This song is so energetic, showing Elle's determination, through montage, costume changes, and even some music genre changes. Infusing comedy but also just having great lyrics, and some solid jokes, seeing her work to get to Harvard, though it maybe for Warner, it's engaging. You want to root for her, because Elle as a character can not only be relatable, but inspiring, she is so charismatic, and this song showcases that wonderfully, while having plenty of good laughs too. 

6.  Legally Blonde (Remix)

This is not a reprise, this is a remix. And this remix kicks so much butt, this remix rocks. Taking a sad ballad and not only proving that it works as an inspiring song in which our hero gets her second wind, but incredible moment for Enid and Vivian. Giving us the character development for Vivian we have long been waiting for as the audience in a pay off with an incredible song that leads us to the climax and finale of the show. We also get Paulette's big moment with a great dance break, which leads to an ending that gives me chills and brings the house down, it is an incredible way to bring the audience back to an emotional high after hitting rock bottom, done in such a fantastic way.

5. Ireland

What a great introduction for Paulette. Filled to the brim with jokes while also being a great and sweeping song, this was a great piece to welcome the audience after Positive. Still having the comedy, and being a great song, while being a different style of song is perfect. It keeps what I love about the show in it, while being different to stand on its own, leading to an amazing reprise, and has not only a ton of laughs, but some heart in it too. I love this song, as much as Paulette loves Ireland itself. 

4. Take It Like A Man

This is one of my favorites of the slower songs, seeing Elle return to favor to Emmit for his help earlier in the show is sweet, there are still some solid jokes in this moment, but this song is also great. There is great character growth, a really solid emotional pay off, and you get to someone who is shown to have given to our lead and probably many others, get back. This song is perfect to begin the blossoming romance that eventually blooms, while still just being a fantastic ballad. 

3. Find My Way/ Finale

The emotional core of the show, the message, as well as a happy ending (except for those who deserve what they get). This song is fantastic, taking it slow and ending on an even better version of what the show opened on, giving truly a perfect couple the song they deserve, this finale sticks the landing in every way, I enjoy it so much and it makes me just want to rewatch the proshot or start the album over, such a fantastic finale, to my favorite musical.

2. Chip On My Shoulder 

This song has inspired me in so many ways, Emmit's proper introduction over him being in Harvard Variations. I have seen myself in this song from the moment I heard it first all those years ago, someone who wants to give his mom the best, and help Elle out of her slump. Willing to help her get to that point, he has no ultier motives but rather was just happy to help someone pick themselves up. This is a song I have deep dived into and will talk about plenty more times I can tell you that. This song is inspiring, it's comedic, it helps the lead grow, it gives us an interesting new character with dreams and motivations you can get behind. There is so much packed into this song, and yet it doesn't overstay its welcome, it just works. It is a song I listen to when trying to get motivated to write a blog post, or create, it also is just a great listen on its own. This song is great, one of my favorites in musical theater as a whole, and one I can listen to in the album or on its own for a quick musical pick me up. 

1. So Much Better

This song embodies everything I love about Elle, and this is a great moment. Seeing the pay off of her hard work and seeing her finally move forward from Warner because she sees she is past it, pushing past her pain and seeing she is so much more then anyone thought possible. The song begins nice and soft and becomes so energetic, inspiring to anyone who every was heartbroken but also saw the light at the end of the tunnel. A perfect big song to do right before intermission that is not only catchy, but inspiring as well. Great lyrics, great instrumentation, and a long awaited character growth moment that our lead has been working towards, a great song that is a great listen, a great way to hype yourself up, and is a triumph in the story if you are watching it play out. This song isn't just good, it's so much better every single time I listen to it.