I binge-watched the entire first season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend last month because I'd been hearing good things about it for a while and finally decided to see it for myself. It absolutely lives up to the hype-it's unlike anything I've ever seen on TV. The brainchild of Rachel Bloom follows a big-shot New York lawyer (played by Bloom) as she moves across the country on a whim to be with her high school boyfriend whom she hasn't spoken to in more than ten years. You can imagine the chaos that ensues. The show is a theater kid's dream. Each episode is like a mini-musical. The songs are amazing, the dialogue and storylines are hilarious, and the characters are, like every day people, flawed but lovable. In honor of Season 2's upcoming premiere, I thought I'd share my top five favorite songs so far (in no particular order):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on-FTnxjxaU
This song makes me laugh out loud every time I listen to it. I love the parallels between young Rebecca and adult Rebecca, and the whole song has a pop-infused, "Mickey Mouse Club" vibe. It'll get stuck in your head, hopefully in a good way.
2. "Settle for Me"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjWe8KoWFZE
First of all, Santino Fontana's voice is pure gold. Second of all, the juxtaposition of hilarious self-deprecating lyrics with a Golden Age Broadway tune is genius. Third, the costumes and dancing are amazing.
3. "After Everything I've Done for You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mqn1jF_jEg
This nod to "Rose's Turn" is just awesome. It made me hope that we get more big, show-stopping numbers from Donna Lynne Champlin in Season 2. Even though I liked Paula the character a little bit less afterwards, this song still stands out to me.
4. "Cold Showers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBzSxCrgsfU
Maybe I'm partial to this "Ya Got Trouble" tribute because, like most theater kids, I was in a production of The Music Man in high school. This song perfectly captures the essence of a leader who is charismatic enough to convince a group of people of something that makes absolutely no sense-all in a hilarious, catchy tune.
5. "A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C5fHfG_ptE&list=PL6abPzY300GUJQic25ynhTLup1YTqmvOX&index=32
This song is perfect example of the show's patent self-awareness and removal of stigma surrounding therapy. Despite all its silliness, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend really does banish stereotypes usually associated with mental health and therapy.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is fantastic. It'll make you laugh, cry, and think. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out before Season 2 starts on Friday, October 21st!
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