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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?

Must-Listen Musical Classics for Beginners (21–30)

Dreamgirls — Dreamgirls (We’re Your Dreamgirls)Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose

A story depicting The Dreams, a trio of Black women modeled after Motown’s legendary girl group, The Supremes.

Released in 2006, the film features today’s stars Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy.

With a cast renowned for their vocal prowess, the scene where the Dreamgirls don mermaid-like costumes and perform is absolutely breathtaking.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) ~ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)Dick Van Dyke

A film adaptation of the swashbuckling adventures a dreamy, slightly eccentric father tells his children.

In it, Chitty can transform into a boat or an airplane to help the protagonists.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a musical film released in 1968.

It stars Dick Van Dyke as Potts, a single father, who takes his two children on a picnic in a car named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the bedtime story he tells them there becomes the content of the film itself.

Classic songs recommended for musical beginners (31–40)

High School Musical — We’re All In This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

High School Musical Cast – We’re All In This Together (From “High School Musical”)
High School Musical — We’re All In This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

High School Musical is set at a fictional American high school.

When it aired on the Disney Channel in 2006, it became an instant hit, and several sequels were produced.

The series brightly portrays life-sized teens who struggle and rejoice as they grow, giving viewers a boost of energy.

Zac Efron, who played one of the lead roles, Troy, broke through with this work.

Vanessa Hudgens, who played Gabriella, the character who introduces him to the joy of singing, reportedly dated him in real life for a time.

She also broke through with this work and has appeared in many productions.

Sister Act — I Will Follow HimSister Act Cast

I Will Follow Him [with Japanese translation] from Sister Act
Sister Act — I Will Follow HimSister Act Cast

This is a comedy film about Whoopi Goldberg, blessed with a dynamite voice, who witnesses a murder, is chased, and causes all sorts of commotion while being hidden in a convent.

“I Will Follow Him” is performed in the church by Whoopi together with a large group of nuns, and it’s absolutely overwhelming.

Released in 1992.

The original is Peggy March’s 1963 version.

La La Land — Another Day of SunLa La Land

La La Land – Another Day of Sun (subtitle english)
La La Land — Another Day of SunLa La Land

A musical that swept the film awards in 2016, brimming with homages to classic musicals of the past.

The song that plays at the beginning of the film seems to encapsulate the brightness, youthfulness, and dynamism that run throughout the entire work.

Saturday Night Fever — More Than a WomanBee Gees

Saturday Night Fever – More Than A Woman (Bee Gees)
Saturday Night Fever — More Than a WomanBee Gees

A quintessential musical film of the 1970s, when disco sounds flowed through everything.

This work also marked John Travolta’s breakthrough.

It shines not only as a dance movie, but by focusing on the directionless anger of American youth at the time and the distortions born of a stratified society.

The Bee Gees’ “More Than a Woman,” used in the scene where Travolta and his partner dance in the contest, is an excellent track in which sweetness and sparkle blend beautifully.

A Chorus Line — OneA Chorus Line Cast

A Chorus Line premiered on stage in 1975 and was adapted into a film in 1985.

The renowned actor Michael Douglas serves as the producer, and his former lover, Cassie—who comes to audition—is played by Alyson Reed.

The song One is a piece you can still hear today, including in commercials.