Ten Songs Glory: Counting Down RENT's Greatest Tunes

In a matter of hours, a new generation will get to experience one of the most powerful musicals ever written, as FOX gets ready to present RENT (tonight at 8pm).

In the 23 years since Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece burst onto the scene, its music has made an indelible impression on pop culture, finding a place on the playlists of more that just lovers of Broadway. Most Rentheads could argue the perfection of every one of the 43 tracks from the 1996 cast recording, and yet, it's undeniable that some of them stand out as Larson's greatest creations.

Below, check out our highly subjective list of the greatest songs from RENT.

10. "One Song Glory"

It's just Roger and his guitar in this little Act I ditty that tells us a hell of a lot about our leading man right off the bat. The musical simplicity is what really shines in this tune, and Larson's lyrics are undeniably powerful and moving.

9. "Will I?"

Three questions. Twelve words. That's all at took for Jonathan Larson to make a perfectly poignant earworm. "Will I?" has become an anthem of the fear and pain of uncertainty.

8. "Santa Fe"

Just one listen of this song and we're ready to head west... to open up a restaurant... in Santa Fe. No really, we're booking the flight right now. Collins' pipe dream comes to life in this fanciful break from the action.

7. "Without You"

If you ever had any doubt that Jonathan Larson was a genius, this song should squash it. Rent doesn't get more poetic than in Mimi and Roger's big moment in Act 2. Have your tissues at the ready!

6. "What You Own"

Is there a better song to belt at the top of your lungs in the car with your Broadway bestie? We could listen to this Mark/Roger duet 'til the end of the next millenium.

5. "Take Me or Leave Me"

To answer our previous question, yes. Yes there is. "Take Me Or Leave Me" has become an anthem of female empowerment and a true staple of the modern musical theatre canon.

4. "I'll Cover You (Reprise)"

Sure, we love hearing the uptempo version the first time around, but it doesn't hold a candle to its heartbreaking and powerful Act 2 counterpart. Again... don't foget your tissues for this heartbreaking lament.

3. "Finale B"

RENT's message is perfectly wrapped up in dueling melodies, each heard previously in the show, but brought together in counterpoint at last in this ultimate, musical moment.

2. "La Vie Bohème"

At one point in your life you knew every word to this song. Hopefully you still do! This two-part act-closer is Larson's truest ode to Rent's original source material- Puccini's 1896 opera, La Bohème.

1. "Seasons of Love"

Did you ever really doubt that this would take the top spot? Aside from being the greatest song in RENT, "Seasons of Love" is arguably one of the greatest songs written for musical theatre and we can't wait to hear it tonight!