Ranking All 17 'Wicked' Songs

by Tyler Glover
“Wicked” is one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. The musical, with lyrics and music written by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, tells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda before the events of the 1939 classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” It is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire and won three Tonys and seven Drama Desk Awards upon its premiere in 2003. The original cast album also won a Grammy.
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I was lucky enough to see a touring production of “Wicked” in 2012 at the Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock, Ark., and fell completely in love with it. It truly takes the audience on a magical journey. With “Wicked” being such a beloved Broadway production, it was not long before a movie was announced. The movie has been in the works for years with multiple delays, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this week, the wait is over. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the starring roles. Anticipation has been high, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I can hardly wait. That is why I am channeling all of my excitement into ranking all 17 of the songs from the hit Broadway musical. Some of the rankings were difficult but there was a clear number 1! Without further ado, here are my rankings for “Wicked.”  
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Photo: Decca Broadway

1. “Defying Gravity” 
For me, there is no other option for No. 1 on a list ranking the best songs in “Wicked.” “Defying Gravity” is the finale for Act 1, and it is a show-stopping tour de force from Tony winner Idina Menzel. This song alone could be why she won the Tony for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical. The song occurs right after Elphaba and Glinda learn that the Wizard is a bad guy. Glinda tells Elphaba that she could have all she wanted if she didn’t “fly off the handle” and would play by the rules of the Wizard and society. This song has a powerful message because Elphaba could take the easy way out and get what she wanted. However, she decides to fight for the common good and for those who can’t stand up for themselves. She is going to go against what society expects. It is such a courageous thing for anyone to do in life. “Defying Gravity” is truly an inspiring song that has transcended musical theater and become a popular song in pop culture, even being sung on the hit Fox show, “Glee” in 2009. The song ends with Elphaba declaring, “No wizard that there is or was is ever going to bring me down.” Elphaba inspires us all to stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular or easy.  

2. “For Good” 
“For Good” is the most emotional song for me in the entire “Wicked” soundtrack. This song is sung towards the end of the production, where Elphaba and Glinda reflect on their friendship and their journey together. The song immediately grips you: “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn.” It progresses with these friends saying they do not know if they have been changed for the better, but they have been changed for good. It truly is a beautiful thing in this world to have a relationship with someone who makes us question why we believe the things we believe, do the things we do and take different paths in life. We can have some of the same beliefs, but we may have to take different routes in the world because of who we are. The song ends so sweetly, with them acknowledging that they believe they were changed for the better by knowing each other. It is such a touching, emotional, beautiful and moving song. It makes us reflect on those relationships in our own lives that have changed us.  

3. “Popular” 
“Popular” is easily one of the most ... um, popular songs in the “Wicked” soundtrack. The song truly makes the audience fall in love with Glinda and shows us what kind of person she is. While Glinda is shallow and vain in ways, she also has a huge heart and can be a great friend. She is also hilarious. The original portrayer of Glinda, Kristen Chenowith, expertly introduces us to this character and masterfully mixes humor with show-stopping vocals. “Popular” is sung right after Glinda and Elphaba return to their dormitory from the dance. Glinda has decided to give Elphaba a makeover. Elphaba doesn’t think it is necessary, but Glinda responds, “I know. That’s what makes me so nice.”  “Popular” is one of the songs you want to add to your Spotify playlist after leaving the theater. There is no list of the best songs from “Wicked” where “Popular” should not be near the top.
 
4. “The Wizard And I” 
“The Wizard And I” is Elphaba’s “I Want” song in the musical. It is where we truly learn what our protagonist wants from life. Elphaba desires to work with the powerful Wizard of Oz. She wants to be known as someone who does good throughout Oz. At the beginning of the song, Madam Morrible, who works closely with the Wizard, recognizes Elphaba’s talent and sees its usefulness for the Wizard. The song captures Elphaba's optimistic and positive outlook at the beginning of her journey. We learn that she did not want to be wicked or even to be viewed that way. In fact, it was quite the opposite. This song gets the audience in anticipation to find out what went wrong and why things didn’t happen the way Elphaba wanted them to. The song ends with a truly showstopping moment where Elphaba sings: “The Wizard and... IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII.” This song highlights Menzel's powerful voice.  

5. “Thank Goodness” 
“Thank Goodness” is the opening song to Act II of “Wicked.” During this song, the citizens of Oz are taking a moment to celebrate even though the Wicked Witch is still loose and on the run. This song is easily in the top five for one main reason … Glinda is in a relationship with Fiyero, but he doesn’t truly love her. He is with her but longs for another. Glinda reflects on the fact that she “couldn’t be happier because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” Her dreams did come true but knowing that she doesn’t have Fiyero’s love bothers her and makes her realize that sometimes you need to be careful about what you wish for. Your happily ever after may not be what you expect. This song is powerful in its message and gives us all something to think about. That truly is what great Broadway songs do for their audience. They make us truly ponder and apply human experience in our lives.  

6. “I’m Not That Girl”  
“I’m Not That Girl” is one of the saddest songs in the entire musical. If you have ever loved someone you cannot be with, this song is for you. Elphaba is so in love with Fiyero, but she recognizes that she is not the typical girl he would go for. She believes he would go for what society deems the perfect girl for him: her friend, Glinda. This is one of the best songs of unrequited love in all music. It manages to bring tears to your eyes. This song helps us gain insight into Elphaba by looking at our lives and thinking of the people who wouldn’t choose us despite our undying love for them.
 
7. “Dancing Through Life”  
“Dancing Through Life” is one of the only songs where the main cast gets to sing together, making it one of the best songs in the musical. The song begins with the newly arrived Winkie Prince, Fiyero, telling everyone at Shiz that they shouldn’t care so much about school and focus on living the “unexamined life.” The song's overall message is universal to all of us today. We all need to not be so bogged down by the stresses of the world and the expectations of people; we need to focus on being happy. So many things happen in this song, but the most notable thing is Glinda gives Elphaba a hat, knowing it will embarrass her at the school dance. Elphaba sees it as a nice gesture and wears it. However, everyone laughs at Elphaba upon arriving. Galinda’s dream is to be a sorceress and she is gifted a wand by Madam Morrible, upon Elphaba’s suggestion. Glinda immediately feels guilty and starts dancing with Elphaba on the dance floor and everyone joins in! It leads to such a sweet moment that leads to the beginning of Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship. This song is well executed because it entertains us and holds our attention as many storylines progress. “Dancing Through Life” gives “Wicked” the perfect full ensemble song for the cast, making it one of the best in the production. 

8. “No One Mourns the Wicked”  
“No One Mourns the Wicked” is the opening song to the Wicked production. Schwartz expertly orchestrated the overture that leads into this song to immediately draw us all into Oz's magical world. This song introduces us to Glinda, who has just arrived in Munchkinland to celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the West with the Munchkins. They sing: “Goodness knows the wicked die alone.” Glinda starts to question whether people are born wicked or if they have it “thrust upon them.” This song also introduces us to the story of Elphaba’s life before she became the Wicked Witch of the West. The Munchkins end the song strongly by repeating, "No one mourns the wicked!” and that her death is “Good News!” However, after seeing this production and going for a repeat viewing, you learn that Glinda loved her but has to appear happy about her death because Elphaba believed that if she tried to clear her name, the citizens of Oz would turn on her, too. Elphaba’s love for Glinda was so great that she didn’t want that for her. The overwhelming shouting of the Munchkins over Glinda trying to give Elphaba some benefit of the doubt is a metaphor for how the world is today. People will believe what many people believe even when it is not true, and voices can be silenced that dare to challenge it. 

9. “What Is This Feeling?” 
“What Is This Feeling?” is one of the first songs in the musical and takes place shortly after Elphaba and Glinda meet for the first time. Elphaba and Glinda have gotten off on the wrong foot and have been assigned to be roommates in the Shiz University dormitories. Glinda is a shallow girly girl who wants to wear pink, and Elphaba is a tomboy who cares deeply about others. This leads to them clashing severely in the beginning. This song is one of the more playful songs in “Wicked.” We get a montage of Elphaba and Glinda doing pranks on each other. This part of the production reminds me of the 1998 film, “The Parent Trap.” The twins, Hallie and Annie, both portrayed by Lindsay Lohan, get off on the wrong foot and do pranks on each other before becoming friends and learning they are long-lost twin sisters. This song is basically that ‘Parent Trap’ moment set to music.

10. “No Good Deed”  
“No Good Deed” is one of the genuine powerhouse performances in “Wicked” and comes at a pivotal game-changing moment for Elphaba. Elphaba tries to stay true to herself and do the right things even though she has been painted as a villain by Oz's true villain. She has not let it get to her until now. Elphaba feels that nothing ever works out even though she has had the best intentions. Her lover is being tortured, her sister is dead, and her favorite professor is captured. Elphaba now decides that she will never do another good deed again. It is perceived by many as the most powerful and emotional song in the production.

11. “One Short Day”  
“One Short Day” is sung by Elphaba and Glinda as they enter the beautiful Emerald City. While they are taking in the city with its dress salons, libraries, palaces and museums, they feel it is a place where they could belong. “One Short Day” feels like it was written to pay homage to “Merry Old Land of Oz” from the classic 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz.” In the classic movie Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and Toto take in the beauty of the Emerald City as the song “Merry Old Land of Oz” is sung. So, essentially, they are both songs that talk about how magical the Emerald City is while they are taking it all in. “One Short Day” has catchy lyrics and is the kind of song you can have stuck in your head if you listen too much.
 
12. “As Long As You’re Mine” 
“As Long As You’re Mine” is the fourth song in Act II. It is a duet between Elphaba and the man she loves, Fiyero. They sing this song after running away from the Wizard. It is a sweet song where Elphaba and Fiyero realize their love for each other may not be how they want it to be. It may be moments since Elphaba is a fugitive, but they soak in the time they get together. It is sad to love someone and know that you can’t have the relationship go the way you want it to. I think that is why this song is so romantic. They make the most of what they are given. My favorite moment in the song is at the end, where Fiyero asks her what is wrong, and Elphaba says: “For the first time, I feel ... wicked.” It is a moment that makes the audience laugh. It is ironic, though. Elphaba has been proclaimed the Wicked Witch of the West by the Wizard and Madam Morrible, and this moment in Act II is when she feels she has actually done something that people could claim is “wicked.”  

13. “Something Bad” 
Professor Dillamond tells Elphaba that he hears of bad things happening in Oz. Animals are starting to be discriminated against and not allowed to serve in their professions anymore. Elphaba expresses her belief in the Wizard and declares that is why there is a Wizard. They can get him to help. The song’s production has such an eerie feeling to it. Even when they try to be optimistic about the bleak circumstances in Oz, the production gives us the sense that the optimism is unfounded and that bad things are coming. There are several short songs in “Wicked,” but this one is the most successful in accomplishing its task. It sets the stakes for Elphaba and lets us all know that her mission will be so much bigger than her. She is in a fight for the greater good. 

14. “March of the Witch Hunters” 
“March of the Witch Hunters” reminds me of “Kill the Beast” in Disney’s 1991 classic “Beauty and the Beast.” In “Beauty and the Beast,” the townsfolk are storming toward the castle to kill the beast they have been conditioned to believe will kill them and their children. In “March of the Witch Hunters,” the people of Oz are marching to kill Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. We get insight into the Tin Man and the Lion's grudges against her. While it is a great song, it is just not one of the best in the show. When you think of music from “Beauty and the Beast,” you think of the title song, “Be Our Guest,” and “Belle,” your mind will not immediately go to “Kill The Beast” as one of the best songs in the movie. The same concept applies to “March of the Witch Hunters.”  
 
15. “Wonderful” 
“Wonderful” is a song at the beginning of Act II where Elphaba has returned to Oz to help imprisoned flying monkeys escape from the Wizard. However, she is caught, and the Wizard gives us insight into how he came into Oz. He blew to Oz by chance and he became hooked on the respect and admiration he received from everyone there. The Wizard knows that he needs Elphaba to be successful, so he tries to convince her to join him again so that she can be “wonderful” too. However, Elphaba won’t do it. This song feels like a continuation of “A Sentimental Man.” They could have combined these songs. I think the writers wanted to add some foreshadowing to the central plot twist during Act 1 instead of waiting until the beginning of Act II to foreshadow this game-changing twist. That is honestly the only reason these songs weren’t combined. The songs say the same things, but “Wonderful” gives more insight than “A Sentimental Man.” Sometimes, in movies, shows or musicals, the villain songs can be some of the best songs in the productions. In “Wicked,” this isn’t the case.  
 
16. “ A Sentimental Man” 
“A Sentimental Man” is one of the last songs sung before the intermission between Parts 1 and 2. Elphaba and Glinda have journeyed to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. They are shocked to discover that the Wizard is not as scary as they expected him to be. Elphaba is there to ask him if he will help her with the suppression of the animals that is becoming widespread throughout Oz. The Wizard believes that “everyone deserves the chance to fly” and wants to help Elphaba if she will help him. Shortly afterward, though, Elphaba learns that the Wizard is behind the suppression of the animals. Honestly, I feel this one-minute and 15-second song only exists to foreshadow a significant plot twist to be revealed later in Act II. I understand why they put this foreshadowing moment into a song. I think it brings the audience’s attention to the fact that this may add up to something before the show ends. It just does not feel like it even comes close to comparing to other show-stopping songs and performances in the musical.  
 
17. "Dear Old Shiz"
The second song in “Wicked” called “Dear Old Shiz” is my least favorite song in the production. At just one minute and 24 seconds long, the song begins shortly after the Munchkins have celebrated the death of the Wicked Witch of the West with Glinda. One of the Munchkins asks Glinda if they were friends. Glinda tells them that their paths did cross at school at Shiz University. Shortly after, cast members sing the Alma Mater to the school, essentially this song. It isn’t a bad song at all, but it lacks the emotional depth, complexity and gravitas that many of the other songs encompass in the production. Imagine comparing your school’s alma mater to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which explains why this song is the last one on my list.