Over these past few weeks, my roommates and I have been unhealthily obsessed with the musicalHamilton. There is never a time where is it not playing in our room. At first, many people thought it was weird and annoying, but oh how the tables have turned. Nearly everyone we know is now extremely emotionally invested in this production. Although all the songs are impeccable, here are the ones that we think are the top ten songs of Hamilton.
10. "The Schuyler Sisters"
An introduction to the Schuyler sisters. This is only on here because once you listen to it, it will be in your head for days. They are full of such optimism and in hindsight, it is really quite endearing. Werk, werk it sisters.
9. "Dear Theodosia"
Hamilton and Burr take a step back from the fight for independence and reflect on the real reason as to why they are doing all of this. Their children, Phillip and Theodosia, have just been born and it is so important to them that they create a nation where the children can reap all the benefits of being free. It really is quite a touching tune; blow them all away kids.
8. "Guns and Ships"
Lafayette, America’s favorite fighting Frenchman, spits fire and it shocks everyone. Ironic because in the beginning he could barely speak English and now we can’t even rap as fast as him. A true example of character evolution.
7. "Non-Stop"
The Act I finale, full of reprises and charged with emotion. Hamilton is writing the Federalists Papers and he is assigned control over the treasury.* He leaves Eliza for his duties and she is pissed, isn’t she enough? Also, Angelica splits town and heads home for the ex-mother country. At least King George got one of his royal loyal subjects back.
*This fact helped me with my American History midterm.
6. "That Would Be Enough"
Congratulations, it’s a boy! Eliza is pregnant and Hamilton is overwhelmed by it all. Can he be everything he needs to be? A husband, a father, a revolutionary hero? Eliza sure seems to think so. She knows who she married.
5. "Wait For It"
Feeling angsty? This is the song for you. Aaron Burr releases all of his pent up emotions and enters an unexpected existentialist state. But I guess revelations like this don't discriminate who they come to. This one really has us rethinking every decision we have ever made.
4. "You’ll Be Back"
Ah, the sassy love song from King George of England to America. “I’ll send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love?” Would this really stop a revolution? Absolutely, not. Would this really make us laugh every time we hear it? Absolutely, yes.
3. "Burn"
Girl power! At first, Eliza is wallowing in heartbroken, self-pity because Hamilton was an ass and not only cheated on her, but also told everyone about it to save his credibility. Then, she rises from the ashes and decides to literally burn everything. Erase yourself from that narrative.
2. "It’s Quiet Uptown"
Without a doubt, this is the most heartfelt song in the entire score. Hamilton and Eliza's poor son Phillip is dead and their relationship is salvaged. They need each other during this unimaginable time and we need tissues.
1. "Satisfied"
There is nothing like sisterly love. Our hearts break as we listen to Angelica give Hamilton to her little sister, Eliza. That final chorus though…#ToTheRevoltion
And there you have it. Put all of these songs in one Spotify playlist and you have the perfect soundtrack for whatever you are doing. Showering? Hamilton. Doing homework? Hamilton. Getting over a breakup? Hamilton. Buying a ticket that costs as much as $4,000 to see Hamilton live? Hamilton. Thank you, Lin-Manuel Miranda.