The "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" first season has come to a close, leaving a trail of emotional destruction and a sprawling soundtrack in its wake. The show was a massive surprise to me. I assumed it would suffer from its obvious nostalgia mining, but it ended up being a refreshing take on the teen drama.
The show's soundtrack is cheesy in the best way. It pays homage to the original film while introducing powerful new songs sung by exciting new voices. Here's my "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Original Soundtrack)" power rankings:
41: Every instrumental track is tied for last place.
Do I look like a theater kid? A little bit, yeah. Instrumentals are still last place though.
31: Every acoustic track is tied for 31st.
Everyone can have a little acoustic track, as a treat. But they don't add much.
27: 'We’re All in This Together (Curtain Call)'
Too many ad-libs for a track not performed by Migos or Playboi Carti.
26: 'Out of the Old'
I don’t remember this song being in the show.
25: 'Bop to the Top (Nini and Kourtney Version)'
This song is 36 seconds long. I can hear Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel in the mix. I don’t think the girls that play Nini and Kourtney are even on this track.
24: 'Start of Something New (Various Versions)'
The soundtrack does this cool thing where it has three or four versions of the same song. That's why the rankings jump around so much. Plus, every version is like a minute long. It’s really great and totally useful and not pointless at all.
21: 'I Think I Kinda, You Know (Various Versions)'
This song is really great. It’s an adorable little ballad, but there shouldn’t be three versions.
17: 'When There Was Me and You (Ricky Version)'
This is the only version of “When There Was Me and You” on the soundtrack. It doesn’t need the “(Ricky Version).” This error is too egregious to be ignored. The title is misleading, and that’s why the song is in 17th.
16: 'Breaking Free (Nini, Ricky, & E.J. Version)'
E.J. ruins this song. I hate him.
15: 'Stick to the Status Quo (Rehearsal)'
The harmonies in this bang.
14: 'Get’cha Head in the Game'
I really like this version, but the Zac Efron bowl cut version still holds a special place in my heart.
13: 'Just for a Moment'
A wonderful original duet that gives off massive Troy and Gabriella vibes.
12: 'What I’ve Been Looking For (Nini & E.J. Version)'
Nini really ate this.
11: 'The Medley, The Mashup'
It’s all the best original High School Musical tracks in one song. Absolutely wonderful.
10: 'We’re All in This Together (Wildcat Chant)'
This song makes the top 10 simply because of nostalgia.
9: 'Born to Be Brave'
This song is very “Roar” by Katy Perry and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson. It’s cheesy and empowers the youths.
8 'All I Want'
The very best of Nini’s ballads.
7: 'Wondering'
Such a good power ballad. One of the best original songs written for the show.
6: 'Wondering (Ashlyn & Nini Piano Version)'
Wondering. But with a Piano.
5: 'A Billion Sorrys'
This may be the stupidest song ever written in the history of the world. It haunts me. Every time I think I’m safe, it appears at the corner of my consciousness, slowly creeping in and enveloping my soul. God, this song sucks, definitely top five. A song so bad that it's actually good.
4: 'We’re All in This Together'
Classic.
3: 'Stick the Status Quo (Performance)'
Banger.
2: 'Role of a Lifetime'
Lucas Grabeel, or Ryan Evans from the original film, lets those vocals fly. It’s big, dumb and perfect in every way.
1: 'Truth, Justice and Songs in Our Key'
I love this song. It’s funny, refreshing and massive. The ultimate show-stopper.
