Is Score of Hamilton Better in Context of the Show?

"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.

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.

"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.

I have no words. (except these)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 :)

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.

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?

"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.