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?
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Must-Listen Musical Classics for Beginners (21–30)
Beauty and the Beast — Beauty and the BeastAriana Grande & John Legend
The animated Beauty and the Beast from 1991 was adapted into a live-action film in 2017.
This was the first live-action remake of a Disney animated film.
Emma Watson, who played Belle, embodied “Beauty” with her pure elegance.
Here, we present the duet version performed by Ariana Grande and John Legend.
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.
Classic songs recommended for musical beginners (31–40)
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.
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
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.
Man of La Mancha — The Impossible DreamPeter O’Toole
A musical film in which the great British actor Peter O’Toole appears as Don Quixote.
The original work is a novel by the Spanish writer Cervantes.
In Japan as well, Kōshirō Matsumoto has long played the role of Don Quixote on stage.
“The Impossible Dream” is a renowned song that can be considered the film’s main theme.
Chicago ~ Nowadays (Finale)Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones
It’s a musical well known in Japan as the work in which Ryoko Yonekura made her Broadway debut.
The setting is Chicago in the 1920s.
The story unfolds around the world of show business and centers on Roxie, who dreams of success there, and Velma, the star she admires.
“Nowadays” is the number performed in the finale, sung in the scene where Roxie and Velma stand together on stage.