17 of the Catchiest Broadway Songs
Sarah Ferguson
We all know the songs I’m referring to. It’s those tunes you hear one verse of and then feel compelled to belt out the rest of the song- no matter where you are, what time it is, or who you’re with. The songs we feel a personal love/hate connection with- that are so good, yet so frustratingly catchy that we are stuck singing and listening to them on repeat for days! It’s the songs that you somehow know all the lyrics to, even without looking them up! Now everyone has their own takes on these songs, of course, but like or dislike, these tunes certainly are catchy!
17. Jekyll and Hyde- “Someone Like You”
The perfect combination of tragic and sweet, “Someone Like You” is a tune that just seems to stick with you, even long after the performance is over or after listening to it on your phone. You might not notice it at first, but you’ll eventually catch yourself humming the chorus or thinking about the lyrics in your head! It may not be as upbeat as some of the other songs on this list, but it is irresistible nonetheless.
16. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown- “My New Philosophy”
Kristin Chenoweth brings out the blissful childhood hopes and dreams in all of us with this playful little tune! We all reminisce about our childhood freedoms and innocence where our biggest decision to make was what to wear or which “philosophy” we liked! This song is a mesmerizing tune that will play on repeat in your head and leave you nostalgic for your youth all day long!
15. Curtains- “Show People”
“Show People” rings true with thespians and patrons of the arts alike as it captures the true life of those involved in the show business. John Kander knew what he was doing with this catchy little tune that nearly impossible not to sing! Although less known than many of the other songs on this list, if you listen to “Show People” you’ll see just what I mean when you can’t stop singing it!
14. CATS- “Memory”
Whether you love or hate this musical, “Memory” is one of the best known songs in musical theatre today. Whether you are a cat lady or more of a dog person, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece has wormed its way into everyone’s heart and has been covered by many famous artists, including Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion.
13. Wicked- “Defying Gravity”
One of the trademark songs of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, “Defying Gravity” empowers listeners of all ages and is a hard-to-forget tune! Idina Menzel truly rocked our world with this one! For a green woman, her voice was pure gold in this song!
12. The Phantom of the Opera- “The Phantom of the Opera”
Phantom is without a doubt one of the most famous musical theatre shows to ever grace this Earth, and its title song is no less famous. Simply hearing the opening notes of this piece can be cause enough for you to break out into song, whether you’re in the shower or on the subway!
11. A Chorus Line- “I Hope I Get It”
This tune is catchy in large part because of its relatability. Theatre kids just want to sing it whenever they can because it’s a song ABOUT US!
10. RENT- “Another Day”
RENT is another incredibly famous musical and the song “Another Day” is simply captivating. Whether you like or dislike RENT, this tune is so tempting that it’s rather hard to resist!
9. Chicago- Cell Block Tango
A song by several mysterious, attractive women accompanied by killer dancing? (Pun intended) Yes, please! And if you get a little too into the song, we’re sure they had it coming!
8. Avenue Q- It Sucks to Be Me
Perfect for your not-so-great days, “It Sucks to Be Me” is a playful little tune that is sure to make you re-evaluate how bad your day really is, or isn’t as the case may be.
7. Les Misérables- Do You Hear the People Sing?
We hear the people sing this song, for sure! I mean, the theme song of one of the most famous revolutions- not to mention one of the most famous shows, is pretty hard to resist!
6. Little Shop of Horrors- Suddenly Seymour
Personally, this is one of my favorite songs ever! “Suddenly Seymour” is one of those tunes that just makes you smile, no matter where you are. The nerdy-boy-next-door-finally-gets-the-girl-he-wants story is incredibly heartwarming, and for guys, this can be a fun song to belt out when you’re feeling particularly happy-go-lucky!
5. RENT- La Vie Boheme
Dancing on tabletops, sticking it to the man, this song has got it all! Another RENT masterpiece, this song makes everyone want to be a part of the bohemian lifestyle, and provides a great party atmosphere!
4. Hairspray- You Can’t Stop the Beat
It’s like we’re back in the ‘60s all over again! You certainly cannot stop this beat from getting stuck in your head all day long! A fun, upbeat musical song is sometimes exactly what you need! This particular tune makes it very hard to resist shakin’ and shimmying along!
3. Legally Blonde- Omigod You Guys
A sorority house thrown into an excited frenzy over the idea of a wedding? What could be more fun?! Not only is this tune infectious, but so is the mood! You’ll catch yourself humming the chorus for sure and maybe saying “omigod” more often than you’d like!
2. West Side Story- Gee, Officer Krupke
Poor Action! No one really knows where he belongs…aside from in our hearts! Who could resist a handful of boys down on their luck with puppy dog eyes?! I certainly can’t! A West Side Story favorite of mine, “Gee, Officer Krupke” is definitely worthy of the “Top 25 Most Played” playlist if you ask me!
1. Beauty and the Beast- Be Our Guest
The tale may be as old as time, but this song will never get old! A huge production number, this song pulls out all the stops with dancing dishes and silverware, enchanted furniture, and a charming candelabra with just the right amount of French flare! This song makes us hungry for more and I don’t just mean food!