Dozens of theatre albums were released this past year, but five of them stood out for their sound and singularity.
The Color Purple
Why it鈥檚 on our list: Cynthia Erivo.
After a large-scale 2007 premiere, the musical adaptation of Alice Walker鈥檚 novel returned to Broadway via London in an intimate and soulful new production that stripped the story down to its essence. Like the production, the entire 26-track album revolves around Cynthia Erivo鈥檚 earthy and deeply human performance as Celie. (It earned her the 2016 Tony Award). Standout tracks from the Grammy-nominated album include 鈥淲hat About Love?,鈥� 鈥淧ush da Button,鈥� and 鈥淚鈥檓 Here.鈥�
Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway
Why it鈥檚 on our list: Barbra Streisand makes a triumphant return to her theatrical roots.
Barbra Streisand鈥檚 latest album is a stellar achievement from the 74-year-old artist, whose vocals remain rich. While the album鈥檚 standard release focuses on duets with movie stars, including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Patrick Wilson, it鈥檚 the Target Deluxe version that boasts the finest tracks, including Streisand鈥檚 solo takes on 鈥淟osing My Mind鈥� and 鈥淔ifty Percent.鈥� Other standout tracks include 鈥淎t the Ballet鈥� and 鈥淟oving You.鈥�
The Hamilton Mixtape
Why it鈥檚 on our list: A rare chance to hear music鈥檚 biggest stars take on Broadway.
Never before has a Broadway cast album boomeranged into pop culture and back again the way Lin-Manuel Miranda鈥檚 hit musical Hamilton has. The Mixtape, which in some cases can鈥檛 compare to the actual genius that is the Broadway cast album, boasts covers by Sia, Busta Rhymes, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, and more. Standout tracks from the 23-track album: 鈥淪atisfied,鈥� 鈥淏urn,鈥� 鈥淐ongratulations,鈥� and 鈥淚t鈥檚 Quiet Uptown.鈥�
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Why it鈥檚 on our list: The Broadway show that should have been.
While Broadway may not be in the cards for the stage adaptation of Disney鈥檚 animated feature, Hunchback remains one of the finest and most dramatic scores to come out of its theatrical department, thanks to the combined forces of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. The thrilling choral work that begins each act sets the tone for a tale of tormented characters who ultimately step forward from the shadows. The lush orchestrations on the studio album are by Michael Starobin. Standout tracks on the 23-track album: 鈥淭he Bells of Notre Dame,鈥� 鈥淥ut There,鈥� 鈥淗eaven鈥檚 Light,鈥� 鈥淪omeday鈥� and the show鈥檚 鈥淓nt鈥檙acte.鈥�
Waitress
Why it鈥檚 on our list: Sara Bareilles proves she鈥檚 a bona fide theatre writer.
Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles made her Broadway debut with the musical adaptation of Adrienne Shelly鈥檚 2007 film of the same title. The eclectic score is populated with quirky and rich character-driven material that bear Bareilles鈥� signature musical stamp. The Grammy-nominated, 18-track album is anchored by leading lady Jessie Mueller鈥檚 layered and folksy vocal performance that builds to a devastating 鈥淪he Used to Be Mine.鈥� Other standout tracks: 鈥淥pening Up,鈥� 鈥淪oft Place to Land,鈥� and 鈥� When He Sees Me.鈥�
