Is Score of Hamilton Better in Context of the Show?

[EvanstonDad]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 8:57am

I know there's a lot of love for Hamilton in these parts, and I'm not trying to be incendiary. I have not seen the show, and only just recently heard the cast album. I was surprised, given all the hype, by how much I disliked the music. I can tell from the album that this is the kind of musical where the music is integrated heavily into the show -- it's not the kind of score to deliver a bunch of stand-alone numbers. But even at that, a lot of it sounded like the stage show version of elevator music. For those who have seen it, does the score improve in the context of the show itself? Is there anyone else who didn't like the music upon first hearing it and then changed their minds after seeing it?

[After Eight]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:04am

"But even at that, a lot of it sounded like the stage show version of elevator music."

Elevator music is better. It's certainly more pleasant to listen to. And you don't have to hear those horrible lyrics!

"For those who have seen it, does the score improve in the context of the show itself?"

Unfortunately, no.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:15am

The show is the music. If you don't like what you hear on the cast album, you may be like After Eight and hate it.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:22am

I absolutely adore In The Heights and was primed to love Hamilton... but didn't for several listens. It grew on me... having nothing to do with actually seeing the show. As Neon said, the show is the music. If it doesn't grow on you... it's doubtful you'll like the show. I did enjoy the show when I finally saw it... but by then I already loved the score. 

 

It might grow on you... but... describing it as "elevator music" is bizarre... and it seems doubtful you might make a turnaround if you really feel the music and lyrics are bland. 

[newintown]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:24am

I imagine that by "elevator music," EvanstonDad means "heavy on synth."

[EvanstonDad]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:29am

"Elevator music" may not have been the best comparison, but I struggled for something that captured my reaction. It has a jazz lite sound, with one bland sounding song bleeding into another with little distinction. There are no highs or lows. I felt like I was sitting in a piano bar.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:30am

Are you sure you listened to Hamilton?

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:31am

I have no words. (except these)

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 09:31 AM

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 9:47am

EvanstonDad said: ""Elevator music" may not have been the best comparison, but I struggled for something that captured my reaction. It has a jazz lite sound, with one bland sounding song bleeding into another with little distinction. There are no highs or lows. I felt like I was sitting in a piano bar."

 

Based on your perception of and reaction to it, I think it's safe to say you will not be a HAMILTON convert... and that's more than fine. Not everyone is going to enjoy the score, although I hope you can at the very least appreciate it!   

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:24am

I don't think you will like Hamilton live. The show is the music. Will you like it after several listens and change your mind? No one here can answer that for you, you have to make up your own mind. 

Not every show is going to be to your liking. It is what it is. You can't force yourself to like something. It's not the end of the world if you don't like Hamilton.

 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:26am

Carlos, LOVE your avatar!

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 10:36am

Whilst all the elements of the show are (in my eyes) great, the score is still the highlight. Some songs certainly had to grow on me (Right Hand Man, One Last Time, Washington On Your Side), a few I still don't really like (the section from Stay Alive through to Meet Me Inside) but there were always songs I adored from pretty much first listen (My Shot, Satisfied, Room Where It Happens). Most people that love this show fell in love with the album before ever seeing it and it was even put on a few 'best albums of 2015' lists by Billboard, Rolling Stone etc. If nothing stands out for you at this point then I doubt it ever will.

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 10:36 AM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:02am

EvanstonDad said: "There are no highs or lows. I felt like I was sitting in a piano bar."

Choked on my coffee a little when I read this. Are you totally sure you listened to Hamilton? Like, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton?

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:07am

Hey, the original poster is entitled to their opinion. If it's elevator music then it's Grammy Award/Tony Award/Pulitzer Prize winning elevator music.

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:08am

neonlightsxo said: "Carlos, LOVE your avatar!

 

I love my avatar too! I really, really do! LOL!

 

[Huss417]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:11am

I would like to go to that piano bar. :)

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:14am

Yeah, I really don't understand the piano bar comparison. Maybe you are thinking of a Kanye west concert?

[HannahLMcCarthy]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:15am

When I listened to the soundtrack the first time I hated it. Everyone had put this massive hype on it and there was so much going on I repelled it. I am now addicted to the show and was lucky enough to see it yesterday! I decided that instead of powering through the soundtrack over and over again I just listened to one song a few times (for me it was 'burn' as I am a singer and fancied learning a female solo). After that I listened to another (I think it was the Schuyler sisters), then Alexander Hamilton and then after a while I wanted to know how they worked in the context of the show - you eventually get through the soundtrack! You begin to hear all of the musical motifs and realise how well thought out every note and lyric it is. My advice would be take it one song at a time :) 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:17am

I could live in that elevator.  

[hork]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:20am

No, it's pretty bad either way. I'd say it's worse in the context of the show, because you have to actually, you know, sit there and watch this awful show.

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:22am

Or walk outside and give your ticket to one of the people there who would appreciate the experience.

Updated On: 9/9/16 at 11:22 AM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:22am

hork said: "No, it's pretty bad either way. I'd say it's worse in the context of the show, because you have to actually, you know, sit there and watch this awful show.

Awww, poor baby! You're alright now though?

 

[hork]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:25am

I don't understand the "poor baby" comment. Have you never seen a bad show?

[After Eight]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:44am

"Or walk outside and give your ticket to one of the people there who would appreciate the experience."

 

After you've already suffered through the experience? At that point, the ticket is as valueless as the show.

[After Eight]

Posted: 9/9/16 at 11:49am

"I don't understand the "poor baby" comment."

 

Simple. You failed to spout the party line. Condescension ---- and worse --- is what you can now expect.