When you hear musical theater, do you think of giant tap numbers with extremely high production values or nasally vibratos accompanied by overly dramatic acting choices? Think again. Nowadays the most successful shows are those featuring contemporary music scores. Pop-rock musicals especially are very popular because they combine the storytelling aspect of theater with the modern music styles that everyone loves. So next time you have control of the aux cord, consider these totally lit Broadway soundtracks.

1. Hamilton

This astounding new musical is completely underground and practically unheard of in the mainstream Broadway community. Just kidding! Nominated for a record-breaking 16 Tony Awards, Hamilton, with music, lyrics and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a hip hop style musical that tells the life story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. My personal favorite songs include “Wait For It” and “Satisfied.”

2. 21 Chump Street

Though 21 Chump Street is one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lesser known pieces, it is certainly no less in genius. It is basically a fourteen minute musical that played one special performance in 2014. Based on a true story, 21 Chump Street reveals the bad side of the justice system by telling the story of a high school senior who was unfairly persecuted for selling marijuana to an undercover cop. The soundtrack consists of five songs that showcase Miranda’s trademark hip hop sound. Definitely give it a listen; after all, it’s only fourteen minutes long.

3. Next to Normal

Next to Normal tells the heartbreaking story of a woman’s struggle with mental illness and the toll it takes on her family. The 2008 musical took home multiple Tonys, including Best Musical, and won the Pulitzer Prize. With music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the soundtrack is comprised of truly beautiful songs that have the modern pop-rock feel, but do not lose the storytelling musical theater element.

4. Bare: A Pop Opera

Though it never quite got to Broadway, Bare deserves some recognition. Bare: A Pop Opera follows a group of angsty high schoolers at a Catholic boarding school and deals with sexuality, forbidden love, drugs and teen pregnancy. One or two of the songs are slightly cringe worthy which explains why the show never moved to Broadway. Otherwise, there are many spectacular songs. I, personally, am obsessed with “Are You There” and I have listened to it more times than I am willing to admit.

5. Rent

This 1996 hit was the first nationally successful rock musical ever. Rent, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, focuses on an AIDS-stricken community of artists living in New York City and the relationships within. Aside from winning four Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize, Rent shed light on an important issue, the struggles of those living with HIV/AIDS. Honestly, the entire album is phenomenal and each of the songs could easily stand on its own.

6. Bonnie and Clyde

Although it had a rather short-lived Broadway run, a mere four weeks, Bonnie and Clyde is one of my favorite musicals. It tells the classic true story of the American outlaws living during the rough times of the Great Depression. The music is by Frank Wildhorn and has a rock score with that traditional country element. As great as the music is, its the plethora of talent that makes this soundtrack truly remarkable.

7. Bright Star

For all those country lovers out there, this is the show for you. Bright Star is a new musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell that explores the life and love of a literary editor. The show is set in 1920s and 1940s which provides the perfect background for the catchy bluegrass tunes that appear on the cast album. The soundtrack of Bright Star has an inexplainable charm that makes it especially great. Even if country isn’t your thing, I highly recommend listening to “Woah, Mama” and “Bright Star.” They are just plain old good.

8. Hair

This musical was undoubtedly revolutionary for its time. Risqué and loathed by some, but revolutionary nonetheless. Hair pretty much paved the way for the all of the other rock musicals on this list. The show follows a tribe of diverse longhaired hippies and reflects on the sexual revolution of the 1960s. This soundtrack has some true classics which almost automatically became theme songs for the anti-Vietnam War movement.

9. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rock musical that tells the story of a genderqueer female and the way she became who she is. The production first premiered off-Broadway in 1998 and has since played many international productions. The album is very Davie Bowie-esque and could easily be played on KIIS FM.

10. Spring Awakening

And I saved the best for last. Winner of the 8 Tonys including Best Musical, Spring Awakening takes place in a sheltered village in nineteenth-century Germany and deals with unspoken problems such as child abuse, sexuality, suicide and general teen angst. Duncan Sheik is the mastermind behind the contemporary sound. There is almost a folksy element to this piece that makes it so original and well-liked.

Here is the Spotify playlist of this list:

https://open.spotify.com/user/natalierose612/playlist/2Ny9SSArojzzpZrjVcRslt