The actual songs of the High School Musical trilogy can easily fade into a lovely collective memory. Of course, there are stand-out compositions that are sung over and over ("We're All in This Together"). But then there are less remembered gems that just didn't get as much publicity.
As with any musical, High School Musical has its stronger numbers. Some argue that the second or third movie is better than the first. Though there are a hefty amount of songs in these films, we've narrowed it down to ten. Here are the five best and five worst songs from the three movies combined.
Best: Bet on It
"Bet on It" comes from High School Musical 2. It's one of the best songs because it is the first time (and the best time) that Zac Efron has a solo venting fest. He knows that he is trying to be something that he's not.
This is a common problem for some high school students, so the edgy number is relatable. "I want to make it right. That is the way, to turn my life around, today is the day!"
Worst: The Boys are Back
It's not a question of whether or not "The Boys are Back" is good musical work. It certainly is. The problem is, it isn't a perfect fit for the third movie. Troy and Chad are clearly best bros from the beginning of the trilogy, but how far is this relationship supposed to go? Their duet gives them a chance to be little boys again (with young actors depicting them at this age).
The scene just has a bit of a weird vibe. It is set in a junkyard, and furthermore, it delves deeper into the history of a friendship than any other song from the movies does. An interesting take, but perhaps not essential to the movie.
Best: A Night to Remember
This track from the third movie is surprisingly on point. Anyone who has had a prom or has one to look forward to might enjoy this song. There's something fun about the getting ready sequence.
It was creative for the writers to have the drama students act out their prom plans onstage. The costumes create an excellent visual spectacle, too.
Worst: I Don't Dance
"I Don't Dance" is not a bad song in itself. But think about it. Chad Danforth has been dancing for almost two whole HSM movies. And now he tells us that he doesn't dance? Obviously, characters in a musical don't always know that they are dancing.
There's still something strange about hearing the dancing jock sing this, though. It's nice for Ryan's character to get more of the spotlight in this song if nothing else.
Best: What I've Been Looking For (Both Versions)
Yes, there were two versions of "What I've Been Looking For" in the first movie. Sharpay and Ryan sing their jazzed-up rendition at spring musicale auditions. They turn it into a predictable but enjoyable show tune. Troy and Gabriella, however, stick to the ballad that Kelsi expertly penned, and they sing it with her as accompanist.
Honestly, the ballad version wouldn't have as much of an impact without the pizzazz version. Both are needed to make this song one of the trilogy's best.
Worst: Everyday
There's a reason "Everyday" doesn't ring a big bell. The season two showstopper doesn't have the memory factor that most HSM songs have. It is a song of unity in the second film and takes place at the end of the club talent show.
As with most compositions, it's not bad. But it isn't stellar, either. The actual scene of the Wildcats uniting over the song is nice, but the only memorable lyric from the song is "Everyday." That's all.
Best: Work This Out
"Work This Out" is one of the best HSM songs because it is infectiously good writing, and it is a turning point in the second movie. The words about working this out, making things right, the sun shining...they're believable. Because the East High kids have earned our interest after the first movie, it's more interesting to watch them work out a new set of problems.
The dancing, spear-headed by the lovely Martha, stands out in this one. The use of percussion in the recording, which is also acted out on screen, also makes this a very unique number.
Worst: Bop to the Top
While original viewers of the first HSM might remember dancing to "Bop to the Top" in the living room, it's not one of the most memorable tracks years later. It certainly serves its purpose in the immediate time of the film.
However, the Sharpay and Ryan duet is more attached to the musicale process than anything else. "Breaking Free," on the other hand, combines Troy and Gabriella's role in the musicale with their deeper processes of discovering true passions in life.
Best: Gotta Go My Own Way
Depending on how well you know the second movie, this one might be an unpopular opinion. However, "Gotta Go My Own Way" is an outstanding musical achievement for the entire trilogy. The song from the second movie is an epic break-up scene between Gabriella and Troy.
"I've got to move on and be who I am, I just don't belong here, I hope you understand. We might find a place in this world someday. But at least, for now, I've gotta go my own way." Just remember the power with which Gabriella detaches that Troy necklace. The regret on his face for pushing her away. It's DCOM gold.
Worst: Can I Have This Dance?
"Can I Have This Dance" is one of the weakest numbers from High School Musical 3. While most people love a good Troy and Gabriella duet, this one just isn't the most convincing. It's also a little too long for the plot of this theatrically released film.
Just ask yourself- was it really necessary for Troy and Gabriella to go up on the roof and dance? They already sing in the treehouse and share strawberries in the high school girl's bedroom.