There’s something about the Wicked soundtrack coming up at the tail end of the year and sneaking into our Spotify Wrapped playlists that just doesn’t do the album justice. I know in a couple weeks’ time, it will have taken over most of the top positions in my rankings at least. Let’s be real, it will probably have a bigger year on everyone’s Wrapped rankings by the release of Wicked: Part Two.
With that in mind, we’re needle-dropping Wicked Part One’s music featuring Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, whose witchy frenemy romance propels the hit musical film. If you’re in the same (theater) camp as those of us who have watched the film multiple times already, there’s already a setlist of the tracks we listen to when not sitting inside Nicole Kidman’s AMC church. Like it or not there’s faves and not so faves, but good on you if you consider it to be a no-skips album. However, here are our rankings from forgettable to favorite earworms from the Wicked soundtrack.
“A Sentimental Man” – Jeff Goldblum
Okay, we have to say it… whisper singing isn’t good. Love Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, but verbally 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. Obviously important to sit through the first go ’round for important exposition purposes. There’s nothing all that baaaad about it.
“Dear Old Shiz” – Shiz University Choir, Ariana Grande, and Wicked Cast
It’s giving magic school upgrade; we needed more of them. I cannot wait to walk through a Universal Studios theme park and hear this performed live. And 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 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 screaming 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 feelings 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 (Uh, Nessa? Listen Nessa? Nessa? Nessa?), right into the showstopping finale. This is such 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.
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