Reorganizing the Musical Scenes from the Film "Wicked," Rated
There's something about the "Wicked" soundtrack making its way to the end of the year and ending up in our Spotify Wrapped playlists that just doesn't do the album justice. I know in a few weeks' time, it will have taken over most of the top positions in my rankings at least. Let's be honest, it will probably have a bigger year on everyone's Wrapped rankings by the release of Wicked: Part Two.
So, we're gonna dive into "Wicked Part One's" music, featuring Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Their witchy frenemy romance propels the hit musical film. If you're in the same camp as those of us who have watched the film multiple times already, there's already a list of tracks we listen to when not sitting in Nicole Kidman's AMC church. Some tracks are our favorites, others not so much, but it's a solid album if you can get through the not-so-great ones. Here are our rankings from forgettable to favorite earworms from the "Wicked" soundtrack.
“A Sentimental Man” – Jeff Goldblum
Okay, we have to say it... singing isn't good. Love Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, but slowing down this already least-played entry on the musical soundtrack makes it all the more drawn out for exposition purposes, right when the action is about to get going.
“Something Bad” – Peter Dinklage and Cynthia Erivo
What balances this one out is Cynthia Erivo's singing. Yet, this first act number is definitely our first bathroom and snack break when re-watching it in the theater. Important for exposition purposes, obviously. There's nothing all that bad about it.
“Dear Old Shiz” – Shiz University Choir, Ariana Grande, and "Wicked" Cast
It's giving magic school upgrade; we needed more of them. Grande's note ate.
“No One Mourns the Wicked” – Ariana Grande and "Wicked" Cast
We mourn the Wicked. Love the word play here with the crowds chanting “No one mourns the Wicked” and Ariana Grande singing “No, one mourns the Wicked,” and the two meanings at play with Glinda's high notes hit so hard as the story begins to unfold.
“I’m Not That Girl” – Cynthia Erivo
The bittersweet moment of unrequited love, we've all been there. It's a good soft song for Cynthia Erivo to show Elphaba has multitudes before belting “Defying Gravity.”
“One Short Day” – Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and "Wicked" Cast
We are still crying about the [redacted] cameos and working on memorizing the new lyrics.
“Ozdust Duet” – The "Wicked" Orchestra
“Dancing Through Life” is super long in the movie—it's basically an act all its own but really shines when Elphaba and Glinda have their moment of bonding. The “Ozdust Duet” instrumental is gorgeous and evokes all the feels you have when you find someone who understands you.
“Dancing Through Life” – Jonathan Bailey and "Wicked" Cast
Okay, despite its length, “Dancing Through Life” runs the gamut of set pieces, from the library to quiet moments between characters we love singing along to, right into the showstopping finale. It's a fun one to blast out loud.
“The Wizard and I” – Cynthia Erivo
The power ballad that is Elphaba's “I want” song will know more karaoke moments and sing-alongs for years to come.
“What Is This Feeling?” – Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and "Wicked" Cast
This frenemy anthem is going viral for its duet ability and TikTok dance craze with Galinda and her Shiz crew (taps notebook, stomp). We know this because it's on constant rotation within every other Reel and TikTok sample in our For You pages.
“Popular” – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande as Galinda singing “Popular” is an all-timer. It's infectious and bubbly, RIGHT?! Thankfully a shorter radio edit without dialogue has been released. Check it out above!
“Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo
Give Cynthia Erivo all the awards! “Defying Gravity”’s timelessness is elevated by Erivo's sheer talent as Elphaba. The extended version is our favorite, but the radio edit (above) will make you feel unlimited in a pinch when you need it.
"Wicked" is out now in theaters; sing-along screenings start on December 25 at a theater near you, thank you for your continued restraint to not sing along until then. "Wicked the Soundtrack" can be found online. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
In the future, we might see advanced technology being integrated into movie productions, making movie-going experiences even more immersive. According to io9, this trend is already evident in the recent release of "Wicked".
Looking forward, with the success of "Wicked: Part Two" likely on the horizon, the soundtrack is expected to dominate music charts and Wrapped rankings. This prediction is based on the impact of the first movie's soundtrack and the anticipation surrounding the sequel. (io9)
