Famous songs recommended for musical beginners

Cats ~ MemoryElaine Paige

Memory – Elaine Paige (from Cats )

The musical Cats is one of the works that achieved major worldwide box-office success.

The score was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has created many musical numbers.

“Memory,” sung with heartrending emotion by Grizabella, an aging former glamour cat, is arguably the most moving song in the show.

Wicked — Defying GravityStephen Schwartz

Defying Gravity (From “Wicked” Original Broadway Cast Recording/2003)

Premiering on Broadway in 2003, the musical Wicked tells the story of the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South from The Wizard of Oz.

In Japan, it has been performed by the Shiki Theatre Company since 2007.

Known in Japanese as “Jiyū o Motomete,” the song “Defying Gravity” is a rousing number that belts out, “From now on, I’m going to live the way I want!” and stands as one of the most popular songs in the show.

Les Misérables — I Dreamed a DreamClaude-Michel Schönberg

Les Misérables (2012) – I Dreamed A Dream Scene (1/10) | Movieclips

A young girl who once cherished pure dreams and ideals is buffeted by fate and driven to the brink of despair—her heart’s cry rendered in a beautifully heartrending melody in this gem of a ballad.

Since its Paris premiere in 1980, the piece has been continually covered by many artists; in the 2012 film Les Misérables, Anne Hathaway performed it, earning her an Academy Award.

It is a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has known life’s hardships and setbacks, and with those who treasure sincerity and purity of feeling.

The Phantom of the Opera — The Music of the NightAndrew Lloyd Webber

The Music Of The Night (From ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ Motion Picture)

The Phantom of the Opera, a novel by the French author Gaston Leroux.

Based on real events that occurred at the Paris Opera in the 19th century, the work is also known as the source material for musicals and films.

“The Music of the Night” is a tender, romantic song sung by the Phantom—the titular Opera Ghost—to Christine, the object of his affection.

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RENT – Seasons of LoveJonathan Larson

Seasons of Love (From the Motion Picture RENT)

A song from the Broadway musical Rent, which is based on Puccini’s opera La Bohème.

The musical tells the story of young people facing various challenges, such as being unable to pay their rent.

This song also makes a strong impression as the opening in the film version.

Centered on the theme of “a year,” it’s a piece that reminds us of the importance of everyday moments.

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42nd Street (42nd Street) ~ 42nd Street (42nd Street)Harry Warren

42nd Street (1980 Original Broadway Cast) – 13. 42nd Street

A gem of a classic that vividly paints New York’s iconic streets in all their splendor.

Set to a jazzy, rhythmic melody, it brings to life the bustle of the avenues leading to Times Square and the diverse expressions of the people who gather there.

Since its debut in a 1933 film, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Mel Tormé and Diana Krall, and has remained beloved across generations.

In 1980, it was also featured in a Broadway musical and won a Tony Award.

Its energetic performance and uplifting melody are perfect for when you want to brighten your mood or take a fresh step forward.

The Greatest Showman — This Is MeKeala Settle

The Greatest Showman Cast – This Is Me (Official Lyric Video)

A song that resonates with a message of courage to speak to the world and pride in the “true self” everyone possesses.

Released by Atlantic Records in October 2017, it won Best Original Song at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

As part of the soundtrack for the film The Greatest Showman, it became beloved worldwide and was a massive hit, reaching a peak of No.

3 in the UK.

Celebrating the strength to stand up to prejudice and discrimination and the importance of accepting oneself, this heartwarming track supports everyone who wishes to live authentically.