My Favourite Musical Albums of 2020.
One thing is certain from 2020, I have become obsessed with listening to musical soundtracks. 2020 has brought so much uncertainty and little live performance, so music has been a fantastic alternative escape. When we listen to the soundtrack we can also transport ourselves back to the moments we experienced the shows in the theatre for real, I love how music can do that. Musicals are definitely one thing that got me through 2020.
Although I will be sharing my favourite shows of the year before the new year, I also wanted to share the albums I have most enjoyed listening to. Let’s face it, it’s been a tough one. These aren’t in chorological order, just the albums I’ve been listening to.
Released in February 2020, I dived straight into this cast recording. I saw the tour in 2019 and I enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. I find the 9to5 The Musical cast recording extremely empowering, especially with the songs Get Out and Stay Out, I Just Might and Shine Like The Sun which I listen to the most. I think the vocals are outstanding on this album so I really enjoy blasting this album out!
If you know me well, you knew this album would make the cut… it’s been my soundtrack of 2020 without a doubt. Since watching the production in 2019, I was desperate to get another taste of the show so when the cast recording was released I listen to it on repeat. The music in this show is gorgeous and When The Booth Goes Bright and The Flight of a Blue Fly are delights! I hope this show makes a return to the stage in 2021, its really something.
One of the newest cast recordings to drop (and genuinely one of the best!) I have raved about this show so much in 2020 and have long awaited for a memory of the fantastic RSC show. The Boy in the Dress‘ music was written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, they’ve done a stellar job. This album is jam packed with some catchy songs that will stick with you forever as well as some really gorgeous slow numbers like If I Don’t Cry. I really can’t wait for this show to make its West End transfer so more people can enjoy it as much as I do.
Kinky Boots is just a wonderful show, with a wonderful cast recording. I just love every second of devouring this album from start to finish, especially Raise You Up/Just Be which is probably one of the best finale songs in theatre, ever. We could all do with the joy of listening to Kinky Boots and awaiting a return to the stage.
I didn’t think I’d be putting this soundtrack in my list but 2020 has been the year I have fell in love with The Phantom of the Opera. It’s a household name within the West End but a show I haven’t really gave much thought about seeing, until it’s UK Tour earlier this year. It was the final show I saw before the lockdown began in the new year so I feel it now has a special place with me. I think it’s an outstanding production with spine-chilling vocals.
Thanks to the release on Disney+ earlier this year, I thoroughly enjoy listening to the Hamilton soundtrack. It’s got some very good songs in and I’m still to master all of the quick tempo of the lyrics. It’s a joy to listen to!
The Mary Poppins 2020 cast recording is a delight to listen to. The sounds of the tap dancing in Step in Time gives me goosebumps and I am desperate to see this show again in 2021.
I have high hopes that this show will make a West End transfer…. one day. My favourites from this album are No Reason and Dead Mom.
I don’t think there will ever be a year when this album doesn’t make my list of favourites, 2020 is no different. I have listened to RENT constantly, especially more so since watching the Hope Mill Theatre production online recently. Rent is my favourite musical of all time. I adore every song in this album, year in and year out. I feel like so many songs have resonated with me during the year, especially in lockdown. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love this album!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t think this album would make the cut because there’s definitely some parts of it I do not enjoy. However, when I have wanted a musical to get me dancing around the living room during the slow days in lockdown, it would be the &Juliet cast recording. The mix of some well known songs from my childhood fills me with nostalgia that I love! Larger than Life is a particular favourite of mine from this album.
I was looking forward to seeing the Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on its UK Tour in Leicester so I’ve been listening to the soundtrack to feel its void this year. The most played track on this album is Out of the Darkness for sure!