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:

• “Give My Regards to Broadway”

• “Oklahoma!”

• “Cabaret”

• “Memory”

• “Seasons of Love”

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