Top 25 Hamilton Songs
Thanks to my amazing wife, Pauline, I actually got to see Hamilton in Chicago. However, I feel like everyone is listening to this soundtrack even if they're not planning on seeing the show anytime soon. It's time for me to finally share my list of the 25 best songs on the 46 song soundtrack.
Sorry King, but while Pauline loves your songs and when you preform them in the show and show up in other fun spots, you didn't make the cut on this list. That doesn't mean you're not a dope character, I just like 25 songs more. If you want to hear these songs, I link to them in Spotify. They're also streaming on Apple Music and you can definitely support this great musical and pay for them.
Song/Rank:
#25- "Blow Us All Away" (Philip/Hamilton/Eacker/Dolly/Martha/Company)
Favourite Part:
I like how this song re-works songs like "My Shot" and "Dear Theodosia" but most importantly I love the interactions between George Eacker and Philip Hamilton. The strings are quite pleasing to listen to I might add.
Song/Rank:
#24- "Stay Alive" (Hamilton/Washington/Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan/Eliza/Angelica/Lee/Company)
Favourite Part:
When Washington and Hamilton agree on the best way to move forward so they can win the war and they talk about flying a lot of flags half mast I get chills. It's just a dope notion and great delivery. Plus I have taken to randomly blurting out "I'm a general! Weeee!" Overall I like that Hamilton wants to stick up for Washington and his friends are there to help him make that happen.
Song/Rank:
#23- "Farmer Refuted" (Samuel Seabury/Hamilton/Mulligan/Burr)
Favourite Part:
I wasn't the biggest fan of this song before I saw it live. Witnessing how it's actually staged (not pictured above) is really fun. Plus Seabury is such an easy character to want to see be embarrassed. What the staging brought out visually was the way Hamilton weaves in and out of the Seabury parts musically and that's amazing to listen to every time! It's an example of Alexander actually having fun which doesn't happen much.
Song/Rank:
#22- "What'd I Miss" (Jefferson/Burr/Madison/Washington/Hamilton/Company)
Favourite Part:
This song also had to grow on me. But it's such a smart song. Introducing Thomas Jefferson as some guy who's happy to be around even though he hasn't caught up with the times. Did you clock that he's doing like a bluesy/jazzy almost gospel joint while everyone else has been spitting straight bars for a whole act? Beyond how the song plays into the narrative and reveals character traits I'm a big fan of the "Thomas Jefferson's coming home" musical theme especially when George Washington has to sing it and Hamilton interrupts with his theme.
Song/Rank:
#21- "Burn" (Eliza)
Favourite Part:
If I'm being honest this song is probably so low on the list because of how bad it makes me feel. People have talked about how Hamilton made selfish decisions all throughout the show but having Eliza actually get into how those choices affected her really brings it home. It's just her singing. There's no hype chorus with a bunch of other people chiming in. The upside? It's Eliza actually showing something other than adoration. She isn't as "Helpless" as we initially thought. Plus the line about not letting the world know what she said and burning letters that could have redeemed Hamilton is HARD, bruh! Go ahead, Eliza!
Song/Rank:
#20- "We Know" (Hamilton/Burr/Jefferson/Madison)
Favourite Part:
The trio of Jefferson, Madison, and Burr go from threat to bumbling idiots and back to threat in all of 2 minutes. They come in thinking Hamilton they can prove Hamilton has been stealing from the country only to end up lucking into hearing about Alexander's cheating ways. Jefferson's reactions to the truth are priceless. "WHAAAT?!" "My God!" But once they're on their way out Burr reminds Hamilton that the rumours will still undo him politically. Plus I really like the piano/string loop throughout the song.
Song/Rank:
#19- "Washington on your Side" (Burr/Jefferson/Madison)
Favourite Part:
If your'e listening to the Broadway recording then you know that Daveed Diggs knows how to spit. Regardless of what his appearance on Kimmy Schmidt might have you believe. This song is just another example of Diggs being able to fit as many syllables in a bar as humanly possible. Okieriete Onaodowan as Madison doesn't do too poorly either with the flow on this song. Leslie Odom Jr. as Burr is a problem, tho. Throughout the show he proves he can spit and has an amazing voice so his opening "It must be nice" solo is a welcome addition.
Song/Rank:
#18- "Ten Duel Commandments" (Laurens/Hamilton/Lee/Burr/Company)
Favourite Part:
Yes Lin did do a version of the first Biggie song I ever loved because WBLK in Buffalo used the "Ten Crack Commandments" instrumental when the DJs were talking. Trust me, this was an excellent way to teach people how to go through with a duel while setting up a theme that comes back around two more times. The best part of the song is when the beat all but drops out and Hamilton and Burr as seconds realize that there will be no peace, "Ok so we're doing this!" rhymed with "inexperienced and ruinous" is dope!
Song/Rank:
#17- "The World Was Wide Enough" (Burr/Hamilton/Company)
Favourite Part:
The Duel Commandments are back, however we get them filtered through the last moments of Hamilton's life (spoiler alert! Alexander Hamilton... and every character in this play has died... just in case you missed History Class and this commercial). Then we get into some deep moments like Hamilton describing what a legacy is and Leslie Odom Jr.'s amazing voice singing about how Burr felt after shooting Hamilton.
Song/Rank:
#16- "Your Obedient Servant" (Burr/Hamilton/Community)
Favourite Part:
By the time this song shows up you're used to Burr playfully ribbing Hamilton before he introduces a new plot point. However, the gloves are off on this song and I love it. Burr is not joking around on this song. He means every word of what he is saying in the intro and he goes on to sing about why. Hamilton refusing to just say sorry is kinda cool the first time you hear the song then ultimately tragic. However, I have to respect both characters for not backing down and being honest with each other. Plus the scratch game on this song is aces and I immediately dug the "obedient servant" breakdowns.
Song/Rank:
#15- "Satisfied" (Angelica/Eliza/Hamilton/Laurens/Company)
Favourite Part:
Another character who demands an actor who can spit is Angelica. Angelica is like a Rap Goddess when she finally gets to spitting on this track. If you do get a chance to see this show live you'll be taken aback at how they stage the "rewind" aspect of this song. Also, try not singing along to the "to the groom/to the bride" call and response by the end of the song. It's a catchy song that has it all!
Song/Rank:
#14- "The Story of Tonight (Reprise)" (Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan/Hamilton/Burr)
Favourite Part:
It's all about the harmonies on this track. It's another moment of levity for Hamilton... what with him just getting hitched and all of his friends and Burr are out to celebrate. The back and forth between Burr and Hamilton about going after what you want in life is great and is very easy on the ears.
Song/Rank:
#13- "Hurricane" (Hamilton & Company)
Favourite Part:
There is something about this song and how it starts. Possibly the chords played on the piano. That make this song seem immediately important. I thoroughly appreciate the harp, and what I assume is a cello as well. It's so well done musically that you could be forgiven for forgetting that Hamilton is rationalizing embarrassing his wife in front of everyone and ruining his political career. The song seems inspirational but he's running off a false premise that volunteering a whole bunch of information that also throws other people under the bus is better than people thinking he was involved in speculation.
Song/Rank:
#12- "Say No To This" (Hamilton/Maria Reynolds/James Reynolds/Burr/Company)
Favourite Part:
Man did this song ever bother me in the beginning. For some reason I thought it was only ok for Hamilton to cheat on his wife if he was going to cheat with his wife's sister. Yeah that's the work this show has done on my head. Let me just state cheating is the worse even if you're cheating with someone the audience feels is your soulmate! Story lines not withstanding, the Maria Reynolds part is amazing. The moment Maria belts out "You can STAAAAAAAY" will separate weak from the strong vocal performers. On the soundtrack Jasmine Cephas Jones, This is Us and Luke Cage's Ron Cephas Jones' daughter, kills the whole performance. When I saw the show in Chicago the actress (pictured above) did just as well so... so far so good!
Song/Rank:
#11- "The Reynolds Pamphlet" (Hamilton/Jefferson/Madison/Burr/Angelica/Company)
Favourite Part:
If you're looking to turn up during this show, this is the song to do it to. Yes it's bad news for Alexander Hamilton fans, but music fans the world over can rejoice with the catchy "Never gonna be President now!" hook. Unfortunately, Lin jumped out the window and sang this hook while pointing at a picture of President Trump on SNL. Other than that though it sounds like the closest to modern hip hop (for better or worse) and it's infectious. I dig it! I also love the reintroduction of "Satisfied" as a negative thing by Angelica.
Song/Rank:
#10- "Dear Theodosia" (Burr & Hamilton)
Favourite Part:
All about Burr's strong vocal performance in the beginning. I'm not the biggest fan of Lin Manuel's singing voice so when I saw this show in Chicago it was nice to hear someone with a better singing voice do the Hamilton solo part. However, when these two sing together that's when the song really takes off and becomes something special! I should also point out, this song reveals a lot about Burr. Even in "The World was Wide Enough" Burr talks about his daughter. Hamilton on the other hand is already abandoning his son by the beginning of the second act during "Take a Break".
Song/Rank:
#9- "Aaron Burr, Sir" (Hamilton/Burr/Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan)
Favourite Part:
The moment you hear "bursar" rhymed with "Burr, sir" you know you're in for a good time. Burr's theme is such a strong one and anytime he gets to bring back "Burr, sir" I'm all in! This song is the first time he does it and it's definitely a turning point. I'll get hate for not having the first song of the show on here, but to me "Aaron Burr, Sir" is the Rosetta Stone of the show. So much gets introduced musically and you get an amazing introduction to John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan. It's like they're banging on the lunch table during a cypher! Come on man! This song truly earns the whole "have you heard that hip hop musical" hype!
Song/Rank:
#8- "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" (Hamilton/Lafayette/Laurens/Mulligan/Washington/Company)
Favourite Part:
So many classic lines in this song, but the one pictured above is the biggest fist in the air moment to be sure. Much like during the war, this song's secret weapon is "HERCULES MULLIGAN!" during the show and just on the track, he comes out of nowhere to shut things down with a ferocious verse. Seriously, no one really spits after him, it's all singing from that point on. The one sad part about the song is that Hamilton and Lafayette talk about when they'll meet again, but they're never together again in the show.
Song/Rank:
#7- "Right Hand Man" (Washington/Hamilton/Burr/Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan/Company)
Favourite Part:
This was the first song I heard off of the soundtrack thanks to Wexford (REPRESENT)! I've gotta say that this is probably why it's so high up on this song. In this song's placement defence: this song features some dexterous spitting by Washington once he asks if he can be "real a second." My favourite part, though, is when Hamilton offers his services to Washington and bigs up his friends, Laurens, Lafayette,and Mulligan! Washington describing some of the battles is pretty dope too to say nothing of his dimissal of Burr once Hamilton shows up, sir!
Song/Rank:
#6- "Non-Stop" (Hamilton/Burr/Eliza/Angelica/Washington/Company)
Favourite Part:
Here come the Caribbean vibes for the show (even though they are simmering under the surface of "Aaron Burr, Sir"... see what I mean about the Rosetta Stone?) I can't help but join in with this song. The truth behind why I love this song so much is because it does what every great musical I can think of does and brings back big songs and mixes them all together. Most themes introduced before this song return and all intersect during an already great song. I gotta say though, with all the praise I've already given this song, it really comes down to the moment Burr tells everyone "HAMILTON WROTE THE OTHER 51!" Even the guy who ends up killing him has to brag about Hamilton during a song where he puzzles over why Alexander is so "Non-Stop."
Song/Rank:
#5- "The Schuyler Sisters" (Angelica/Eliza/Peggy/Burr/Company)
Favourite Part:
This was the first song that made me think... ok I can't wait till I see this show. I gotta just listen to this soundtrack. Burr spits a nice verse at the beginning, but it's the vocal performances by all three sisters that's obviously why this song works so well. The whole "History is happening in Manhattan and we just happen to be..." run is all sorts of dope. And no one will forget Angelica, Eliza... or Peggy's names after this song is through. WORK!
Song/Rank:
#4- "Wait for it" (Burr & Company)
Favourite Part:
That's not the Diwali Riddim it's only Aaron Burr sharing his soul with us! While people are no doubt realizing "Room Where it Happens" isn't going to show up on this list, I have to say it's because that song only works for me because of what happens during the live performance. For my money, "Wait for It" is the be all and end all in terms of Burr songs. I love the way the company joins in on the chorus, but it's all about Burr's vocals and passion throughout the whole song. He is rationalizing his relationship with a married woman and the fact that he doesn't go after what he wants in other arenas like Hamilton. It's the song that does the best at humanizing him and I really do dig the beat.
Song/Rank:
#3- "Guns and Ships" (Lafayette/Burr/Washington/Company)
Favourite Part:
Bruh! Guns and Ships has Diggs doing Twista-esque spitting but with a french accent. Lafayette is in charge and he's still going to bat for his boy, Hamilton. Washington and Lafayette bringing back the "Right Hand Man" theme is super duper dope but hearing the company sing out Lafayette during his verses is simply the best. This song used to be higher up but I just can't get with the Washington singing at the end of the song.
Song/Rank:
#2- "My Shot" (Hamilton/Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan/Burr/Company)
Favourite Part:
What can I say about "My Shot?" I mean it's definitely the test to see if anyone else can replace Lin. You gotta spit like your life depends on it during this song. If you want to talk inspirational, this is the song! The way Hamilton delivers "I am not throwing away my shot" always makes me wonder how I can make the best use of the shots I've been given in life. Another cool thing about this song is that it's sung while Hamilton is 19. As he gets older he tells his son to throw away his shot and Hamilton himself throws away his shot at the end of the show. If only he'd stuck to the theme of this song.
Song/Rank:
#1- "Cabinet Battle #1" (Jefferson/Hamilton/Washington/Madison)
Favourite Part:
As someone who owns every single Beef DVD even though some could argue the 1st one was the only good one, it should come as no surprise that this is my favourite song. I love when people go back and forth with disses and I especially love battle raps! BRING BACK FREESTYLE FRIDAYS & THE BASEMENT BET! The fact that these battles are over the American banking system is amazing. Next to the banging on the lunch table during the cypher this is probably the most hip hop the show gets and it's amazing! I always go back and forth as to who won. Hamilton finishes solid and gets the coveted going acapella section. However, considering Jefferson was doing a blues song in the number before, I'd say he got up to speed pretty quickly and had the most consistent crowd-pleasers... On the other hand, Hamilton has the "slaver" response... that's ICE COLD, HOMIE! Either way this is an amazing moment in music theatre history.
-YG