Which of these numbers gave YOU goosebumps? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 10 Hauntingly Beautiful Heartbreak Songs - ruclips.net/video/Xchk-wJGL2U/видео.html
IMO you did not let us hear enough of the songs. Unless we knew the songs already, we needed much more of the song to get its impact. Your words are not enough to communicate the power of the music.
I always get teary eyed whenever I hear "She Used to Be Mine", and witness Jenna lamenting the loss of her old self, before Earl destroyed her optimistic nature with his abuse.
Then there are I dreamed a dream or On My own. You can basically make a list only based on Les Mis. Part of it is childhood memories but it’s still my favourite
@@junipermeisje6300 for me it depends who is singing it and how much orchestra is behind it....I've never gotten goosebumps from Dreamed A Dream...just heard talented women sing
The expression “hauntingly beautiful” automatically brings to mind “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables”, though so many songs from that musical fit the bill.
I’m amazed “Fiddler on the Roof” didn’t make the list. It’s got plenty of haunting songs, like “The Sabbath Prayer,” “Far From the Home I Love,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Great list. I would add "What I Did for Love"- A Chorus Line, "If I Can't Love Her"- Beauty and the Beast, "Why God?"- Miss Saigon, "The Old Red Hills of Home"- Parade, among many more...
Ms. Mojo is anti-Parade. LOL My guess is that it's because there isn't a lot of footage of it. (At least not legal footage.) So if they included it on a list, it would have to be a lot of music only. But they rarely, if ever, mention it and it belongs on a lot of these lists. Although there are a lot of clips of "Old Red Hills of Home," so I don't know the reasoning behind leaving that off. Honestly? I don't think the person who makes these lists has ever seen the show. Almost every song in Parade could be characterized as "hauntingly beautiful."
I’ve got a soft spot for “For Good”. The stellar vocals combine with a gorgeous instrumentation and equally strong lyrics. And when Elphaba and Glinda finally begin to sing together, it gives me chills. And the ending is made even sadder when you account that they’ll never see each other again. I legitimately can’t wait to hear Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rendition in the movie!
Good choice. I also am totally chilled whenever I hear "As Long As You're Mine" from the same show: "Kiss me to fiercely, hold me too tight; I need help believing you're with me tonight..." Brilliant!
One of my favourite parts of this song is while Glinda usually sings the higher notes and Elphaba the lower, there's a point in this song where that changes, and I love it.
The context of “Why” in Tick Tick Boom makes it even more devastating. His best friend Michael just revealed to him that he was diagnosed with HIV, which in the early 90s was still seen as a death sentence. This is Jonathan singing about needing to do right by himself and his dreams, but also to the friends and family that matter most to him. It’s even sadder because in the end, Jonathan died before seeing how that dedication to his art and his family ultimately brought the world to its feet.
“How Could I Ever Know” from “The Secret Garden” and “Back to Before” from “Ragtime” are two of the most beautiful songs, and were sung by the incomparable Rebecca Luker and Marin Mazzie. Both women sadly left us way too soon.
The Music of the Night is one of those songs that, no matter how many times I hear it, always leaves me breathless. It’s such a beautiful, haunting and enchanting song. The way Ramin and Michael Crawford sings it especially always gives me goosebumps
I remember being a background singer in our school's production of Carousel & EVERY time we sang You'll Never Walk Alone I got choked up. Then when our dance teacher was diagnosed with cancer I sang it to her. Ugh! Such a powerful song!
For many years, over the Labor Day weekend, the comedian/actor Jerry Lewis used to host a charity telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. At the end of each telethon, he would sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is especially poignant when you realize that MD is a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and most end up in wheelchairs.
Another song from *Carousel* that chokes me up is "If I Loved You." It's especially poignant if you've seen that musical before, and find out that **SPOILER ALERT** even though Julie and Billy love each other, they can never find lasting happiness together...at least in this life. I'm choking up just typing these words.
The reprise of the song is even more powerful than the song's first appearance. When Billy interjects "I loved you. Know that I loved you," and Julie joins her voice to the chorus,, the effect is powerful. Also, when the song is sung correctly (as it was in the example on this posting), the melody descends when Nettie sings the finial line but ascends when Julie sings it at the end. This makes it even more powerful.
"Johanna" is definitely one good choice from SWEENEY TODD, but for my money, the absolute peak of haunting songs is "Not While I'm Around," when Toby lets Mrs. Lovett know his suspicions about Sweeney, unaware that Nellie is actually in on the gruesome enterprise.
Several years ago our local repertory theater preformed 1776; the young man who played the courier and sang Mama Look Sharp, not only did he have a beautiful voice, his mom was in the cast. She was off stage listening and in tears.
So glad you included “Come from Away” Lead us out of the darkness. That whole musical is a spine-tingling tribute to the best in us during a time when human depravity was taking over the airwaves.
I can't believe that not one song from "Next to Normal" didn't even make an honorable mention. I bawl my eyes out multiple times throughout that masterpiece.
@@AugustaWind11Dans song “I’ve been” about how he’s stood by her through all her mental illness and how he’s really just all alone in his hope??? Heartbreaking!!!
Stephen Sondheim wrote seven of the lyrics and composed the music for six. Leonard Bernstein wrote the music for "West Side Story." Sondheim was an amazingly talented, friendly human being.
Colm singing Bring Him Home always gets me every time- well done for staying away from the lacklustre movie version. Stars and Some Enchanted Evening should be on here too, especially the Philip Quast versions. Also Preludium from The Sound of Music- regardless of one's religious beliefs, it is beautiful music. I just wished they'd hired a better singer than Gerard for Phantom.
YES!!! I knew Music Of The Night would be number one. It is so hypnotizing. Wish Memory from CATS would have been on the list. At least it got an honorable mention. That is my favorite musical.
@@MsJubjubbird This is the issue with a lot of these for me. There are many many on this list that I agree are amazing, I've just heard them 1000 times so they've lost some of their magic for me.
I saw 1776 a couple of months ago and as soon as the courrier finished “Mama Look Sharp”, you could have heard a pin drop before everyone erupted into applause. Side note: this production of 1776 was performed by an all female cast and it was a lot of fun!
@@carldom1264 the woman who portrayed Ben Franklin played Corrina ‘Mama Smash’ Williams on Friday Night Lights, Liz Mikel is her name and she was an excellent Ben Franklin!
@@carldom1264 I would have loved to see this production and how great that a female played such an interesting and challenging role. Here in Akron, Ohio, we witnessed an immensely talented female actor turn in an astonishingly good (okay, great) performance of Hamlet a few years back.
I love how you mentioned Lilly’s Eyes from Secret Garden. It’s so underrated but a beautiful song in an amazing musical, however, I’d argue that “I Heard Someone Crying” is even more haunting, but beautiful nonetheless.
Oof. Yes. I played this soundtrack on repeat when it came out. I'm still waiting for a movie adaptation, but only if Mandy Patinkin will consent to be in it.
I would second “I Heard Someone Crying” and add “How Could I Ever Know” by Rebecca Luker on the OBC recording of Secret Garden. She sounds haunting and angelic at the same time. So sad that she is gone. 😢
@@maidachan2989 I couldn't remember how many times I'd played The Secret Garden's OBC album (CD). Becca was an incredibly kind person and super nice to her fans. I saw her live in The Sound of Music on Broadway. Wish I'd seen more of her performances in person.
Tell Me on Sunday from Song and Dance… “…take to a park, that’s covered in trees, tell me on a Sunday, please.” 😢 always makes me sad to even think of.
MICHAEL CRAWFORD’S “Music of the Night” is UNBEATABLE. The music and lyrics of Andrew Lloyd - Webber’s love - starved, pathetic creature are so moving and that last note sustained forever by Michael is breathtaking!!!❤😢😊
Another one that I was shocked about is "Gethsemane" from JCS. It's the emotional high point for both the actor playing Jesus and the audience...any staging of the musical stands or falls based on how well it's performed. And speaking of haunting, more's the pity that you couldn't include "Old Souls" from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, since it hasn't been adapted for the stage...yet. As a song about lovers whose bond transcends time and even death, it's one of the most underrated tunes ever written.
You have some nice and a few genuinely great selections in this list, but I suggest you go back farther in musical theater history than you did for this video. Ol' Man River from Show Boat is one of the greatest and bravest songs ever written for the stage. Written in 1926, it gave voice to victims of slavery in the US. It was introduced on Broadway in 1927 by a great, but now forgotten African American baritone, Jules Bledsoe, and sung in the 1936 movie version by Paul Robeson. And Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an incredibly beautiful, haunting aria from George Gershwin's all African American opera. It was written in 1935.
Amen. I can (sort of) understand why they left the unbelievably beautiful "Summertime"--only because PORGY AND BESS is technically an opera (which automatically excludes the opera's heartrending, spine-tingling aria sung by the bereaved Serena, "My Man's Gone Now"), but "Ol' Man River" is not just hauntingly beautiful: it is the centerpiece of a play that completely changed the whole concept of the American musical. Both "Ol' Man River" and SHOW BOAT were revolutionary.
While this list is folly since there are so many songs from musical that fall under this category I will add "Far From the Home I Love" from "Fiddler on a Roof". In this song a daughter, knowing she will never see them again, sings of leaving her home, her family, her life to meet her love in a faraway place. Try listening to Julia Migenes-Johnson on the original cast album and not mist up.
I will never forget the first time I heard Music of the Night. Michael Crawford was making a guest appearance on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The tv was on as I came into the room and he had just started to sing. I was instantly captivated and immediately sat down in awe at what I was hearing. His rendition gave me chills and will always be the best to me.
Finally, justice for "Come From Away"!!! I've been lucky enough to see a TON of musicals and plays, on Broadway and off- "Come From Away" remains one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. I would have added "Prayer" and "Something's Missing" as honorable mentions for this list- both beautiful and haunting when you remember how raw the pain from that time was.
The better choice for Sunday in the Park with George would be “We Do Not Belong Together”/“Move On” . The better choice for Into the Woods would be “Stay with Me.” (Goosebump central!) But I’m glad to see Sondheim so well represented on this list. Hauntingly beautiful is what he did best.
I’m sorry you didn’t include Being Alive from Company or For Good from Wicked. Happy to see so many other Sondheim songs on the list. May this genius Rest In Peace! He is a legend!
Bravo for including Mama, Look Sharp! Incredible song, and a beautiful performance by Stephen Nathan in the movie, who originated the role of Jesus in Godspell. I might include Molasses to Rum from 1776, as well.
Oh thank you for Momma, Oh momma. this was the song that they did from 1776 for the Tonys that year. I was in college and, in all honesty small town, backwater raised, this was my first time to even be aware of Broadway! THAT song has lead me on to a love of musicals to this day!! THANK YOU
I would have used Not While I’m Around over Johanna for Sweeney Todd. Toby sees through Todd, and is unrequited in his love for Mrs Lovett. I get goosebumps thinking about it
Happy to hear Josh, too bad Jordan Fisher is on there. I'm sorry, but I'm not a fan of Jordan Fisher and I think he was miscast in that role. I saw the show and he was really disappointing. I was happy to hear that he was leaving. I plan on going back next month for my birthday specifically to see the new Anthony.
The way I burst into tears when I heard the opening notes to “It’s Quiet Uptown”. I hadn’t heard or thought about it in a while and although I should have been prepared, I was not 😭
A nice list but I would have found room for "Try to Remember" from "The Fantastiks" near the top. Glad you included "Somewhere That's Green", even if it was a runner up. "Suddenly Seymour" is another fave tune of mine from "Little Shop of Horrors".
I expected Don't Cry for Me Argentina in there somewhere. Also Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific and I am Not My Father's Son from Kinky Boots. And for me, I think Being Alive would be #1 - especially from the Neil Patrick Harris concert version. And who could forget Brian Stokes Mitchell's version of Impossible Dream on the Tony's? This list needed to be divided into past 15 years or so and older. Too many choices
I think they wanted songs that were beautiful but not really happy - so I didn't expect Some Enchanted Evening, because although it's a very beautiful song, it's a man professing his love for someone, there's nothing unhappy about it. (Although when I was watching the recent revival at Lincoln Center, I had a friend with me I had just fallen in love with, in a manner very similar to what Emil is talking about, and knew he likely wouldn't be able to be with me, so I was crying desperately through the whole song. But I think I was the only one who was.) And I think Raul Esparza sang the definitive Being Alive. I had the privilege of seeing Brian Stokes Mitchell sing Impossible Dream live on Broadway. I knew nothing about the show other than that it was famous, and I had a friend I wanted to take to a show that night. By the end of that song, if you had told me BSM was 50 feet tall and filled the entire stage, I would have believed you. And he was notably better in person than on the Tonys - I think he was restraining himself so he would have less of a chance of screwing up on TV. I really wish I had video of what he did live.
Then you kind of got the point of Some Enchanted Evening, but not quite. It is supposed to be foreshadowing. Never let her go. And yet he does - not knowing if he will be back. It is a very bittersweet moment. Also he is thinking - will Nellie stay? Keep in mind the underlying theme of prejudice, too. He has two half native children. Can he convince a woman from Kansas to stay and raise them? No, you weren't the only one who cries through that song. It is wonderful to recall the performances we actually saw on Broadway - for me, it was seeing Richard Burton do Camelot at Lincoln Center and being at the final performance of Pearl Bailey in Hello Dolly. She called the cast back onto the stage - kicked off her shoes (she was famous for having bad feed) and sang with a pianist only for over an hour. Raul Julia - certainly great - but there was something about the tenderness and vulnerability of Neil Patrick Harris that just tore my heart open. I also saw Dean Jones in the original and his was wonderful, too. Sadly I didn't see Brian Stokes Mitchell in La Mancha, but I saw the original Richard Kiley - and Suzyn Waldman of Yankee radio fame. And later on I saw John Raitt do it - and took a master class with him afterwards. That is my favorite musical ever. @@tmf866
You forget some other musical like Fiddler on the Roof song: Far From the Home I Love Show Boat song: Ol Man River Oliver songs: Where is Love & As Long as He Needs Me Hello Dolly song: It Only Takes A Moment The Woman in White song: Laura The Sound of Music songs: Edelweiss & Something Good
I always thought that "Something Wonderful", from "The King and I", when Lady Thiang sings to Anna about how she feels about the king, even though he has many wives and concubines, and often seems cruel and uncaring (and often quite ignorant about many things). It always touches something inside me whenever I listen to it.
I've always loved Jerry Herman's IF HE WALKED INTO MY LIFE from MAME, so memorably sung by Angela Lansbury. Heartbreaking (as was Herman's TIME HEALS EVERYTHING).
I'd add 'Anatevka' from Fiddler on the Roof - haunting and achingly sad as the entire village is forced to leave their poor but beloved home. Gets me every time.
My favorite is "Bring Him Home"... I cry every time. But I can't forget the premise of "Come from Away". As long as I have breath and memory, I won't forget what Gander, Newfoundland did for us in 2001. Those people were stars among the clouds that day, and even though I don't know any of them, I love them all. ♥️
Seriously, no Shadowlands at ALL? Shadowlands is a beautiful, haunting song about being forced to leave your home to seek help, knowing you may never see it again. And the call and response in English and Swahili is just so moving.
Lilys Eyes!!! The Secret Garden! I never hear anyone talk about it. It's such a beautiful musical. One of my absolute favorites! Yay! Glad it made it in the honors 🎉😊
Such a great collection, had me in tears a few times. I'd add Make Our Garden Grow from Candide - the building of the voices through the song realizing they were all looking for the wrong things in life and then the choral solo, breathtaking.
You overlooked the meaning of the phrase "send in the clowns." Back in the days of circuses, clowns were sent in to distract the audience when there was an accident in the ring. The spotlight would focus on the clowns and their antics while the tragedy was dealt with and taken away in the dark.
Somewhere. lyricist Sondheim was indeed great but the amazing Leonard Bernstein who composed this music certainly deserves equal mention, don't you think?
@@WrenFaithBridger - I LOVE that she had a part in the new version. The original is still my favorite but I thought the Spielberg version was also excellent!
I’d also love to shoutout “Stay I Pray You” from Anastasia! W/ a show w/ already so many hauntingly beautiful songs, this one really takes it to a whole other level! I truly wish I saw a live performance of that song! 🥹🥺🙏🎶
Till We Reach that Day NEVER fails to make me cry. When Coalhouse screams NOOOOOOOO and Tateh says "What is wrong with this country?" is just so heartbreaking. I did this show (techie) and I sobbed every single performance when the cast sang this song. And R.I.P. Marin Maisie Pity the Child -- Chess Being Alive -- Company A Boy Like That -- West Side Story On My Own -- Les Miserables Once Upon a Dream -- Jekyl & Hyde The Movie in My Mind -- Miss Saigon Honestly, there are just so many....
Finally, justice for Bandstand, and justice for Right This Way. That song sends shivers up and down my spine every time I listen to it. It's absolutely heart-wrenching, the emotion that goes into that song. I forget who. But someone, some reviewer, said it's quite possibly the strongest act one finale since Defying Gravity. And it's impossible to disagree for me. ...What do you MEAN The "I Love You" Song from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee isn't here? Even named? It's a girl, reflecting on her family, through the lens of the word 'chimerical'. Unrealistic, wildly fanciful dreaming. And it's her own unrealistic and fanciful dreams, of her parents apologizing for the trauma she's been through, and telling her they love her. That all she wants is to hear those words, knowing she never has, and never will. It's probably one of the most emotional songs in musical theater history, when the meaning and the performance and the three-part harmony all blends together.
THANK YOU. I was lucky enough to catch the pro shot when it was released in theaters without knowing any of the songs, and when “Right this Way” ended Act One, my friend and I just sat there STUNNED. It was such an incredible experience (as was the rest of the show).
It really is. The show as a whole just hits so well. I'm so glad the proshot is out there. It's one of my favorite things to go back and watch when I need a distraction. That, Spongebob, Come From Away, Newsies, or Six.@@TardisGirl9
I saw A Little Night Music at the Stratford Festival in 2016 and I'll never forget how you could hear a pin drop in a 1000 seat theatre after Send in The Clowns. The whole audience was floating in stillness.
This had to have been an exceedingly difficult and worrisome list to compile, knowing that many worthy songs would not be included and knowing that commentary on sites of all kinds like this that give space to commentary tends to draw a fairly sizable amount of critical opinions from folks, for whatever reason. So I both applaud and feel for MsMojo as the creator. I have no criticism - and, I do have one song I'd like to put out there as possibly a candidate for a further compilation - and that is "Make Our Garden Grow" which gives me such goosebumps, causes a lump in my throat and much, much more every single time I hear it.
"When words fail" From Shrek the musical is the most beautiful song i've ever heard in a Broadway production (too Bad it wasn't on this top) happy sunday morning Ms Mojo, take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia to you as well.
There is no way 'Memory' is only an honorable mention. I want to cry every time I hear it. And 'I'd Give My Life for You' from Miss Saigon should be on this list as the woman is going to kill herself to give her son a good life. 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' from Sunset Blvd. should also at least be an honorable mention.
Good choice. Unfortunately, this list was heavily weighted toward shows of the last 50 years, which left me surprised that it even included "Somewhere" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (let alone that the latter ranked at #2).
Putting _Music of the Night_ at #1 feels like popularity bias. I don't know too many people who could listen to Ragtime and honestly say that _Music of the Night_ holds a candle next to _Back to Before_ , _Sarah Brown Eyes_ , _Your Daddy's Son_ , or _Till We Reach That Day_ .
Welcome Home from Bandstand had me SOBBING when I saw it on Broadway. the emotion became stronger when realizing its melody is TAPS, usually played for military funerals.
Which of these numbers gave YOU goosebumps? Let us know below, and check out our video of the Top 10 Hauntingly Beautiful Heartbreak Songs - ruclips.net/video/Xchk-wJGL2U/видео.html
How could you have left out, totally, "I Dreamed a Dream" from les Miserable, and especially "For Good" from The Wiz.
IMO you did not let us hear enough of the songs. Unless we knew the songs already, we needed much more of the song to get its impact. Your words are not enough to communicate the power of the music.
I agree….I dreamed a dream should have been included!
Can’t believe “Somewhere That’s Green” was only an honourable mention! It breaks me every time!
Bring him home.
I always get teary eyed whenever I hear "She Used to Be Mine", and witness Jenna lamenting the loss of her old self, before Earl destroyed her optimistic nature with his abuse.
Same! It's my go to drive and cry song lol
Me too.
❤
“Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables is definitely a powerful number, on *many* levels.
Personally I like Empty Chairs at Empty Tables more.
Then there are I dreamed a dream or On My own. You can basically make a list only based on Les Mis. Part of it is childhood memories but it’s still my favourite
@@junipermeisje6300 for me it depends who is singing it and how much orchestra is behind it....I've never gotten goosebumps from Dreamed A Dream...just heard talented women sing
@@junipermeisje6300 That’s another good one!
I’ve always liked ‘Stars’
Give a good Baritone anyday
The expression “hauntingly beautiful” automatically brings to mind “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables”, though so many songs from that musical fit the bill.
I’m amazed “Fiddler on the Roof” didn’t make the list. It’s got plenty of haunting songs, like “The Sabbath Prayer,” “Far From the Home I Love,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
And don't forget about the closing number, "Anatevka", when they are leaving the only home most of them have known, forced out by the pogroms.
Far From the Home I Love
Far from the home i love always brings tears to my eyes. That and on my own from Les Mis.
I agree wholeheartedly. I was just thinking that "Sunrise, Sunset" should be here.
Agreed. All of the music in Fiddler is haunting
Great list. I would add "What I Did for Love"- A Chorus Line, "If I Can't Love Her"- Beauty and the Beast, "Why God?"- Miss Saigon, "The Old Red Hills of Home"- Parade, among many more...
Ms. Mojo is anti-Parade. LOL My guess is that it's because there isn't a lot of footage of it. (At least not legal footage.) So if they included it on a list, it would have to be a lot of music only. But they rarely, if ever, mention it and it belongs on a lot of these lists.
Although there are a lot of clips of "Old Red Hills of Home," so I don't know the reasoning behind leaving that off. Honestly? I don't think the person who makes these lists has ever seen the show.
Almost every song in Parade could be characterized as "hauntingly beautiful."
Why God? Sang beautifully by the original Chris,Simon Bowman ❤
I definitely would have included "What I Did For Love."
I’ve got a soft spot for “For Good”. The stellar vocals combine with a gorgeous instrumentation and equally strong lyrics. And when Elphaba and Glinda finally begin to sing together, it gives me chills. And the ending is made even sadder when you account that they’ll never see each other again. I legitimately can’t wait to hear Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rendition in the movie!
Good choice. I also am totally chilled whenever I hear "As Long As You're Mine" from the same show: "Kiss me to fiercely, hold me too tight; I need help believing you're with me tonight..." Brilliant!
One of my favourite parts of this song is while Glinda usually sings the higher notes and Elphaba the lower, there's a point in this song where that changes, and I love it.
@@daddio5251 I have this for my boyfriend's ringtone...cause for the moment it is all soo true...just love it.
I said the same thing!!!
Great choice!
“Somewhere” will always be special to me. I sang it at my grandma’s funeral, at her request. It was one of her all time favorites.
What a touching tribute. It must have been an emotional experience for you to sing in the midst of grief. A true sign of your love for her. ❤️❤️❤️
I agree. I can’t help but cry when I hear this song.
The context of “Why” in Tick Tick Boom makes it even more devastating. His best friend Michael just revealed to him that he was diagnosed with HIV, which in the early 90s was still seen as a death sentence. This is Jonathan singing about needing to do right by himself and his dreams, but also to the friends and family that matter most to him. It’s even sadder because in the end, Jonathan died before seeing how that dedication to his art and his family ultimately brought the world to its feet.
I find "children will listen" more haunting than "you are not alone" in into the woods
So do I!
I agree. The first time I heard this song live it really choked me up. I was going through a really tough time with my teen daughter
Watch what you say, children might listen.....yes, this is the one I was thinking of too
Absolutely!
If you can get past the creepy circumstance, "Nothin's Gonna Harm You" from Sweeney Todd is an exquisite lullaby.
💯
Yes! My daughter played Toby this year in her high school production and I loved hearing her rehearse that song at home for weeks.
Yes!
I would add, When I grow up from Matilda
@@KarinShah Absolutely! Not the least of which reason, my twin sons sang two of the leading bits in their senior year.
“How Could I Ever Know” from “The Secret Garden” and “Back to Before” from “Ragtime” are two of the most beautiful songs, and were sung by the incomparable Rebecca Luker and Marin Mazzie. Both women sadly left us way too soon.
“How Could I Ever Know” sung by Rebecca Luker always gives me chill. Definitely deserves to be on this list.
The Music of the Night is one of those songs that, no matter how many times I hear it, always leaves me breathless. It’s such a beautiful, haunting and enchanting song. The way Ramin and Michael Crawford sings it especially always gives me goosebumps
I love almost all of the songs from Phantom!!!
YES. It’s one of the best songs ever composed for Broadway!
@@HamnimationStudiosBroadway???
It was first performed in London.
@@manchestertart5614 Oops, you’re right!😅 I meant musical theater in general. Thanks for the correction!
All I ask of you is the best song in the entire musical and its reprise at the end of the show
I remember being a background singer in our school's production of Carousel & EVERY time we sang You'll Never Walk Alone I got choked up. Then when our dance teacher was diagnosed with cancer I sang it to her. Ugh! Such a powerful song!
For many years, over the Labor Day weekend, the comedian/actor Jerry Lewis used to host a charity telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. At the end of each telethon, he would sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is especially poignant when you realize that MD is a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and most end up in wheelchairs.
Another song from *Carousel* that chokes me up is "If I Loved You." It's especially poignant if you've seen that musical before, and find out that **SPOILER ALERT** even though Julie and Billy love each other, they can never find lasting happiness together...at least in this life. I'm choking up just typing these words.
The reprise of the song is even more powerful than the song's first appearance. When Billy interjects "I loved you. Know that I loved you," and Julie joins her voice to the chorus,, the effect is powerful. Also, when the song is sung correctly (as it was in the example on this posting), the melody descends when Nettie sings the finial line but ascends when Julie sings it at the end. This makes it even more powerful.
The Les Mis one yhat gets me everytime is Empty Chairs
"Johanna" is definitely one good choice from SWEENEY TODD, but for my money, the absolute peak of haunting songs is "Not While I'm Around," when Toby lets Mrs. Lovett know his suspicions about Sweeney, unaware that Nellie is actually in on the gruesome enterprise.
Agree! My daughter played Toby a few months ago and I loved hearing her rehearse that song.
The heart wrenching longing of "Being Alive" at the end of Sondheim's "Company" fills the stage with the unendurable pain of loneliness.
Several years ago our local repertory theater preformed 1776; the young man who played the courier and sang Mama Look Sharp, not only did he have a beautiful voice, his mom was in the cast. She was off stage listening and in tears.
So glad you included “Come from Away” Lead us out of the darkness. That whole musical is a spine-tingling tribute to the best in us during a time when human depravity was taking over the airwaves.
I can't believe that not one song from "Next to Normal" didn't even make an honorable mention. I bawl my eyes out multiple times throughout that masterpiece.
I came down here to say the same thing!!!
@@AugustaWind11Dans song “I’ve been” about how he’s stood by her through all her mental illness and how he’s really just all alone in his hope??? Heartbreaking!!!
Stephen Sondheim wrote seven of the lyrics and composed the music for six. Leonard Bernstein wrote the music for "West Side Story." Sondheim was an amazingly talented, friendly human being.
Two of my favorites…”Gethsemane” and “Tell Me On a Sunday”
Last year I was in a production for Into the Woods. Whenever they sang No One Is Alone, I got goosebumps every single time.
For me it's especially when Phillipa Soo sings it. I don't know what it is but Phillipa just strikes heart strings that tears me apart.
Colm singing Bring Him Home always gets me every time- well done for staying away from the lacklustre movie version. Stars and Some Enchanted Evening should be on here too, especially the Philip Quast versions. Also Preludium from The Sound of Music- regardless of one's religious beliefs, it is beautiful music.
I just wished they'd hired a better singer than Gerard for Phantom.
YES!!! I knew Music Of The Night would be number one. It is so hypnotizing. Wish Memory from CATS would have been on the list. At least it got an honorable mention. That is my favorite musical.
Alfie Boe opens his mouth and angels fly out. I will always get goosebumps from his version of Bring Him Home.
What about "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables? That song will unapologetically rip your heart out.
I think Susan ruined that song for a lot of people. It's been heard to death.
@@MsJubjubbird This is the issue with a lot of these for me. There are many many on this list that I agree are amazing, I've just heard them 1000 times so they've lost some of their magic for me.
The one that makes me cry is "A Little Fall of Rain".
I saw 1776 a couple of months ago and as soon as the courrier finished “Mama Look Sharp”, you could have heard a pin drop before everyone erupted into applause. Side note: this production of 1776 was performed by an all female cast and it was a lot of fun!
Totally agree!!! Mama look sharp completely caught me off guard and WOW what a song!
I think having a mother sing that song about looking for her son would be heartbreaking.
This is my ultimate muscle. I bet it was fun having Ben Franklin played by a female. Oh John, that was a new one
@@carldom1264 the woman who portrayed Ben Franklin played Corrina ‘Mama Smash’ Williams on Friday Night Lights, Liz Mikel is her name and she was an excellent Ben Franklin!
@@carldom1264 I would have loved to see this production and how great that a female played such an interesting and challenging role. Here in Akron, Ohio, we witnessed an immensely talented female actor turn in an astonishingly good (okay, great) performance of Hamlet a few years back.
I love how you mentioned Lilly’s Eyes from Secret Garden. It’s so underrated but a beautiful song in an amazing musical, however, I’d argue that “I Heard Someone Crying” is even more haunting, but beautiful nonetheless.
Oof. Yes. I played this soundtrack on repeat when it came out. I'm still waiting for a movie adaptation, but only if Mandy Patinkin will consent to be in it.
I would second “I Heard Someone Crying” and add “How Could I Ever Know” by Rebecca Luker on the OBC recording of Secret Garden. She sounds haunting and angelic at the same time. So sad that she is gone. 😢
@@maidachan2989 I couldn't remember how many times I'd played The Secret Garden's OBC album (CD). Becca was an incredibly kind person and super nice to her fans. I saw her live in The Sound of Music on Broadway. Wish I'd seen more of her performances in person.
Tell Me on Sunday from Song and Dance… “…take to a park, that’s covered in trees, tell me on a Sunday, please.” 😢 always makes me sad to even think of.
Yeah, but then a bit of a clunker: "take me to a zoo that's got chimpanzees. Tell me on a Sunday, please." This always ruins the song for me. Lol.
MICHAEL CRAWFORD’S “Music of the Night” is UNBEATABLE. The music and lyrics of Andrew Lloyd - Webber’s love - starved, pathetic creature are so moving and that last note sustained forever by Michael is breathtaking!!!❤😢😊
All of Phantom of the Opera could honestly make this list but for me my top song from the show is wishing you were here.
Come From Away is so underrated... If you haven't seen it on Apple TV its emotionally heart wrenching...
It just takes more effort to watch something that still has strong memories for.
I saw the show twice. I cried both times during the prayer scene.
Another one that I was shocked about is "Gethsemane" from JCS. It's the emotional high point for both the actor playing Jesus and the audience...any staging of the musical stands or falls based on how well it's performed.
And speaking of haunting, more's the pity that you couldn't include "Old Souls" from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, since it hasn't been adapted for the stage...yet. As a song about lovers whose bond transcends time and even death, it's one of the most underrated tunes ever written.
Old Souls is especially touching when you know that Paul Williams actually wrote it for/about his own parents!
There seem to be several emotional high points in JCS, such as, "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Could We Start Again, Please?"
“Gethsemane” just knocks me over every time.
By My Side from Godspell makes me cry every time. Haunting, beautiful, meaningful.
I had that one on my list of songs Mojo missed. I'm old enough to have seen the original production of Godspell in Chicago in the early 1970s!
Those Who've Known from Spring Awakening is definitely a tearjerker and sends chills up many spines.
You have some nice and a few genuinely great selections in this list, but I suggest you go back farther in musical theater history than you did for this video. Ol' Man River from Show Boat is one of the greatest and bravest songs ever written for the stage. Written in 1926, it gave voice to victims of slavery in the US. It was introduced on Broadway in 1927 by a great, but now forgotten African American baritone, Jules Bledsoe, and sung in the 1936 movie version by Paul Robeson. And Summertime from Porgy and Bess is an incredibly beautiful, haunting aria from George Gershwin's all African American opera. It was written in 1935.
Amen. I can (sort of) understand why they left the unbelievably beautiful "Summertime"--only because PORGY AND BESS is technically an opera (which automatically excludes the opera's heartrending, spine-tingling aria sung by the bereaved Serena, "My Man's Gone Now"), but "Ol' Man River" is not just hauntingly beautiful: it is the centerpiece of a play that completely changed the whole concept of the American musical. Both "Ol' Man River" and SHOW BOAT were revolutionary.
1776 is so underrated. I love seeing part of it get it's due.
One of my very favorite musicals and I watch the movie every 4th of July.
@@laurellane1721 me too!!!!
While this list is folly since there are so many songs from musical that fall under this category I will add "Far From the Home I Love" from "Fiddler on a Roof". In this song a daughter, knowing she will never see them again, sings of leaving her home, her family, her life to meet her love in a faraway place. Try listening to Julia Migenes-Johnson on the original cast album and not mist up.
I will never forget the first time I heard Music of the Night. Michael Crawford was making a guest appearance on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The tv was on as I came into the room and he had just started to sing. I was instantly captivated and immediately sat down in awe at what I was hearing. His rendition gave me chills and will always be the best to me.
Weirdly enough, that was the first time I had heard Music of the Night, too! It was truly unforgettable.
Finally, justice for "Come From Away"!!! I've been lucky enough to see a TON of musicals and plays, on Broadway and off- "Come From Away" remains one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. I would have added "Prayer" and "Something's Missing" as honorable mentions for this list- both beautiful and haunting when you remember how raw the pain from that time was.
I am totally with you on Come From Away. An AMAZING show. Left me laughing, crying, and breathless.
Oliver’s “Who Will Buy?” and the reprise is so gorgeous in both melody and meaning.
true, but "Where is Love" is a close second
Oliver is one of the best ever but other than Le Mis & Andrew Lloyd webber's musicals, they're very American'centric
#17 Momma look Sharp from 1776. That musical has to be my favorite movie, and that song is just so haunting.
The better choice for Sunday in the Park with George would be “We Do Not Belong Together”/“Move On” . The better choice for Into the Woods would be “Stay with Me.” (Goosebump central!) But I’m glad to see Sondheim so well represented on this list. Hauntingly beautiful is what he did best.
I’m sorry you didn’t include Being Alive from Company or For Good from Wicked. Happy to see so many other Sondheim songs on the list. May this genius Rest In Peace! He is a legend!
While I agree with PotO, where's Dreamgirls' "And I am telling you I'm not going"? Jennifer Holliday at her finest! 💯
You'll never walk alone makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Sorry Ms Mojo your honorable mentions were better than Telephone Wire.
If I loved You - Carousel. -Yours, Yours, Yours - love song between Abaigail & John Adams - 1776.
Bravo for including Mama, Look Sharp! Incredible song, and a beautiful performance by Stephen Nathan in the movie, who originated the role of Jesus in Godspell. I might include Molasses to Rum from 1776, as well.
I can't believe you left out "For Good" from Wicked!
Oh thank you for Momma, Oh momma. this was the song that they did from 1776 for the Tonys that year. I was in college and, in all honesty small town, backwater raised, this was my first time to even be aware of Broadway! THAT song has lead me on to a love of musicals to this day!! THANK YOU
I would have used Not While I’m Around over Johanna for Sweeney Todd. Toby sees through Todd, and is unrequited in his love for Mrs Lovett. I get goosebumps thinking about it
Agree! MUCH better choice
Great list, but I would have liked to see "I Don't Know How to Love Him" or "Could We Start Again Please" from Jesus Christ Superstar.
I love that u included clips from the newly released "Sweeney Todd" revival album starring Josh Groban
Happy to hear Josh, too bad Jordan Fisher is on there.
I'm sorry, but I'm not a fan of Jordan Fisher and I think he was miscast in that role. I saw the show and he was really disappointing. I was happy to hear that he was leaving. I plan on going back next month for my birthday specifically to see the new Anthony.
The way I burst into tears when I heard the opening notes to “It’s Quiet Uptown”. I hadn’t heard or thought about it in a while and although I should have been prepared, I was not 😭
A nice list but I would have found room for "Try to Remember" from "The Fantastiks" near the top. Glad you included "Somewhere That's Green", even if it was a runner up. "Suddenly Seymour" is another fave tune of mine from "Little Shop of Horrors".
I've played in the pit for Light in the Piazza. I couldn't stop bawling even as I was playing.
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again always makes my mother cry. After 73 years, she still misses her father as much as thevday he died.
I expected Don't Cry for Me Argentina in there somewhere. Also Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific and I am Not My Father's Son from Kinky Boots. And for me, I think Being Alive would be #1 - especially from the Neil Patrick Harris concert version. And who could forget Brian Stokes Mitchell's version of Impossible Dream on the Tony's? This list needed to be divided into past 15 years or so and older. Too many choices
I think they wanted songs that were beautiful but not really happy - so I didn't expect Some Enchanted Evening, because although it's a very beautiful song, it's a man professing his love for someone, there's nothing unhappy about it. (Although when I was watching the recent revival at Lincoln Center, I had a friend with me I had just fallen in love with, in a manner very similar to what Emil is talking about, and knew he likely wouldn't be able to be with me, so I was crying desperately through the whole song. But I think I was the only one who was.)
And I think Raul Esparza sang the definitive Being Alive.
I had the privilege of seeing Brian Stokes Mitchell sing Impossible Dream live on Broadway. I knew nothing about the show other than that it was famous, and I had a friend I wanted to take to a show that night. By the end of that song, if you had told me BSM was 50 feet tall and filled the entire stage, I would have believed you. And he was notably better in person than on the Tonys - I think he was restraining himself so he would have less of a chance of screwing up on TV. I really wish I had video of what he did live.
Then you kind of got the point of Some Enchanted Evening, but not quite. It is supposed to be foreshadowing. Never let her go. And yet he does - not knowing if he will be back. It is a very bittersweet moment. Also he is thinking - will Nellie stay? Keep in mind the underlying theme of prejudice, too. He has two half native children. Can he convince a woman from Kansas to stay and raise them? No, you weren't the only one who cries through that song. It is wonderful to recall the performances we actually saw on Broadway - for me, it was seeing Richard Burton do Camelot at Lincoln Center and being at the final performance of Pearl Bailey in Hello Dolly. She called the cast back onto the stage - kicked off her shoes (she was famous for having bad feed) and sang with a pianist only for over an hour. Raul Julia - certainly great - but there was something about the tenderness and vulnerability of Neil Patrick Harris that just tore my heart open. I also saw Dean Jones in the original and his was wonderful, too. Sadly I didn't see Brian Stokes Mitchell in La Mancha, but I saw the original Richard Kiley - and Suzyn Waldman of Yankee radio fame. And later on I saw John Raitt do it - and took a master class with him afterwards. That is my favorite musical ever. @@tmf866
You forget some other musical like Fiddler on the Roof song: Far From the Home I Love Show Boat song: Ol Man River Oliver songs: Where is Love & As Long as He Needs Me Hello Dolly song: It Only Takes A Moment The Woman in White song: Laura The Sound of Music songs: Edelweiss & Something Good
I always thought that "Something Wonderful", from "The King and I", when Lady Thiang sings to Anna about how she feels about the king, even though he has many wives and concubines, and often seems cruel and uncaring (and often quite ignorant about many things). It always touches something inside me whenever I listen to it.
Sondheim songs need a list of its own
I've always loved Jerry Herman's IF HE WALKED INTO MY LIFE from MAME, so memorably sung by Angela Lansbury. Heartbreaking (as was Herman's TIME HEALS EVERYTHING).
I'd add 'Anatevka' from Fiddler on the Roof - haunting and achingly sad as the entire village is forced to leave their poor but beloved home. Gets me every time.
My favorite is "Bring Him Home"... I cry every time.
But I can't forget the premise of "Come from Away". As long as I have breath and memory, I won't forget what Gander, Newfoundland did for us in 2001. Those people were stars among the clouds that day, and even though I don't know any of them, I love them all. ♥️
Amazing list! I would add “Flesh Failures/ Let the Sunshine In” from “Hair” and “Easy to Be Hard”, as well
Mine would absolutely have to be so big so small from Dear Evan Hansen, it’s just amazing!!
Seriously, no Shadowlands at ALL? Shadowlands is a beautiful, haunting song about being forced to leave your home to seek help, knowing you may never see it again. And the call and response in English and Swahili is just so moving.
Lilys Eyes!!! The Secret Garden! I never hear anyone talk about it. It's such a beautiful musical. One of my absolute favorites! Yay! Glad it made it in the honors 🎉😊
Such a great collection, had me in tears a few times. I'd add Make Our Garden Grow from Candide - the building of the voices through the song realizing they were all looking for the wrong things in life and then the choral solo, breathtaking.
Where is "I dreamed a dream" ???? Its an amazing track, how was it left out?
Glad “It’s Quiet Uptown” made the list. I’d add “Nothing” from A Chorus Line.
What about the ballad of Jane doe from ride the cyclone that songs always gives me chills
It's Quiet Uptown from Hamilton and Alabanza from In The Heights
You overlooked the meaning of the phrase "send in the clowns." Back in the days of circuses, clowns were sent in to distract the audience when there was an accident in the ring. The spotlight would focus on the clowns and their antics while the tragedy was dealt with and taken away in the dark.
The Impossible Dream from Man of LaMancha!
Somewhere. lyricist Sondheim was indeed great but the amazing Leonard Bernstein who composed this music certainly deserves equal mention, don't you think?
“We Do Not Belong Together” from Sunday in the Park, and “Still Hurting” from The Last 5 Years get me EVERY time.
I think there needs to be an honorable mention for "In His Eyes" and/or "Someone Like You" from Jekyll and Hyde 😊
Marni Nixon always did an amazing job - usually uncredited - but 1961 West Side Story really showed her epic voice
You're not wrong...but I always cry so hard when Queen Rita Moreno sings "Somewhere" in the new version.
@@WrenFaithBridger - I LOVE that she had a part in the new version. The original is still my favorite but I thought the Spielberg version was also excellent!
I’d also love to shoutout “Stay I Pray You” from Anastasia! W/ a show w/ already so many hauntingly beautiful songs, this one really takes it to a whole other level! I truly wish I saw a live performance of that song! 🥹🥺🙏🎶
What about anything from Ride The Cyclone? The Ballad of Jane Doe literally gives me shivers up and down my spine.
Till We Reach that Day NEVER fails to make me cry. When Coalhouse screams NOOOOOOOO and Tateh says "What is wrong with this country?" is just so heartbreaking. I did this show (techie) and I sobbed every single performance when the cast sang this song.
And R.I.P. Marin Maisie
Pity the Child -- Chess
Being Alive -- Company
A Boy Like That -- West Side Story
On My Own -- Les Miserables
Once Upon a Dream -- Jekyl & Hyde
The Movie in My Mind -- Miss Saigon
Honestly, there are just so many....
Finally, justice for Bandstand, and justice for Right This Way. That song sends shivers up and down my spine every time I listen to it. It's absolutely heart-wrenching, the emotion that goes into that song. I forget who. But someone, some reviewer, said it's quite possibly the strongest act one finale since Defying Gravity. And it's impossible to disagree for me.
...What do you MEAN The "I Love You" Song from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee isn't here? Even named? It's a girl, reflecting on her family, through the lens of the word 'chimerical'. Unrealistic, wildly fanciful dreaming. And it's her own unrealistic and fanciful dreams, of her parents apologizing for the trauma she's been through, and telling her they love her. That all she wants is to hear those words, knowing she never has, and never will. It's probably one of the most emotional songs in musical theater history, when the meaning and the performance and the three-part harmony all blends together.
THANK YOU. I was lucky enough to catch the pro shot when it was released in theaters without knowing any of the songs, and when “Right this Way” ended Act One, my friend and I just sat there STUNNED. It was such an incredible experience (as was the rest of the show).
It really is. The show as a whole just hits so well. I'm so glad the proshot is out there. It's one of my favorite things to go back and watch when I need a distraction. That, Spongebob, Come From Away, Newsies, or Six.@@TardisGirl9
I saw A Little Night Music at the Stratford Festival in 2016 and I'll never forget how you could hear a pin drop in a 1000 seat theatre after Send in The Clowns. The whole audience was floating in stillness.
Sweeney Todd's Joanna is pretty good, but I much prefer "Not While I'm Around"
This had to have been an exceedingly difficult and worrisome list to compile, knowing that many worthy songs would not be included and knowing that commentary on sites of all kinds like this that give space to commentary tends to draw a fairly sizable amount of critical opinions from folks, for whatever reason. So I both applaud and feel for MsMojo as the creator. I have no criticism - and, I do have one song I'd like to put out there as possibly a candidate for a further compilation - and that is "Make Our Garden Grow" which gives me such goosebumps, causes a lump in my throat and much, much more every single time I hear it.
"When words fail" From Shrek the musical is the most beautiful song i've ever heard in a Broadway production (too Bad it wasn't on this top) happy sunday morning Ms Mojo, take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia to you as well.
“Bring Him Home”. Especially when Hugh Jackman sings it. From his soul
I knew this one was on the list just from the pre-countdown shots they showed. Recognize that costume anywhere.
I can't believe "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Boulevard didn't make the list.
Blood Brothers. Saw a phenomenal production in Eastbourne, England this summer. Still haunts me.
There is no way 'Memory' is only an honorable mention. I want to cry every time I hear it. And 'I'd Give My Life for You' from Miss Saigon should be on this list as the woman is going to kill herself to give her son a good life. 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' from Sunset Blvd. should also at least be an honorable mention.
Miss Saigon has some great songs that you missed.
This Nearly Was Mine
Good choice. Unfortunately, this list was heavily weighted toward shows of the last 50 years, which left me surprised that it even included "Somewhere" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (let alone that the latter ranked at #2).
Although I agree with your top pick, there are some far more haunting songs in CHESS, A BEAUTIFUL GAME, EVITA, NOTRE DAME DE PARIS .
Putting _Music of the Night_ at #1 feels like popularity bias. I don't know too many people who could listen to Ragtime and honestly say that _Music of the Night_ holds a candle next to _Back to Before_ , _Sarah Brown Eyes_ , _Your Daddy's Son_ , or _Till We Reach That Day_ .
Sorry Memory should have been #1 if not at least top 3. NOT an honorable mention. It DEFINES haunting
So wanted to hear Mandy Patinkin sing!
Welcome Home from Bandstand had me SOBBING when I saw it on Broadway. the emotion became stronger when realizing its melody is TAPS, usually played for military funerals.
I thought No Good Deed was always haunting! Elphaba letting herself be "Wicked" despite wanting to do good.
Most of the Caberet soundtrack is very eerily beautiful and will always be my favorite musical soundtrack