Playlist II: Songs Everybody Should Know
All-Time Bangers for Showtunistas and Skeptics Alike
The theme for the next playlist is Songs Everybody Should Know (SESK)! This theme may seem redundant, considering the whole point of this project is to curate a collection of essential showtunes. But while I consider the other 87 songs we will cover fundamental for a complete Broadway diet, the next 13 songs are requisite for every animal, vegetable, or mineral.
What Makes a Song Something “Everybody Should Know”?
SESKs are the sort of unavoidable songs that appear on TV shows, commercials, pop hits, and parodies. Sometimes the songs come from shows that are equally iconic, but they might have a reputation that far surpasses the musical they came from. It’s the type of cultural footprint writers dream of, but it’s not really something anyone can plan. One can bioengineer a great song, or a popular song…but SESK status is appointed by the universe and not something creators can control. Because SESK consensus takes time to build, this collection won’t take us as close to the present day as Turning Points did.
Previously Mentioned SESKs
As a reminder, I won’t be repeating any songs or shows as we move through these 100 Showtunes, so you already know 14 shows that will not appear on this new playlist. That being said, I would consider a few of our Turning Points to be Songs Everybody Should Know:
In the Wings
Our first SESK (Song No. 15) drops next week! I’d love to hear what you think you’re going to see on this next playlist (though I will neither confirm nor deny anything).
While you wait, a reminder that you can:
Share this substack with a friend! I think we’re having a good time, and would love to have more people at the party.
Catch up on Playlist I: Turning Points.
Watch the new Turning Points YouTube Playlist
Follow @100Showtunes on Instagram. The weekly song posts feature photos and memes that don’t appear in the newsletter, and I share videos and other fun things I find on IG in the stories. The best of those are saved to the “highlights” on the profile page. (I also occasionally use the stories to weigh in on current theatrical events that aren’t directly related to each week’s post.)