musical
stage work that combines songs, music, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance
Musicals blend dialogue, dance, and song into a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with the heart. The sound often features lush orchestral arrangements, catchy melodies, and poignant lyrics that elevate characters’ emotions. Imagine soaring choruses that leave you breathless, rhythmically infectious numbers that make you want to tap your feet, and tender ballads that can bring tears to your eyes. Each piece is carefully constructed to transport you into the world of the narrative and create an emotional connection that lingers long after the final note.
Originating in the early 20th century, the musical evolved from vaudeville and operetta, carving its niche on Broadway and beyond. It thrived during the post-war era, when shows like "Oklahoma!" (1943) by Rodgers and Hammerstein reinvented storytelling through music, merging complex themes with everyday life. This period also saw the rise of landmark productions such as "West Side Story" (1957), which infused classical elements with contemporary issues and vibrant jazz influences. The genre reacted against traditional theater norms by embracing accessibility, tapping into popular culture while still pushing artistic boundaries.
For newcomers eager to dive into musicals, start with "Hamilton" for its groundbreaking blend of hip-hop and historical narrative—it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined what a musical can be. Next, listen to "Wicked," which offers a fresh take on familiar characters with dazzling songs and heartfelt moments. Don’t miss "Les Misérables," known for its sweeping epic score that tackles themes of redemption and resistance. Finally, check out "The Book of Mormon," a hilarious yet insightful commentary on faith and friendship. Once you've soaked in these masterpieces, exploring film adaptations or concept albums will deepen your appreciation further.
161 artists in the catalog.
Guides for musical artists
Top musical albums
See essentials
All musical artists
Sarah Brightman
baroque pop, operatic pop
Milva
Italo disco, disco
Ashley Tisdale
dance-pop, disco-pop
Sara Bareilles
soft rock
Idina Menzel
pop music
Donny Osmond
blue-eyed soul, bubblegum music
Kristin Chenoweth
folk music, gospel music
Edward W. Hardy
Romantic music, classical music
Alan Menken
operatic pop, pop music
Emmanuel Moire
pop music
Lea Salonga
classical music, contemporary R&B
Raimonds Pauls
instrumental music, jazz
Emmy Rossum
pop music
Elaine Paige
Larisa Dolina
jazz, pop music
Santo & Johnny
easy listening, instrumental rock
About musical
What is musical?
stage work that combines songs, music, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance
Where should I start with musical?
Start with "The Very Best of 1990–2000" by Sarah Brightman. It captures what makes musical worth exploring.
What are the best musical albums?
The musical albums worth hearing first: "The Very Best of 1990–2000" by Sarah Brightman, "La Luna" by Sarah Brightman, "Encore" by Sarah Brightman, "The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection" by Sarah Brightman and "Eden" by Sarah Brightman.
How many musical artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 161 musical artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.