An I-Don’t-Like-Musicals Musical Theater Playlist

Tonight the cast of "Hamilton" performs via satellite at the Grammy Awards, and this fall the cast album’s #12 debut on the Billboard 200 was the highest outing in the category since 1963. To put that in context, it’s the first time since Keanu Reeves was born, since Andy Griffith was on TV, and since AstroTurf was invented.

Even more impressive, "Hamilton" snagged the #1 spot on Billboard’s rap albums for the week of November 28th, beating out Fetty Wap (#2) and Drake (#3).  

See how upset Drake is about it?

Musical theater geeks know, though, that the "Hamilton" cast album, superb as it is, doesn't hold the sum total of showtunes capable of crossing into the mainstream — not when there’s the familiar folk of "Once", the earnest emo of "Bloody Bloody Bloody Jackson" and the lovable Latin hip-hop of  "In the Heights." While "Hamilton" fans may be all about not giving away their shot, even begrudging Broadway converts should consider offering one to this musical theater playlist. These seven songs are so much more than showtunes.

Everything Changes 

Share this song from "Waitress" with your friend who knows all the words to “King of Anything.” Sara Bareilles wrote the music and lyrics for this new musical that opens soon.

Gold

This song from "Once" pairs well with a tankard of Guinness and a nice slideshow of the Irish countryside.

Illness is a Metaphor

This song from "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" would be right at home on that playlist from your teen years when you were really into Dashboard Confessional.

Sugar Daddy

Your friend who loves "How I Met Your Mother" but hates musicals may be swayed by Barney Stinson's singing in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Besides, who can forget that time Neil Patrick Harris danced on Sting at the Tony Awards?

Sonya Alone

"Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" may be inspired by Tolstoy, but this song will inspire you to listen to powerful female folk singers (like Joan Shelley).

I Made That

Add this tune from "The Burnt Part Boys" to your favorite summertime country music playlist.

Lonely Woman

This song from musical theater songwriter Joe Iconis belongs on your feel-good morning playlist, with Ben Folds-esque piano thumping and a chorus you'll hum at your desk all day.

Do you know more musical theater songs that deserve mainstream love? Let us know in the comments!