okay, i just sat down and read every single response to this thread...some very interesting opinions, many of which i respect but just don't agree with at all.
first off, i would like to establish my definition of a good score as compared to a few good songs. a good score serves as one single unit. it tells the story of a group of characters and the action they go through the same way words would, but through music. a score should help a show, not hinder it. there are many musicals that i think would be better off as plays. most importantly, after listening to a good score you should know each of the characters on a more personal level than any play would allow.
PHANTOM, i'm sorry, is the worst score i had ever heard. it is literally 3 songs that have no heart nor character.
LES MIS, yes it is solid, but in my opinion it is also very boring. to me, a good score is one i will listen to in entirety in one sitting.
RAGTIME i will give you guys. it is an amazing score, with some amazing performances from the obc. my only qualm is that there are obvious weak points. i feel that L&F have written more solid scores.
i could go through an explain my problems with almost all of the musicals posted, but now i will move on to my opinions.
SWEENY...need i say more.
PARADE...hands down. JRB's masterpiece. he really can write songs for the character.
CANDIDE...i realize few know this show, but bernstein's greatest score. simply beautiful.
if i could add some off-broadway stuff...
JOHN & JEN...the best two-person show EVER, and up there in most amazing scores. my personal favorite.
Lippa's WILD PARTY...seriously. such an amazing score, wish it would have done better.
NEW BRAIN...wow. the most personal score ever written.
i could go on forever, but i have decided to stop. my top 6 scores. enjoy!
"From out of the blue, It's green for go,
I'm in the pink, Kissing a philosopher really Colors the way you think."~Bright Lights, Big City
