Favorite Songs from Broadway Cast Recordings

One of the best ways to relive the great musical you just saw on Broadway is to get the cast album. And, for those not lucky enough to be able to see a show on Broadway, the cast albums are the next best thing. Now that our frenzy of getting to the theater has died down during the high heat of summer, we’re rounding up some of our favorite cast albums and picked our favorite songs from each.

Anastasia, “My Petersburg”
While “Journey to the Past” will always be a favorite from Anastasia in general, this one brings me right back to the dark theater, watching the actors perform. Derek Klena and Christy Altomare are just charming in this little tune.
Listen to it here when you preview the album.

Bandstand, “Nobody”
In a show full of big band numbers, this tight, catchy one stands out. It has all the pent-up emotion of each character on display and will have you ready to burst along with them.

A Bronx Tale, “Out of Your Head”
In the love story in the show, this is a song that has it all: the music that transitions from upbeat to slow and sweet, the heartfelt lyrics, and the “aw” factor.
Listen to it in this sampler:

Come From Away, “Me and the Sky”
You’re probably familiar with this song since it was Jenn Colela’s big number. Deservedly so. The story you get from the lyrics is tangible. The music pairs perfectly with it. It captures the range of emotion behind the story, and Colela’s performance is just so touching.
Listen to it here.

Dear Evan Hansen, “So Big/So Small”
So, “Waving Through a Window” is obviously brilliant (I could listen to it on repeat almost all day), BUT this song is so simple and heart-wrenching. The relatable lyrics (especially for any single parent or child raised by a single parent) and the performance reaches through the audio that it’s one that still brings me to tears when I hear it.

Falsettos, “I’m Breaking Down”
Stephanie J. Block. That’s all you need to know about this one. Although this show-stopping number is best experienced as you watch her fantastic performance, listening to it is the next best thing.

Groundhog Day, “If I Had My Time Again”
The lyrics in this show are so funny so this song not only captures that, but it also showcases the great way Barrett Doss and Andy Karl perform together. Not to mention, it’s super catchy, too, and makes me want to dance around my living room.

Hello, Dolly, “Elegance”
If you’re not familiar with the show, you have the chance to watch the movie version. This scene is generally my favorite because it has some silly moments and showcases some of the best supporting characters around. Between Gavin Creel and Kate Baldwin, this is my go-to song for the show.
Take a listen to it here.

Holiday Inn, “Shaking the Blues Away”
This captures the plain old-fashioned fun of the show. It is a huge number for Megan Lawrence that she blows out of the water. You also get to hear the tap dancing (which was excellent) in the song which will have you dancing along as you listen.

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, “No One Else”
Natasha’s gentle and soaring vocals paired with delicate, beautiful music touches something sweet in you every time you hear this song. A lot of the songs in the show are more rambunctious so this lighter one stands out.

War Paint, “Face to Face”
When two legends of Broadway, Christine Ebersole and Patti LuPone, go head-to-head in a show (and in particular this number), you can’t not take note. Their harmonies are stellar. Additionally, the songwriting team of Scott Frankel and Michael Korie (hello, Grey Gardens team!) is one that churns out solid music.
Hear a bit of the song if you go to around the 2:50 mark:

 

Which songs are your favorites from these albums? Let us know!