Board 8 > Raka Ranks 69 Crowd Songs: Rank-a-little, Talk-a-little

(+) Yeah! (+)

Now I'm sad I didnt think to nom That's How You Know
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Johnbobb posted...

Aw man, I figured the Community one would do poorly but I thought Firebringer would place higher

I like that the song basically sets up the gist of who all the characters are right away. The beginning is definitely where it shines though because Lauren Lopez is fantastic

This was the first time I head of Firebringer, though I was vaguely familiar with Starkid through AVPM, Twisted, and Twisted. Looking it up, it's actually their newest. I should watch/listen to it properly someday.

Maniac64 posted...

Now I'm sad I didnt think to nom That's How You Know

I'm sad too. True Love's Kiss would also do well.
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52. So They Say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUaHGXvqx3c" data-time="
From Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Nominated by Johnbobb...again.

Sorry, Johnbobb! I never asked for this, or planned it in advance

Uuuuuh I gotta say, I don't like Dr. Horrible that much, the songs just don't do it for me. This is no exception. It's just...kinda boring. And I don't enjoy any of the vocal performances too much (NPH's is serviceable but I never really liked him vocally, he's pretty good in comedic roles though). I don't know what else to say. I think my favorite song from Dr. Horrible is My Freeze Ray, actually.

51. They Got The Mustard Out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAoyyspdYRI" data-time="
From Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Hahahaha I didn't expect it to be that short. Well, it was a well-done clip though. And hey, getting stains out of your clothes is definitely song-worthy. Props for making it this far.
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Raka_Putra posted...

This was the first time I head of Firebringer, though I was vaguely familiar with Starkid through AVPM, Twisted, and Twisted. Looking it up, it's actually their newest. I should watch/listen to it properly someday.

Twisted is definitely excellent

Firebringer is one of their best imo. Really funny the whole way through, and huge bonus points for having Lauren Lopez as the lead.

It's also one of the only Starkid musicals not parodying a pre-exisiting property
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up
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Haha I forgot Mustsrd got nominated

Joss Whedon double elimination
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Top 50 time! Hype for more songs that are mostly okay.

50. The World Will Know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCwazG_NdbI" data-time="
From Newsies
Nominated by Maniac64

It's...okay. I don't dig the melody too much and it's very forgettable. I literally didn't remember which song this was! But hey, at least it's not bad.

Riesling
Not my favorite Newsies piece. Not many action either if I remember correctly (I may not). Still, I guess it serves its purpose in the show.

48. A Freak Like Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqh7RL4Kpag" data-time="
From Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Nominated by Cybat

A freak like me...who killed your brother. Forget that freak and find another. One of your own kind, stick to your own kind.

I don't really like the electronic synth sounds they use here, it nearly induces headache. But otherwise this is a pretty fun villain song, Green Goblin being the enabler to the scums of society (because he's rich) is great in concept.

Also I know the musical is one of the most famous modern musical flops and I heard it's not really good either, anyone here has seen it?
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My sister saw it after the rework and said it was fun but basically the theater equivalent of a popcorn auction flick. Very shallow but flash and fun to watch once.

Apparently before the rework it was just bad.
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Yeah, I saw it. It's not completely horrible but it is pretty underwhelming in most aspects. The actors were pretty good overall, especially the Green Goblin himself, and the technical stuff was pretty incredible. There is a scene at the end where they do something with the set that blew my mind.

But overall yeah not the best. That concept you gleaned from the song is relevant to the actual show for maybe two minutes after that song is over.
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I see...
Well, that's too bad. But Broadway productions being expensive as they are even without the crazy set and stunts, I'd say it was a crazy bet they made from the start. Oh well.
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bump
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47. The Juggernaut

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pulTj4di6Hw" data-time="
From The Wild Party
Nominated by KBM

Never heard of this musical before. Fun fact, courtesy of Wikipedia: It coincidentally made its debut during the same theatre season (19992000) as a Broadway production with the same name and source material. This song is...intense. I feel intimidated just from listening to it, which I suppose is in line with the effect they're going for. I like the jazz-influenced sound of the song, it's playful and rich. But it's just a bit too intense for me. I'm sure this song impresses on stage though.

46. Alexander Hamilton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2IEQWWyTpk" data-time="
From Dear Evan Hansen /jk it's from Hamilton
Nominated by Underleveled

The cast sings about the main role, cute. Interesting way to start the musical but just isn't very pleasing to the ears. Maybe it's meant to be rough and rap-py but yeah though stylistically fitting, just doesn't make for a very good song to listen to. There are better Hamilton songs to pick from.

Asteriesling
I really like this and I enjoy replacing Alexander Hamilton with some other character (especially historical figures) and see how it goes.
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45. Come Alive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4TAW5OVszQ" data-time="
From The Greatest Showman
Nominated by GenesisSaga

Why is Jackman so mumbly. I really do not like second-person pov songs, where the singer puts words in my mouth and just...assume and judge. Well at least the gloomy parts of this song are not as long as The Greatest Show. But this song is still...forgettable. Which also describes most of TGS.

44. Endgame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJAw8d2tfGA" data-time="
From Chess
Nominated by KBM

Why is Jackman so mumbly. I really do not like second-person pov songs, where the singer puts words in my mouth and just...assume and judge. Well at least the gloomy parts of this song are not as long as The Greatest Show. But this song is still...forgettable.
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Was that a joke or a mistake?
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Oh whoops! Will post the right write up at home (Google Spreadsheet sucks on mobile). Thanks for pointing that out.
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The right write-up for Endgame:

Chess is very weird, all the crowd parts sound very...ethereal. Like middle age church hymns or something. It's not bad, just...not really something I think I'd enjoy listening out of context. And I don't know the technical term, but something about the way the song is mixed...the vocals sound like they're blasted from speakers, as in they're not crisp. It makes it sound even more dramatic than it already was. To be honest, this song is a bit tiring due to its intensity and length.
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43. I'm Free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOGKLMKg8Lw" data-time="
From Footloose
Nominated by Cybat

This is a good song but I can tell it's somewhat forgettable. It sounds like almost every big number of late 1990s musicals. Like...The Wiz and Fame. Not much to say.

42. Tonight Quintet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyUV3hIL-G0" data-time="
From West Side Story
Nominated by KBM

Ah yeah, WSS. Though it'll always hold a special place in my heart...but I'm not really the biggest fan of the music. The Sharks and Jets' parts feel very flat/monotonous? And Maria's is very high and faint. I'm just not big fan of the song. I prefer America and I Feel Pretty.
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up
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Tag
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From now on it's songs that I have mostly positive impression of but with weak points or I just like other songs better.

41. Let's Generalize About Men

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3FE7BswYI" data-time="
From Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Nominated by Johnbobb

I really should catch up on Crazy Ex-girlfriend, it's just such a delight. Well this one is not exactly a classical showtune, more of a parody of those empowering songs by a...I want to say 90's? girl groups. It's hilarious. And I can't say I'm not flattered by what they say about gay men lol. I did have to deduct points slightly because it's more of a pop song.

40. Gee, Officer Krupke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7TT4jnnWys" data-time="
From West Side Story
Nominated by Underleveled

Doesn't sound very good vocally (though on purpose). Funny, but just a bit too many timed or localized references/phrases. The staging/choreo and accents are also fun. I like how there's a mini storyline there as well as social commentary.

Asteriesling
A very smart song which got me sympathize with the boys (and people like them). Also I enjoy watching the Japanese version.
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I did Officer Krupke in college choir, good times. My dad was in the audience and took the "my dad's an S.O.B." line personally, lol.
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tonight quintet seems a bit low! i thought it was the surprise awesome song from that movie. even if it's not the best!
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jcgamer107 posted...

I did Officer Krupke in college choir, good times. My dad was in the audience and took the "my dad's an S.O.B." line personally, lol.

HAHAH that's hilarious.

SeabassDebeste posted...

tonight quintet seems a bit low! i thought it was the surprise awesome song from that movie. even if it's not the best!

Well, I just respect it more than I like it.
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39. I'm The Music Meister

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAFP0IoMfsA" data-time="
From Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Nominated by Snake 5s

Ha, I love this. It's always a good time with musical-based villains that use the power of musical theater to control minds (though nobody triumphs Harold Hill yet). Black Canary's voice is gorgeous. The song goes on for just a tad too long though, but nothing major. Though I don't really like the 'I'm the Music Meister' tune itself, feels...cheesy? Simplistic?

38. Go, Go, Go, Joseph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42NYkjklkWg" data-time="
From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Nominated by Cybat

Ah Joseph, another musical with generous amount of crowd songs. This is not my favorite but it's not bad. I do like how the song starts the 'go go go' part faint, more like a whisper, but the builds up to be triumphant as Joseph earns his repute as an interpreter and gets the Pharaoh's favor. The thing about Joseph is that the ensemble is basically just Greek chorus, which you might have noticed is not my favorite approach. And well, this song has a lot of talky parts and it can get just a bit repetitive. Too bad nobody nominated Joseph's Coat or even Jacob and Sons.
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i dont think that is the right video for music meister
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I stand corrected!
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I forgot to mention it but I also really like Megamix from Joseph... and Montage from Evita. I think there should be more songs like that, where it's just like...a medley of songs from the recording.
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Up
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Raka_Putra posted...

Well, I just respect it more than I like it.

after listening to it again, i only like the melodic parts from tony and maria, which are like 30% of the song. love those parts but the rest kind of sucks. so i can agree with you.
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37. We Are The Crystal Gems

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip1eVBs7hC4" data-time="
From Steven Universe
Nominated by GenesisSaga

This is my first real exposure to Steven Universe content. It's honestly quite endearing and I can tell it's really awesome for fans of the show, but I'm not one of those (yet). Some parts are weak. Especially Garnet's verse doesn't flow well. And the song never really came together for me. Speaking of cartoons, I'm sad nobody nominated anything from MLP.

36. Candy Store

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VryXeV_C6eM" data-time="
From Heathers
Nominated by Anagram

Interesting that Anna used an animatics version. For those not in the know, animatics are like simple fan-made animations (usually made with sketches/doodles) depicting the song. They can be really cool and intricate, depending on the creator's skill. Heathers is another musical that's very popular with the young crowd, though I myself haven't got to really listen to it. And well...this seems like Mean Girls but with snazzier dresses. Anyway, the song itself is cool. It's a villain song and it's got the right mix between symbolism and realism. It's a bit -too- threatening for me to really take to it though, I feel victimized. Also the thing about dicks and balls were just uncomfortable.

Riesling
I really love Heathers songs, especially how savage the lyrics are. Candy Store is a nice metaphor too.
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I happened to have just seen that link the day I saw your topic, so I just reposted the link.
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Raka_Putra posted...

This is my first real exposure to Steven Universe content.

That show has such good music, I really recommend going down that rabbit hole
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Anagram posted...

I happened to have just seen that link the day I saw your topic, so I just reposted the link.

Well, animatics can be really good so that's cool. I saw a video of the whole Hamilton show but with animatics (made with different people).

jcgamer107 posted...

Raka_Putra posted...

This is my first real exposure to Steven Universe content.

That show has such good music, I really recommend going down that rabbit hole

I believe it! A shame nobody nominated anything from MLP, I rather enjoy their songs as well.
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35. Time Warp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aizCMO-mI1Q7
From The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Nominated by Snake5s

It's very wacky and catchy. But it's basically another non-sequitur. It's just a bunch of...alien party-goers dancing at Dr. Frank's castle? The lyrics don't really make sense, so like...it's a good tune but I don't really get the significance. ...which might be moot in this musical since it's very camp and somewhat pointless. It's great fun though.

Riesling
Not a song I enjoy listening to but one I'd frequently use when I'm with a bunch of friends and don't know what to do or there's a group activity involving making up gymnastic moves.

34. We See The Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtP_Rio6fgQ" data-time="
From Something Rotten
Nominated by Cybat

I like, it's an easy-listen song that still carries character and plot development. Though it's a bit tongue-in-cheek lol. We're wrong, you're right. Still, it's a fun little tune and it doesn't go on for too long.
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Bump.
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Ain't it a fine bump.
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33. Someone in The Crowd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2zb6zg-W2s" data-time="
From La La Land
Nominated by jcgamer

Now this is more fun, I can actually feel the characters' feelings and understand what the scene is about. It makes them feel genuine. And it's catchy as well. I like the aside 'I think I'll stay behind', as it hits the sweet spot between being conversational and adding something to the song.

Riesling
I wish La La Land has more crowd song. The only song I like better than this is Audition.

32. This is Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw" data-time="
From The Greatest Showman
Nominated by Arria via Erika

This song is probably one of the most covered songs this year and I can see the appeal. I like it a fair amount too, it's got enough theatricality to not be boring, it's relevant to the character and story while still being a great catchy showtune. It is empowering. It's mostly sung by the bearded lady though the other side characters got at least a chunk to sing, might be fun to have more personal takes in the lyrics rather than being mostly detached from the context of movie.

Riesling
I grew up with Demi Lovato's This Is Me and this song doesn't feel much different. The content sounds more like Disney teenage empowerment song from my school days. Now that I'm older I can't help but be cynical about it.
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The bridge of Someone in the Crowd is one of the greatest musical moments in film, imo. The music falling out with everyone at the party frozen in place, as Mia reflects on the frustration of her situation. Then the slow build to the climax of the guy flipping into the pool, as it explodes back into a big dance number. So good.

And that's all about 20 minutes after a massive, ambitious opening number. Truly the greatest movie musical.
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31.Do You Hear the People Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMYNfQlf1H8" data-time="
From Les Miserables
Nominated by Arria feat. Erika
Ah yes, another classic. It's very rousing and you can feel the emotion, the bubbling dissent of revolution-era France. I've got nothing much to say about this song but I like it when crowd songs make it known why singers have to sing it. This is the problem I have with, say, Another Day of Sun. It felt like there was really no motivation and emotion behind it. Whoops somehow I segued back into that but let's move on.
As an aside, this is a song that addresses the listeners directly but don't put undue words in their mouth, since they are mostly in form of question so props for that.

Riesling
This song has a national anthem feel, a good one. It has simple melodies that everyone can sing and I feel it the most when many people sing this song in unison. Makes me want to stand up with a hand on my chest or waving a flag.

30. Seasons of Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj7LRuusFqo" data-time="
From Rent
Nominated by Arria feat. Erika
Share love. Give love. Spread love. I love this song because it works well both in- and out- of context. It's an anthem of love and how we should find love amids the joys and tragedies of our daily lives. It's beautifully sung, the harmonizing is delicious. And once you know Rent and what these characters go through, it's heartbreaking -- yet, optimistic at the same time. But even if it's sung at the start (as is the case with the film), it feels authentic, that these characters have their stories to tell. And that solo? Yes.

Riesling
Both lyrics and music are very beautiful. When I listen to it, I'm reminded that life is actually very simple. Share love. Give love. Spread love.
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jcgamer107 posted...

The bridge of Someone in the Crowd is one of the greatest musical moments in film, imo. The music falling out with everyone at the party frozen in place, as Mia reflects on the frustration of her situation. Then the slow build to the climax of the guy flipping into the pool, as it explodes back into a big dance number. So good.

And that's all about 20 minutes after a massive, ambitious opening number. Truly the greatest movie musical.

Yeah, that part is pretty good. It has many great moments!
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A pair of classics there.
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Yep! It's at this point everything left is good though. It's only a matter of preference mostly, or technicalities like which songs are more inherently theatrical.

29. A Weekend in the Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mHT2_hfhmA" data-time="
From A Little Night Music
Nominated by KBM

The original link from KBM died.
How delightfully droll indeed. This song is about a group of bourgouisie with very complicated relationships including more than a couple affairs as they receive an invitation to spend a weekend in the country together. [roll credits!] I really like the character dynamics here and how they change minds -- theirs, and each other's about accepting the invitation. As a song it's not really catchy (it doesn't have to be, but hey my ranking my opinion) and gets a bit drawn out. And well, it's very Sondheim, which is to say it's something of an acquired taste.

...also, out of the songs I knew from your nominations, this is definitely the song I listened the most to since.

28. Dark, Sad, Lonely Night/Somebody's Buddy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og0LTR95jlw" data-time="
From Holy Musical, Batman!
Nominated by jcgamer

Wow, this one is actually pretty good. It's effectively both heartfelt and funny, things Star Kid productions are known for. I dreaded this after Super Friends, but I have nothing to worry about. Well...except for that underline of...electric bass? That makes me feel a slight headache but it's okay.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOQV6K9HZGI" data-time="

^there's the correct link lol
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Ah, thanks! Somehow there are so many musicals with the word 'Bat' on it.

27. This Jesus Must Die

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN4TxOd9I8Q" data-time="
From Jesus Christ Superstar
Nominated by KBM

What's up with the fashion design in this movie? Though 2000's leather punk wasn't much better. I do like this song but there are better versions of this. It's sinister but fun. Some parts are weak though, particularly in the beginning. Once it got going, it's swell.

26. You Can't Stop the Beat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZnt-0fEiT0" data-time="
From Hairspray
Nominated by Maniac64

Man, this song is really fun. It's one of those songs that you just can't get out of your head. If there's one complaint is that since it's a long song and...by the end it just overstays its welcome oh so slightly, because it's very high energy and uptempo. Especially if you try to sing and/or dance along. Still, it's really good.
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Totally with you on that review. But man is it fun.
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hairspray's closer is excellent! didn't expect it at all - my first broadway play. that was one of my favorite songs from the play and one of my favorite ending songs from a musical.
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I agree, that song can stay stuck in my head for days, even weeks when I hear it.
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Back! I was involved with a play this weekend as a co-producer so I couldn't do much of anything else lol. More rankings coming up.
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25. Kiss the Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRbB-qUJfY" data-time="
From The Little Mermaid
Nominated by Underleveled

It strikes a really nice balance between working great in context and still enjoyable to listen to outside of it. And it has slow parts and faster parts and they're both really good. Well one thing that makes me hesitate to put it higher is that it's still very much a Sebastian song more than everything.

Riesling
I'm not sure this is a crowd song. I thought it's more like Sebastian solo.

24. Shipoopi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jj622vbrrU" data-time="
From The Music Man
Nominated by Underleveled

I lost my original write up. Great song, fun, but still very rando and out of context (unless it's like talking about Marian in a roundabout way). It's also rather chauvinistic. And the lead singer's voice is very goofy though fitting. It just doesn't make a lot of sense in the context of the story and it's mostly for fun I feel.

Riesling
It's not my favorite tune but it's definitely fun to watch.
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