Johnbobb ranks user-nominated Villain Songs: Requiem - The Ranking

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/3/33951609.jpg

21. The Phantom the Opera
Source: The Phantom the Opera
Villain: The Phantom
Nominator: wallmasterz (eliminated)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKHMRGMkQHU

Villainy: 3
Characterization: 9
Melody: 10
Total: 22/30

"And though you turn from me to glance behind / The Phantom of the Opera is the inside your mind"

Speaking of songs I sing to myself way too often, The Phantom of the Opera stands out as one of my all time favorite Broadway songs (I know this is from the film version but same thing really). Like what is that electric guitar doing there? It doesn't match the aesthetic of the musical at all, but somehow it not only works but elevates the song. This definitely makes the Mount Rushmore for organ songs too. And what a duet! Honestly, looking back at the first contest, I think I underrated Music of the Night too.

Music of the Night did beat this one by a bit though, placing 11th last time around, and I think I mentioned as much last time around that while this is really The Phantom's key song, Music of the Night establishes his villainy more. Here, it can be argued that the Phantom is manipulating Christine, effectively acting as a reverse siren, quite literally getting inside her mind. It's a song more about the Phantom tempting Christine to come to him and sing for him, which is pretty low on the totem pole as far as evil goes here. But that only adds to the complexity of the Phantom, one of Broadway's favorite tragic figures, who wants badly to be heard but not seen, and who maintains his aura of mystery for everyone except Christine, who he is quite literally letting in here as he summons her to his lair.