Every song on the soundtrack of In the Heights. The film adaptation of the musical has a soundtrack filled with upbeat dance numbers, somber songs, and romantic and celebratory tunes, including an original song written for the movie in particular. Lin-Manuel Miranda brings his famous rap lyrics and various other styles of music, like salsa, to In the Heights.
Musical movie soundtracks often distinguish themselves from other, score-heavy soundtracks, due to the nature of the music and lyrics, which are the driving force behind the story being told. In the Heights brings its rapturous numbers to the big screen in new ways. As with Hamilton, Miranda wrote the music and lyrics to every song on the soundtrack of In the Heights, with each number offering a different musical arrangement and dynamic to keep the story lively.
The soundtrack was officially released by Atlantic Records/Water Tower Music on the same day of the film’s release. With 17 tracks to listen to, here is every song featured throughout the In the Heights movie and who performs each one.
In the Heights - As the opening number, “In the Heights” is responsible for setting the stage for the events of the story, introducing the main characters and providing a feel for the energy of Washington Heights and the people who call it home. Anthony Ramos has the lead vocals, but he’s joined by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Olga Merediz, Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, Corey Hawkins, Gregory Diaz IV, and Melissa Barrera.
Benny's Dispatch - Benny is Usnavi’s best friend who works at the local dispatch, which is owned by Kevin Rosario. “Benny’s Dispatch” gives the audience a taste of what he does day in and day out, as well as introducing Nina Rosario, Kevin’s daughter, who’s back for the summer from Stanford University. The song is fun and light, setting the stage for Benny’s relationship with Nina. The song is performed by Corey Hawkins and Leslie Grace.
Breathe - Nina’s story is at the forefront of In the Heights and that becomes abundantly clear when she starts belting out this song, which cycles through the pressure she feels to succeed since she’s the first to go to college, as well as the disappointment Nina worries will greet her when she tells her father about her decision to leave Stanford. The song is performed by Leslie Grace and features Rubén Blades and Doreen Montalvo.
No Me Diga - Gossip at the hair salon is fun with “No Me Diga,” which introduces Daniela, Carla, and Cuca, who is a character created for the movie specifically. The song is sung by Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, Leslie Grace, and Melissa Barrera.
It Won't Be Long Now - This song is the first showcase for Vanessa, who dreams of living downtown and being a fashion designer. It also reveals Vanessa is working at the hair salon in the meantime. Interestingly, this In the Heights song originally comes before “No Me Diga” in the original play. The number is performed by Melissa Barrera, Anthony Ramos, and Gregory Diaz IV.
96,000 - The characters wonder what they would do if they suddenly won the $96,000 worth of lottery money. Poolside dancing, synchronized swimmers, and shenanigans abound in this fun and incredibly catchy number, with performances by Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Gregory Diaz IV, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, and Dascha Polanco. “96,000” is another ensemble number that is inclusive of the neighborhood and brings everyone together.
Piragua - Lin-Manuel Miranda takes on the role of the Piragua Man, singing the melodic tune as he strolls down the block with his cart in a bid to sell piragua, a Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert, to the kids. What makes this rendition of the song even better is Miranda's onscreen rivalry with Hamilton star Christopher Jackson, the local ice cream man.
When You're Home - This lovely number includes Nina and Benny as they reminisce about growing up in Washington Heights and the shared memories they have together. It’s a sweet and encouraging song that Corey Hawkins and Leslie Grace absolutely nail.
The Club - On a hot, humid night, the characters head to do some dancing at a local club and “The Club” signifies the kind of rousing fun they all have when they’re there. Trumpets and piano make up this upbeat salsa number that is performed by Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, and Corey Hawkins.
Blackout - This number has a double meaning. On its surface, of course, it’s about the literal blackout that occurred in the city. However, Abuela Claudia singing “We are powerless” with so much emotion speaks to the feeling she and many others in the community have. In addition to being quite moving, “Blackout” is also chaotic because the lights are out and everyone is scrambling. The song is performed by Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Gregory Diaz IV, Noah Catala, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, and Dascha Polanco.
Paciencia y Fe - Abuela Claudia is one of the central characters of In the Heights and “Paciencia y Fe” is a true showcase of Olga Merediz’s powerhouse talent. Merediz originated the role of Claudia in the Broadway musical and she gives a passionate performance here as the beloved Abuela sings of her past, her mother, and all that she’s been through after moving to the U.S. in one of the film’s most emotional songs.
Alabanza - This emotional number is a tribute to Abuela Claudia with hints of “Paciencia y Fe” sprinkled throughout. The blackout is still going on and director Jon M. Chu utilizes the lights to great effect. The song itself is incredibly moving, heartwarming, and probably requires a tissue. “Alabanza” is performed by Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace, Jimmy Smits, Noah Catala, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Gregory Diaz IV, and Leslie Grace.
Carnaval del Barrio - “Carnaval del Barrio” is a song of celebration and joy. It’s probably one of the most exciting and upbeat songs in the film, bringing together all of the characters from around the neighborhood of Washington Heights following a tragedy and makes for a great dance number, too. Led by Daphne Rubin-Vega, the song also features Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, Melissa Barrera, Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, and Gregory Diaz IV.
When the Sun Goes Down - Nina and Benny have perhaps the sweetest romance throughout In the Heights and “When the Sun Goes Down,” sung by Leslie Grace and Corey Hawkins, is indicative of that. As Nina decides to head back to college, the pair sing about their love and promises to each other as their lives continue to change. The dance choreography to this particular song is outstanding, too.
Champagne - The song comes right before the film’s ending and it’s a fun back and forth between Vanessa and Usnavi as she fully comes into her feelings for him. The number is effectively the big lead-up to the final song and it’s ripe with tension and love. The song is performed by Anthony Ramos and Melissa Barrera.
Finale - No musical is complete without a final song to wrap everything up and conclude the characters' storylines. Usnavi has a change of heart in "Finale," with this resounding number going from somber to celebratory in the span of a few minutes. It carries the same thematic balance and weight that is prevalent throughout the film. The number is performed by Doreen Montalvo, Anthony Ramos, Stephanie Beatriz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Dascha Polanco, Jimmy Smits, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Grace, and Melissa Barrera.
Home All Summer - “Home All Summer” was not featured in the original Broadway musical and was an original song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda specifically for the movie adaptation. It has much more of a pop-esque feel than the other songs since it’s not directly part of the musical's main story. The song plays during the film’s credits and is performed by Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace, and Marc Anthony.
The soundtrack for In the Heights is 71 minutes long and would have been even longer if certain songs — like "Sunrise" and "Hundreds of Stories" — had been included in the film. The songs are finely crafted and speak to every character's journey in the movie, with "Home All Summer" being a nice addition that will have audiences entertained and singing along to throughout the summer.