The Greatest Showman hit theaters last December, and the reactions have been mixed for a variety of reasons, but one fact still remains: the soundtrack is perfection.
Yes, I’m one of those people. I saw The Greatest Showman. I enjoyed the movie. I know it’s not an accurate depiction of P.T. Barnum’s more duplicitous contributions to our world. I know that it glosses over his tumultuous history of exploitation and fraud. I probably wouldn’t know as much about Barnum if I hadn’t seen the movie, actually, because the criticisms about glossing over the unattractive qualities of Barnum made me curious enough to do my own research.
Criticisms aside, there is one aspect of the film that stands on its own and is nothing but wonderful: the soundtrack. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who you might remember from their time in the spotlight last year when La La Land was battling it out during awards season, are responsible for bringing this collection of fantastic tunes to the world. You might also recognize their names for their work on a little Tony award-winning Broadway musical called Dear Evan Hansen.
Pasek and Paul have established themselves as a dynamic duo when it comes to musically visual endeavors. Their names have begun to elicit the same thrill I experienced when I found out that John Williams would be composing the original score for Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone. They’re good, their songs are good, and they add something special to the projects they work on.
Here’s a quick look at a few of my favorite tracks from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, and why you should definitely check them out, even if you don’t ever see the movie.
‘The Greatest Showman’s’ greatest tracks
‘From Now On’
While you’ve probably heard bits and pieces of “The Greatest Show” and “This Is Me,” as they’ve been used in the trailers and in commercials over the last few months, this is the song you will be most moved by. From Jackman’s quiet, earnest moments in the song to its grandest chorus, the story of learning from your mistakes and refusing to make those same ones again is a theme that we all can relate to.
‘Tightrope’
Michelle Williams may not have been the headlining voice for this film, what with Zendaya, Hugh Jackman, and Zack Efron involved, but her solo tune is one that will sneak up on you. I will admit to skipping the song the first few times I listened to the soundtrack, but upon subsequent listens, I can’t imagine skipping it any longer. It brings a different tone to the album, a balance to the upbeat pop-like melodies heard in “The Greatest Show” and “Rewrite the Stars” (both of which are insanely catchy, by the way).
‘Come Alive’
The real P.T. Barnum may have not had the noblest of intentions when searching out “oddities” for his circus, but this song is moving and fun as he entices people who have hidden their differences away from the world to step out and embrace their uniqueness. Ultimately, this is the message the movie is trying to tell, even if it’s not the most historically accurate depiction.
‘This Is Me’
Last, but most certainly never least, is the Academy Award nominated “This Is Me.” This song has quickly become the anthem of the movie, and has made a mark all its own, as it was used in commercials for the 2018 Winter Olympics, and will undoubtedly appear again. The song, sung by Keala Settle & the movie’s ensemble, is the next step for the performers in the circus after “Come Alive,” which I talked about above. After embracing their dreams and stepping out of their hiding places, “This Is Me” praises the self-acceptance we all wish we had a little more of. This song is catchy and you will be humming it far longer than you would expect, but thanks to its uplifting message, you won’t mind.
