Five musical soundtrack songs to help get you through quarantine

Jeff Bonomo, Correspondent

I’m sure this period of quarantine and the pandemic as a whole has been a major struggle for most of us. Not only is it hard to hear about all of the things that are going on in our world right now, but we also have to tackle all of the struggles of online education. Zoom meetings, homework, trying to reach out to friends, keeping up with our mental health… it’s a lot of stuff to keep track of. Because of this, many of you are probably feeling at least a bit overwhelmed by all of these new and sudden online learning changes and might be in the mood for a bit of a “pick-me-up.” And what’s a better pick-me-up than some upbeat performances with some show tunes and dance routines? That’s right, we’re talking about musicals. Though we can’t go out and see a live Broadway musical theatre extravaganza, the pandemic can’t stop us from bringing Broadway into our homes. Today, I will be telling you all about 10 Broadway musical songs that will help get you through quarantine! Just a heads up, there will be at least slight spoilers for the musicals mentioned in this list, so I highly encourage you to at least check out the cast recordings to the shows I will be mentioning if you haven’t already seen them. With that out of the way, let’s get started with this list!

 

#1: “Dancing Queen” from “Mamma Mia!: The Musical”

Let’s start this list off with a little tune that you’ve probably listened to and, as the title suggests, danced to before: the one and only “Dancing Queen” from “Mamma Mia!”. This track is performed by the trio known as “Donna and the Dynamos” in order to cheer up Donna partway through the show’s narrative. Not only is the song very catchy, it also has two versions on the special edition of the “Mamma Mia! Original Broadway Soundtrack.” These two versions are the initial version, simply entitled “Dancing Queen,” as well as the 2004 Reprise version. You essentially get two absolutely magnificent versions of a great song on one album! All in all, this little number is a great song to get you up and moving and perked up.

Spotify links:

Original version: https://open.spotify.com/track/5qUkINqRuoPkM7J6TYo8R0

2004 reprise version: https://open.spotify.com/track/4ybpRC2bpA1rMLcBEaemwe 

 

#2: “In My Dreams” from “Anastasia: the Broadway Musical”

Next is one of the opening numbers to the Broadway musical adaptation of the classic animated film “Anastasia.” During this song, we begin to learn about the titular character’s furthest memories and past struggles, but we also get clued into the hope that Anastasia holds within herself. The music swells with an ominous yet emotional sound as Anastasia tells us about what she recollects about her past and her current hardships. However, the piece kicks into gear with a comforting yet triumphant sound as she lets us in on the dreams that keep her going through all of her past and future hardships. If you’re struggling and need a surge of hope, drive and inspiration, this song is the perfect fit for you!

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/5gfdWDRrO0sHFyt8ydu5Hb 

 

#3: “For Good” from “Wicked: the Broadway Musical”

Over the course of quarantine, I’m sure many of us have found ourselves feeling more isolated from our friends and loved ones. However, this classic song from this equally classic musical helps remind us that though we may not be able to be with each other physically nearly as easily, we are still connected and impacted by those whom we are close to. When you feel alone and long for the connection of your friends and loved ones, give this song a listen and give those people a call.

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/46UIRyvRZx9TW5Y5jz13Y8 

 

#4: “A Spoonful of Sugar” from “Mary Poppins: the Musical”

In high school and  life in general, there are bound to be things that you are required to do. Some of these things might make you roll your eyes and groan, When you’re in such a situation, this classic Disney tune is just the thing to put a spring in your step. This song is all about putting the fun in life’s seemingly tedious tasks, making working on them a bit more “sweet,” if you will. Next time you have a homework assignment, chore or any other task that you just dread doing, take it from the one who’s practically perfect in every way and listen to “A Spoonful of Sugar.”

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/5nNAcsZjKpDuQwzyy2BgVD 

 

#5: “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked: the Broadway Musical”

Going back to “Wicked: the Musical,” this song is one that is sure to make anyone feel like they deserve a chance to fly. This climactic number from the conclusion of the show’s first act has the main character Elphaba soar high above the stage as she proudly declares that she is going to rise up in spite of her external and personal limiters in a scene of pure spectacle. This song is one of extreme empowerment, so when you are at a point where you’re discouraged about something or are experiencing your own personal limiters, give this absolutely magnificent piece a listen. 

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/1bpnYrDCforv9ctJMzJRV8