The musical Hamilton has been a hit since it debuted on Broadway back in 2015, and its premiere on Disney+ this year only reignited fans' love of the musical (and perhaps gained it a few new ones). Whatever complaints critics have had over the years, Hamilton gives a unique take on the Revolutionary War and the founding of America.
And part of Hamilton's charm is in its soundtrack, which boasts a number of songs that have quickly become household favorites. Mixing rap, R&B, hip-hop, and Broadway tunes, it's difficult to find a track from the musical that isn't catchy. However, some songs will get stuck in your head more than others.
Catchiest: "My Shot"
It would be impossible to discuss the best songs from Hamilton and leave out "My Shot," the hit that just about everyone automatically associates with the musical. The show opens up with this banger, introducing Alexander Hamilton and the men who will become his companions as the story continues. It also tells us a bit about why they're looking for a revolution,
The combination of singing and rapping throughout "My Shot" is well done and will have the song stuck in viewers' heads for hours after shutting off the television or leaving the theater. (It doesn't help that some version of the words "I'm not throwing away my shot" crops up in almost every other major song on the soundtrack.)
Doesn't Compare: "Wait for It"
If "My Shot" is an introduction to Alexander Hamilton's worldview and goals, "Wait for It" serves the same purpose for his friend and adversary, Aaron Burr. Leslie Odom Jr. hits some high notes during this track, and it certainly has memorable lines scattered throughout. However, even with its lyrics and compelling tune, it doesn't manage to be quite as memorable as "My Shot."
That's not to say "Wait for It" isn't a catchy tune -- almost every song on this soundtrack is. It just falls among the less likely ones to get stuck in listeners' heads.
Catchiest: "Right Hand Man"
Portraying a battle in a theatrical setting is no easy feat, but Hamilton accomplishes it during "Right Hand Man." And even though our main characters aren't doing so well at this point in the war, the song manages to make itself upbeat and catchy despite capturing some low moments for the characters and the revolution.
The introduction of Christopher Jackson's George Washington is a highlight of this track, and that alone helps ramp up the energy during this song. Mixed with Hamilton's big break -- finally finding someone worthy of working for -- it makes for an exciting installment to listen to again and again.
Doesn't Compare: "Stay Alive"
Like "Right Hand Man," "Stay Alive" demonstrates the trauma and hardships that accompany fighting a war, and it handles those themes well. But given that "Stay Alive" takes place at what might be the lowest moment for Washington and his followers, it's almost impossible to make this song upbeat or a bop. And while it's undoubtedly well written and well performed, it just doesn't have the same zest as the other numbers on the soundtrack.
That said, "Stay Alive" does offer some interesting takeaways on keeping soldiers angry and motivated, and what pushing forward might cost in the end. It's harrowing, even if it doesn't stick as well as other tracks.
Catchiest: "Satisfied"
Renée Elise Goldsberry knows how to hit a note, and she does so repeatedly as Hamilton's Angelica Schuyler. Perhaps that's why her songs are always so well received, and it's also the reason that "Satisfied" finds itself among the catchiest items on this list.
Despite Alexander eventually marrying her sister, sparks fly between he and Angelica when they first meet -- so much so that she reflects back on that night while giving a toast at her sister's wedding. That mix between past and present already makes for an interesting back and forth of sound, and Goldsberry drives it home with her singing talent.
Doesn't Compare: "Helpless"
Just like Renée Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo gets plenty of moments to show off her singing talent. One of those comes right before "Satisfied," when Soo's Eliza Schuyler gives the audience a breakdown of how, exactly, she and Alexander fell in love.
And "Helpless" definitely has the ability to get stuck in one's head, even if it may not become an instant favorite. Its upbeat melody is no doubt catchy, but some of the conversations interspersed throughout the song makes it harder to stay engaged with. (Also, Soo's real talent seems to be in the slower stuff. After hearing "Burn," this track simply feels like a warm-up.)
Catchiest: "Non-Stop"
Hamilton takes an interesting turn halfway through, right after the characters defeat the British and begin the American experiment. The show starts to focus more on politics and building the systems currently in place than fighting a war, and the music shifts a bit as well -- but that doesn't make it any less catchy or compelling.
One of the first songs during this shift is "Non-Stop," and frankly, it's one of the easier ones to fall into -- even though, like "Helpless," it does have plenty of conversation scattered throughout. When this track is upbeat and dance-worthy, however, it's at its best -- and the ending will get audiences amped up, especially when it mixes in some of the musical's best lines from other tracks.
Doesn't Compare: "What'd I Miss?"
Daveed Diggs makes a strong entrance as Thomas Jefferson during "What'd I Miss," quickly becoming one of the musical's most vibrant and recognizable characters (even though he's only in half of the show). But although "What'd I Miss" does start on a high note, it doesn't stay that way enough to land among the soundtrack's catchiest numbers.
While the beginning of this song will have listeners dancing and laughing, it quickly becomes a tad repetitive. That's not a bad thing necessarily -- some of the best songs are -- but it doesn't help the track stand up against the likes of "Non-Stop" or "The Room Where It Happens."
Catchiest: "The Room Where It Happens"
If "My Shot" is Hamilton's most beloved track, "The Room Where It Happens" probably falls directly underneath it in terms of popularity. Chronicling Burr's realization that he wants to be making the decisions -- or "in the room where it happens," if you will -- this song shows that most political negotiations happen behind closed doors. (See also: the decision about where to put the U.S. capitol).
"The Room Where It Happens" is another track that meshes conversation and music, but Leslie Odom Jr. delivers the musical parts so vibrantly, it's easy to overlook the breaks in between.
Doesn't Compare: "Burn"
In terms of iconic tracks from Hamilton, "Burn" is probably up there with "My Shot" and "The Room Where It Happens." The exploration of Eliza Schuyler's story -- and her response to her husband's scandalous affair -- is a highlight of the musical, and her powerful decision to erase herself from history's narrative in "Burn" is iconic.
Although this song makes a statement, however, it's a bit on the slow side to actually be considered one of the show's catchiest. The singing talent and lyrics are there, but like "Stay Alive," it's more chilling than catchy.