From Good to Legendarily Wicked: Ranking the Songs of Wicked, Part 1

Wicked: For Good comes out on November 21. While the gap between the first and second movies does harken back to intermissions between Acts 1 and 2 of a stage production, there’s a marked difference between 15 minutes and 1 year. To that end, it might be wise to rewatch Wicked: Part 1, just to remind yourself of what’s happened. And, after you do so, you can see if you agree with my list.

Defying Gravity

Of all the songs in Wicked, this is the one that makes or breaks a production. Get this wrong, and you might as well close up shop the next day. Fortunately, Cynthia Erivo was up to the challenge. Like Halle Bailey with Part of Your World, she attacked this song full force and made it her own. The depth of emotion and defiance she was able to portray was impressive. Truly a masterful rendition and the best song in the movie by a significant margin.

In addition to Cynthia’s amazing vocal performance, I’d like to know that the blocking of this scene was exception. I’m not talking about the flying or being chased the guards or the big cloak sweep. Those are all great and expectedly awesome. No, I’m referring to when Elphaba was marching up the stairs while singing, “I’m through accepting limits”. The determination she exuded was stellar and only further drives home the point that she is no longer going to be bound by the opinions of others. Brilliant decision.

What is this Feeling?

Truly a masterful performance for everyone involved. The singing, the dancing, the emotion, all spot on. And, a special note to Ariana Grande, who somehow managed to both make the role of Glinda her own, while still calling back to the original Broadway production. Honestly, her delivery of, “These things were sent to try us” is as close to a perfect impression of Kristin Chenoweth as anyone has ever done.

This song also helps to create tension between the characters, which is needed for their eventual heel-face turn into friendship. How they can go from unadulterated loathing to love demonstrates that, sometimes, all you need to do is be open to others and give them a chance. Although, that comes later down the line. This song, however, is just petty fun.

Popular

This song is fun, energetic, and honestly helps to cement Glinda and Elphaba as characters. Glinda gift is her confidence. Even when she misses the ball, she keeps going with poise and assurance. Elphaba, meanwhile, is willing to go long with Glinda just to feel accepted, even though she doesn’t have to.

Elphaba, up to this point, has demonstrated strength and composure. However, the minute Glinda tells her she’s beautiful, she breaks down and runs away. All her life, she’s been told she’s a monster. As a result, she is not yet ready to accept the truth that there is nothing wrong with her. This song demonstrates the reason why Glinda and Elphaba need each other. While Elphaba has the conscience to fight for a cause, but Glinda has the confidence to get things done.

Dancing Through Life

Let’s be honest, good as this song is, we all watch it for Jonathan Bailey. And, you know what, that’s okay. Not everything that is enjoyable has to be deep. That said, there is still some great character development during this song, as well as the planting of several future plot points. It’s catch, it’s fun, and it’s significant. That’s a triple threat right there.

The Wizard and I

This is a song that I personally never really cared for. The original version was, I’m sad to say, technically beautiful but also completely mechanical. It sounds nice, but it lacks depth. The movie version, on the other hand, is full of emotion. The variations in Cynthia’s voice provide a deep dive into both how Elphaba sees herself and how she wishes to be seen by others.

It also demonstrates just how much she idolizes the Wizard. To her, he is the answer to all her problems. Which means that, when she turns away from him, she’s not just turning away from the person; she turns away from all her long-held hopes and dreams. This song sets the stage to demonstrate just how strong Elphaba’s convictions are.

No One Mourns the Wicked

The strength of this song comes entirely from Ariana Grande. The song itself is fine, the exposition is important, but ultimately, it’s just the setup for better things to come. What makes the scene great, however, is Ariana’s performance.

If you are new to Wicked, you might not catch it until you rewatch it, but those in the know are able to see that while Glinda is going along with the Munchkins’ celebrations for their benefit, it’s killing her to do so. Ariana is able to, with her just her face, show just how painful the death of Elphaba is for her, all while still performing her duty. Truly impressive acting.

One Short Day

First of all, the choreography of this song is spectacular. Second of all, on a meta-level, having Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth interact with Cynthia Eviro and Ariana Grande is a powerful “passing of the torch” moment. And finally, the song provides significant exposition and hints at the darker secret behind Oz and the Wizard.

The syrupy sweetness of the Emerald City, combined with the “Oh-Ma-Ha” that the Wizard used to convince the Citizens of Oz that he could read the Grimmerie, are some of the strongest hints that things aren’t quite right. Everything is a show, literally just smoke and mirrors. As a song, One Short Day is okay. As a scene, it’s highly significant.

I’m Not That Girl

This song and The Wizard and I are the best in terms of giving the audience a look into Elphaba’s head before her “rebellion”. Whereas The Wizard and I portrays her desire to be accepted, I’m Not That Girl demonstrates her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for others. While she may be developing feelings for Fiyero, she will not allow herself to act on them because doing so would hurt Glinda. In addition, this song also shows just how much of an outsider she sees herself as.

Both versions of this song are exceptional, but for different reasons. The movie gives you a look into Elphaba’s raw emotional state, while the original version is lighter and more akin to a daydream. This song is great, but, unfortunately, all the songs above just have more significance.

A Sentimental Man

A very short song and rather dull when compared to the others. It is, however, used to try and paint the Wizard in a better light, which makes the revel of his true nature even more painful for Elphaba (and for audience members who didn’t know it was coming).

The movie version is gentler and more melodic, which gives a sort of lullaby quality. The original is, I’m sad to say, more rushed and doesn’t provide much characterization for the wizard until the last line.

Something Bad

While this does drive up the dramatic tension of the story, it’s ultimately rather forgettable. It does sow a few seeds that will become relevant later, however.

Dear Old Shiz

Of all the songs, this one is the least important and, honestly, barely counts. All it does is emphasize how much of a showboat Glinda is.