Thoughts & Things

The 17 Best Songs from Hamilton: An American Musical

At this point in time, there are endless lists of which tracks in Hamilton were the best. It's easily the biggest new musical this decade, and accessible in a way that many musicals are not, so it's no surprise that everyone has an opinion. Obviously when I say "best" I mean my own personal favourites. Every song in Hamilton is so great that it's impossible to name songs that are good or bad, you can only manage favourites. I have arranged them in alphabetical order, as I honestly can't rank them at a certain point. I have also included explanations for their appearance on the list, but I have kept it brief.


1. Aaron Burr, Sir
Leslie Odom Jr. is an incredible actor and singer, and Aaron Burr is a fascinating character. It seems appropriate that he get an introductory song that gives us real information while also providing us with as many rhymes for "Burr" as possible.

2. Alexander Hamilton
Being the opening track, Alexander Hamilton has to set the tone for what's to come, introduce the story, and introduce the main character. It does everything it should, and it does it incredibly well, particularly thanks to the fantastic ensemble cast.

3. Burn
Burn comes into play much later in the musical, and serves as one of the solo tracks of Eliza Schuyler, Hamilton's wife. Phillipa Soo sounds absolutely incredible, and pours her heart into it. Easily one of the best solo tracks in Hamilton. (Also worth noting that there is an unrelated performance of this song by Lea Salonga, who happens to be one of my all time favourite vocalists, which is a nice bonus).

4. Helpless
Phillipa Soo is probably one of the most talented vocalists in cast that is absolutely dripping with talent. Helpless is such an adorable love song that it is irresistible. It recalls early 2000s RnB pop tune duos like Ashanti and Ja Rule, while blending with a showtune feel, and it ends up as one of the best standalone tracks in the show.

5. It's Quiet Uptown
It's Quiet Uptown serves up pure emotion as the Hamiltons struggle to deal with the loss of their son. The vocals are raw, and the lyrics will split your heart open. This song has personally touched me on so many levels, especially recently.

6. My Shot
My Shot has become the song that basically represents Hamilton as a musical and Hamilton as a character in that musical. One of the most fun and memorable rap tracks in the show, it represents the spirit of it all in the best way. Lin-Manuel Miranda absolutely shines in this performance.

7. Non-Stop
Non-Stop is easily one of my favourite ensemble numbers in Hamilton, and I think it's genuinely underrated. Each individual piece fits together flawlessly. Nothing gets me as pumped to write as hearing the exclaimed, "Hamilton wrote the other fifty-one!"

8. The Reynolds Pamphlet
The Reynolds Pamphlet represents a serious turn of events in the show and in Hamilton's life, and it manages to have this dark energy, a twist in the music for a twist in the plot. It's a song that will make your heart beat faster, and give you a cool beat to jam to while it does it.

9. The Room Where It Happens
Leslie Odom Jr. showcases his vocal talents once again to a song written from the perspective of a person who isn't even at the events in questions. It shows us more of Burr, and it's one of the most unique songs musically in the show.

10. Satisfied
Renée Elise Goldsberry gets her big solo in Satisfied, showing off her incredible singing and rapping. This song is the epitome of unrequited love, but also of sisterly love. The lyrics will blow you away, especially when Angelica breaks down the three reasons she cannot have Alexander.

11. Say No To This
Jasmine Cephas Jones also plays Peggy Schuyler, but she shines the most vocally as Maria Reynolds in her performance of Say No To This, where her voice is like that of a fallen angel. With a darker tone to it, it sets the mood perfectly for Hamilton to stray from his wife.

12. The Schuyler Sisters
As both an ode to New York City and an introduction of Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy Schuyler it succeeds and surpasses all expectations. I can never not sing "We hold these truths to be self evident / that all men are created equal / and when I meet Thomas Jefferson / I'mma compel him to include women in the sequel."

13. Take a Break
Take a Break is a genuine break. Amidst all of the turmoil in the plot, it feels necessary. The glimpse at Philip Hamilton feels precious. Eliza begging Alexander to take a break feels so genuine. Angelica's turmoil over whether the comma in "My dearest, Angelica" was intended or misplaced is the most relatable moment in the entire musical.

14. Wait For It
Wait For It is definitely one of those special songs that has a beat so captivating that it stands on its own. The lyrics reveal more of Burr, but are also easy to relate to. I can't help but move when the song comes on. Leslie Odom Jr. is at his absolute best here.

15. Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
This song follows the death of Hamilton, and brings Eliza back into the story (after she "erased herself from the narrative" in Burn) as she tells of all the things she did in the decades following her husband's death. I die a little every time I hear her sing "I live another fifty years."

16. Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)
Yorktown represents another of the best ensemble tracks in all of Hamilton. It represents the soldiers in battle, the winning of the war, and even life on the home front to perfection. It also features Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan in a genuinely exciting and explosive performance.

17. You'll Be Back
King George III has some of the most unique tracks in the entire musical, featuring a completely different style and tone, and a genuine bit of hilarity. Jonathan Groff's vocals are on point, and his delivery of the lines brings extra laughs every time. This is easily the best of the king's three tracks. Particularly notable is the line "I'll kill your friends and family to remind you of my love" followed by some jaunty "da da das".