There’s no shortage of lists claiming to rank the greatest songs in Broadway history — but this isn’t one of them. Think of this playlist as more of a starter pack: thirty memorable performances from original Broadway cast albums, ranging from the golden age to the present day. You’ll hear songs that helped define the genre, alongside a few that deserve to be better known. Together, they offer a taste of what makes Broadway so irresistible — its mix of humor and heartbreak, spectacle and intimacy, old-school glamour and modern wit.
The opening track, “Hello!” from The Book of Mormon, felt like the right way to fling open the curtain. From there, the playlist hops through time and tone: the romantic sweep of South Pacific and Camelot, the biting modernity of Avenue Q and Hamilton, the pure joy of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, and the emotional fireworks of Dreamgirls and Company. These songs were chosen less for their chart positions or critical acclaim than for the way they make you feel something — whether that’s laughter, goosebumps, or the urge to belt along.
Because this isn’t a comprehensive history lesson, there are many classics missing — and that’s part of the fun. Consider it an invitation to explore further: if you’re drawn to the lush melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the edge of Sondheim, or the showstopping belt of Jennifer Holliday, Broadway’s got plenty more where this came from. For now, just hit play and let the overture begin.
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