Famous songs recommended for musical beginners
“Musicals seem a bit intimidating…” Do you ever feel that way?
In fact, the world of musicals is full of timeless songs that almost everyone has heard at least once.
From the passionate dance numbers performed in the rain, to heart-wrenching love songs that resonate deep within, to choral pieces that illuminate grand stories—the magical world woven by music and performance is sure to captivate you.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of gems that even newcomers to musicals can enjoy.
Why not open the door to the wonderful world of musicals yourself?
- [2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!
- Famous songs recommended for musical beginners
- The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Must-See for Beginners! A Roundup of Easy-to-Sing Western Songs for Karaoke
- Famous Disney Western Songs | Packed with romantic classics!
- [Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
- Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
- 【2026】The State of World Music Now: Introducing Masterpieces to Enjoy Diverse Musical Cultures
- Carefully selected Western songs to listen to while studying—only tracks that really deepen your focus
- A collection of Western songs with titles starting with “L”
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
Classic songs recommended for musical beginners (11–20)
The Sound of Music — Do-Re-MiRichard Rodgers
This is a gem of a classic that warmly portrays how music opens children’s hearts.
Crafted by American composer Richard Rodgers to make learning the basics of the musical scale fun, the song was born in 1959 as part of the Broadway musical The Sound of Music.
Julie Andrews’s performance in the 1965 film adaptation is etched deeply in the hearts of people around the world.
In the English version, the choice of words aligned with the scale is exquisite, and in Japan, Peggy Hayama’s Japanese version—which aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta in April 1961—has been loved by many for its friendly, accessible lyrics.
It’s a song you can enjoy singing together with family and friends.
The Lion King — Circle of LifeElton John
The Lion King is beloved not only as a Disney production but also as a staple in Japan’s Shiki Theatre Company repertoire.
Its opening number, Circle of Life, is cherished worldwide as the song that symbolizes the work.
The music was composed by the world-renowned singer-songwriter Elton John.
The song was even nominated for a Grammy Award! Knowing this history makes it sound all the more captivating.
School of Rock ~ If only you would listenAndrew Lloyd Webber
A song that colors a moving story filled with dreams and passion.
Its gentle melody, which tenderly embraces the worries and wishes of children, resonates deeply with audiences.
The piece delicately portrays the earnest desire for parents and teachers to understand their feelings.
This song, featured in the musical based on the film “School of Rock,” was nominated for four Tony Awards in 2016 and won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.
It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to bridge the emotional distance between adults and children.
Annie — TomorrowAileen Quinn
Annie is a work that has been performed on stage in Japan in Japanese.
The stage production from Broadway was adapted into a film as the 1982 movie Annie, and a remake was released in 2014.
Tomorrow is a song with a melody line you can’t forget once you’ve heard it.
Diana (DIANA) ~ The World Fell in LoveDavid Bryan
Created by David Bryan, this piece is one of the most striking songs in the musical DIANA.
In this work depicting the life of Princess Diana, it captures the moment she won the hearts of people around the world.
Its sweeping melody and moving lyrics beautifully convey Diana’s appeal and influence, resonating deeply with listeners.
Premiering in 2021, it was also staged on Broadway.
It’s a highly recommended track for those interested in stories about captivating figures and for music fans seeking an emotional song.
The Wizard of Oz — Somewhere Over the RainbowJudy Garland
The story woven by its translucent melody gently envelops our yearning for a utopia.
First introduced in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, this piece has since been sung by many artists not only as a number within the film, but as a standalone work.
Its heartwarming melody—familiar to almost everyone—and lyrics that portray a young girl’s pure wish for her dreams to come true speak to our hearts, giving us courage and strength.
It’s a song we highly recommend when you want to feel calm or are ready to take a new step forward.
Must-Listen Musical Classics for Beginners (21–30)
The Producers ~ I Wanna Be a ProducerMel Brooks
Down-on-his-luck producer Max and accountant Leo scheme to strike it rich by staging a deliberately terrible musical.
That’s the brilliant comedy The Producers.
It’s so comically over-the-top that no one could dislike its story.
“I Wanna Be a Producer” is a song in which, amid the tedium of life as an accountant, he sings about his dream of making it on Broadway.