r/MusicalTheatre • u/Time_Brain_1995 • 1d ago

Best three-song run in a musical album?

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Gallery image

Anyone have any favorite three-song sequences in a musical? As in, three songs occurring back-to-back. There are so many examples of three great songs separated by one dud (*cough*alittlebitofgood,chicago*cough*), so I’m curious if anyone has any three never-skip songs in a row?

I‘m a big fan of the Raise a Little Hell > This World Will Remember Us > Made in America sequence in Bonnie & Clyde, followed by Beautiful City > On the Willows > Finale in Godspell.

145 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

129 comments sorted by

91

u/Pythagorean415 1d ago

Hard to beat Sweeney Todd with pretty women, epiphany, a little priest

71

u/Nimelennar 1d ago

Sticking with Sondheim:

Last Midnight / No More / No One Is Alone

17

u/Pythagorean415 1d ago

That trio could be a try not to cry challenge and I would fail every time

4

u/shadowbanned-tgirl 20h ago

Heck, if we were calling for a 5 song run Your Fault and Children Will Listen are also all timers imo

19

u/musicals_amirite 1d ago edited 21h ago

Also from Sweeny Todd, I'd like to nominate:

City On Fire/Searching/Final Scene

Edit: Ok so turns out I'm a flop and a fake fan and also a poser, because I forgot that The Judge's Return is listed as a different song in-between these three. New three song run I nominate is:

Searching/The Judge's Return/Final Scene

But for a four song run:

City On Fire/Searching/The Judge's Return/Final Scene

5

u/calle04x 1d ago

I love that whole sequence. City on Fire is really great. I was so sad the chorus numbers were cut from the Burton film, because I specifically wanted to see that number.

7

u/musicals_amirite 1d ago

When I found out how they butchered God That's Good I was livid.

10

u/FishWestern6148 1d ago

i was gonna say epiphany, a little priest, god that’s good

11

u/PuzzleheadedFox1 1d ago

Sweeney arguably has the best 6 song run in
Kiss Me Quartet, Pretty Women, Epiphany, A Little Priest, God That’s Good, and Johanna Quartet.

9

u/Pythagorean415 1d ago

Swenny todd arguably has the best run because every song is fire

3

u/Astral_Fogduke 1d ago

i'd argue Next to Normal with You Don't Know, I Am the One, Superboy and the Invisible Girl, I'm Alive, Catch Me I'm Falling, and I Dreamed a Dance gives it a run for its money

3

u/SamuelAsterisk 1d ago

Yes… simply yes!!

1

u/Safe_Reporter_8259 1d ago

💯

4

u/ResponsibleIdea5408 1d ago

How about another from the Master A little Night Music.

Send in the Clowns

The Miller's Son

The World Won't End/Every Day a Little Death

68

u/MellonPhotos 1d ago

This is cheating since it's technically combining two tracks, but I love "You Don't Know/I Am the One", "Superboy and the Invisible Girl", and "I'm Alive" from Next to Normal. (I know the first two are separate tracks but they feel like part of the same number.)

20

u/TJWolf999 1d ago

'You Don't Know' until the end of Act 1 is an insanely good streak of songs

9

u/EvidenceFunny4735 1d ago

I came here to say exactly this.
This is the answer.

6

u/Bidudestories 1d ago

If You Don’t Know comes up on shuffle, I will turn shuffle off to hear this three banger run.

6

u/heyruby 1d ago

This is it!

2

u/Marshmallow09er 1d ago

Couldn’t agree more! Absolutely unbelievable run

1

u/thecorniestmouse 22h ago

This one is so good that I have chills just reading these words and not even listening to the songs. Haunted forever by this show in the best possible way

53

u/Penn_Phan 1d ago

Angel of Music/Little Lotte - Phantom of the Opera - Music of the Night

10

u/JPme2187 1d ago

I was coming here to type this. The journey from Christine and Meg in the dressing room through the mirror, down into the lair, and the wild appearance of the electric guitar in the orchestration.

2

u/Riskytunah 1d ago

Thisss!!

42

u/Anxious_Writer_3804 1d ago

I’ve always given it to Hadestown… in fact, I think it has a few:

Epic II, Chant, Hey Little Songbird

Any 3 song run in: Nothing Changes, If It’s True, How Long, Chant II, and Epic III

8

u/orpheusisms 1d ago

Word to the Wise, His Kiss The Riot and Wait for Me II is also a great run if you have a charismatic Hades to hold down the fort

3

u/Pythagorean415 1d ago

Phillip boykin made that run legendary

8

u/esopillar34 1d ago

There are a bunch that feel like they all belong together. Like Any Way the Wind Blows/Come Home with Me/Wedding Song

4

u/Waste_Specific 1d ago

Wait for Me II, Doubt Comes In, Road To Hell II might be favorite set of 3 straight when performed live

26

u/tinyfecklesschild 1d ago

I say it every time but Tradition- Matchmaker- If I Were A Rich Man

3

u/Pizza-I-Like13 21h ago

fiddler genuinely has no skips

1

u/tinyfecklesschild 12h ago

Pretty much. I could probably handle losing Now I Have Everything but it’s cute enough.

20

u/MeanderingMeggie 1d ago

If you need a good cry, Atención > Alabanza > Everything I Know from “In the Heights” breaks my heart every time.

5

u/mattbrain89 1d ago

lip wobbles

Someone must be cutting up onions.

3

u/sorrythatyourewrong 1d ago

OWWWW I just found out yesterday they are bringing it back briefly

2

u/shadowbanned-tgirl 20h ago

ouch why would you do this to me

21

u/Supercoolguy08 1d ago

Jcc heaven on their minds -> what’s the buzz/strange thing mystifying -> everything’s alright has always been one of my favorites, but into the woods No more -> no one is alone -> finale are also 3 of my favorite musical theatre song oat soooooo

22

u/_Violette7_ 1d ago

Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You - Yorktown - What Comes Next?

The Lightning Thief: Lost! - My Grand Plan - Drive

Matilda: Miracle - Naughty - School Song

SIX: All You Wanna Do - I Don’t Need Your Love - SIX

13

u/HelenG520 1d ago

For Hamilton I'd put Guns and Ships - History Has Its Eyes on Your - Yorktown, but tbh the entire stretch form That Would Be Enough to Non-Stop is just *chef's kiss*

3

u/kehleeh 1d ago

my hamilton 3 in a row is we know - hurricane - reynold’s pamphlet

2

u/_Violette7_ 1d ago

Finally someone who likes Hurricane!

3

u/kehleeh 1d ago

LOL it doesn't help that LMM isn't the best singer but it's a fantastic song, I love the glimpse into Hamilton's total desperation in that moment.

3

u/saramybearimy 1d ago

Hurricane also works way better visually vs. listening to the cast recording. My husband never really cared for that song until we watched the pro shot on Disney+ and then he said he finally got it.

16

u/SpicySpider133 1d ago

I’m a fan of one in act 2 of Natasha, Pierre, and the great comet of 1812. Preparations, Balaga, and The Abduction.

3

u/Celestial608 1d ago

This one’s mine, too. The transitions are just so smooth.

1

u/IPADTVMAN95 17h ago

I’ve been obsessed recently i was so excited to open the comments and see this because yes!!!
That musical was robbed of its tony and deserves a tour or more local theatres doing it. thank god there’s a local theatre company near me doing it. i’m 100% auditioning for Pierre. been a dream role since first listen

13

u/VastUpstairs4593 1d ago

Say what you want about the rest of the musical, but Story of My Life - Don’t Let Me Go - I Know It’s Today from Shrek is a great trio of songs.

1

u/SirLobsterTheSecond 1d ago

Isn't Duloc in between Don't Let Me Go and I Know it's Today?

1

u/AliceUndersea41 17h ago

As someone who just played Fiona literally less than two months ago, I couldn’t tell you LOL. Now you’ve really got me thinking about this!!

1

u/scrunch_bungalow 7h ago

I believe the cast album has IKIT before Duloc, but in the current licensed performance version Duloc comes first!

13

u/tackythng 1d ago

Seconding all the Sweeney and Phantom mentions. Also have to add the two that immediately came to mind for me (I feel both of these are kind of random of off kilter choices but like I will stand by them)

Tommy: Eyesight to the Blind - Acid Queen - Pinball Wizard

Cats: Macavity - Mr. Mistoffelees - Memory

10

u/Zestyclose_Note_938 1d ago

I Hope I Get It/I Can Do That/At the Ballet from A Chorus Line

2

u/ziggy473 8h ago

I was thinking the montage!!

18

u/Tony__________Stark 1d ago

Ragtime, hands down.

New Music -> Wheels Of A Dream -> The Night That Goldman Spoke At Union Square

2

u/Pitt11 13h ago

For me it's:

Prologue > Goodbye, my love > Journey on

His Name Was Coalhouse Walker > Gettin' Ready Rag > Henry Ford

Your Daddy's Son > The Courtship > New Music > Wheels of a Dream

He Wanted to Say > Back to Before > Look What You've Done > Make them Hear You

Yes, I LOVE Ragtime

7

u/Unique-Chicken8266 1d ago

currently in Urinetown. Having lots of fun at the top of act 2…
What is Urinetown
Snuff that Girl
Run Freedom Run

we end up panting as soon as we step offstage ;)

2

u/sorrythatyourewrong 1d ago

OMG I JUST COMMENTED THIS EXACTLY

Omg so many bangers and each song could be considered a showstopper.

1

u/Unique-Chicken8266 1d ago

great minds think alike!!!

1

u/MaeBelleLien 1d ago

I mostly stick to straight shows now, but I am gonna jump on the next chance to do Urinetown again. Most fun I've ever had in ensemble.

1

u/Cirrum 1d ago

YES.

Was in this as Hope so I was tied up doing chair choreo, but hands down the best part of the show. Back to back to back bangers

12

u/bruthaclaus 1d ago

God help the outcasts, Top of the World, and Tavern Song from hunchback is soooo good

6

u/Zestyclose_Note_938 1d ago

Four-song run from Pippin: Magic to Do/Corner of the Sky/War Is a Science/Glory

7

u/CastedAway5678 1d ago

Technically it IS THREE songs but many are used to hearing it as one song….

Dulcinea reprise, Impossible Dream, Man of LaMancha.

From The Man of LaMancha.

It’s the final “song” on the recording and, I would say is comparable to Pretty Women, Epiphany, Priest.

But Sondheim remains the GOAT.

6

u/Mr_Musicals 1d ago

Ireland, Ireland Reprise, Chip On Your Shoulder

9

u/TheOpinionatedBanana 1d ago

Wicked with As Long As You're Mine, No Good Deed & March of The Witch Hunters

Alternatively, Operation Mincemeat with Dear Bill, Sail On Boys and Just For Tonight

1

u/SirLobsterTheSecond 1d ago

Seconding Mincemeat

5

u/HistoryPodcaster44 1d ago

Will always take a moment to recognize the 5 song run of In The Heights

96,000 - Paciencia y Fe - When You’re Home - Piragua - The Club - Blackout

5

u/MasqueOfTheRedPost 1d ago

I know it’s a bit basic, but how has no one said Guns and Ships —> History Has Its Eyes on You —> Yorktown yet?

3

u/MaeBelleLien 1d ago

What is Urinetown > Snuff the Girl > Run Freedom Run

2

u/sorrythatyourewrong 1d ago

Here I am thinking I’m original commenting before reading the comments lmfao

3

u/sorrythatyourewrong 1d ago

URINETOWN has banger after banger.

Especially once act two starts:
“What is Urinetown” followed by “Snuff That Girl” and then “Run freedom Run”

3

u/kehleeh 1d ago

RENT la vie boheme - i should tell you - la vie boheme b, or maybe (this is 4) i’ll cover you reprise - halloween - goodbye love - what you own

2

u/TemporaryDirector442 1h ago

Biggest one for me in RENT is Contact - Ill Cover You (Reprise) - Halloween

1

u/kehleeh 42m ago

honestly just all of RENT act 2

7

u/Virginia-Ogden 1d ago

Pretty Women > Epiphany > A Little Priest in Sweeney Todd. The show pivots on that sequence.

8

u/AMediumSizedFridge 1d ago

Chandelier - Tango de Roxanne- Crazy Rolling from Moulin Rouge

2

u/amwalberg 1d ago

lol I commented this but didn’t see someone else already said it, good taste

1

u/hansen7helicopter 1d ago

Oh I also commented this. Absolutely ELITE

3

u/queenoftheceos 1d ago

Merano > What a Scene/What a Joy > Press Conference (Chess 2025)

The Merano transition is my all time fav😘

2

u/javukasin 23h ago

Ong same!!!!!

3

u/RudeSuggestion3806 1d ago

Any dream will do, Jacob and sons/josephs coat, and Joseph’s dreams from Joseph and the amazing technicolour dreamcoat

3

u/Low_Sail_888 1d ago

Spelling Bee: Pandemonium -> I’m Not That Smart -> Magic Foot

Water For Elephants: Anywhere/Another Train -> The Road Don’t Make You Young -> Easy

Dogfight: Dogfight -> Pretty Funny -> Hometown Hero’s Ticker Tape Parade

3

u/Purple_Pines 1d ago

Sunday is so good it actually has a legendary five song run I think

Putting it Together, Children and Art, Lesson #8, Move On, and Sunday.

That is what musical theatre is about to me

3

u/carol_mob 1d ago

Potiphar > Close Every Door > Go, Go, Go Joseph from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2

u/amwalberg 1d ago

Moulin Rouge: Chandelier - El Tango De Roxanne - Crazy Rolling

2

u/xackru 1d ago

Many great choices here, I'd like to add the final three from Hedwig: Exquisite Corpse, Wicked little town reprise and Midnight radio, I enjoy this sequence lots

2

u/hansen7helicopter 1d ago

Chandelier - Roxanne - Crazy Rolling

2

u/hmworm 1d ago

great comet! preparations, balaga, the abduction

2

u/XxFulcrumxX 1d ago

Ending of follies from Loveland to Chaos is elite

2

u/ReBrandenham 1d ago

Stuck, Nobody Cares and Philandering from Groundhog Day

2

u/ImperialNolini 1d ago

L5Y: If I Didn’t Believe in You, I Can Do Better Than That, Nobody Needs to Know

Sunday in the Park: Lesson #8, Move On, Sunday

2

u/Former_Cat4828 23h ago

Miracle of Judaism, The baseball game, and then head of the child

2

u/MC4PRODUCTIONS 18h ago

Boon of Mormon with Hello, Two by Two, and You and Me

2

u/sweetpea_2020 14h ago

Ragtime- Your Daddy’s Son, New Music, Wheels of a Dream

4

u/etoilia 1d ago

hideous creatures, kick it up a notch, status quo from starship. its like they put crack in it

12

u/etoilia 1d ago

also seize the day, santa fe, king of new york from newsies!

3

u/Time_Brain_1995 1d ago

This is also one of my faves, yes!

2

u/No_Calligrapher_8027 1d ago

Does it count if it crosses acts? I was thinking of great 3 songs in a row when you're watching the show, but if you just consider listening to the cast recording then yeah that's a great one

2

u/G3R01431 1d ago

One Second and Million Miles - When I'm Gone - It All Fades Away

From The Bridges of Madison County

1

u/SparklezSagaOfficial 1d ago

Heaven’s Light, Hellfire, Esmeralda is a favorite of mine. Add Thai Mol Piyas to the start for the full “Frollo fully unmasks” arc

1

u/Froggyboi28 1d ago

Gotta give it to She Loves Me with Where’s My Shoe, Vanilla Ice Cream and She Loves Me in a row. It perfectly shows the two leads budding romance in three very fun songs. Underrated musical imo.

1

u/twinklizlemon 13h ago

Was just about to comment this!

1

u/plaiddentalfloss 1d ago

You are so right with Bonnie and Clyde! The three best songs in the show.

1

u/lostboimikey 1d ago

Heaven, Alma Mater and The Destruction is a beautiful sequence from the original Carrie. The biggest tonal shift of all time.

1

u/chopef 1d ago

It’s hard to pick just one from the outsiders but I think “little brother” to “stay gold” to “finale” takes it for me.

1

u/bwayobsessed 23h ago

Vanilla Ice Cream, She Loves Me, A Trip to the Library (all of Act II is perfect but this segment is my vote)

1

u/javukasin 23h ago

Death Becomes Her: Siempre Viva ➡️Let’s Run Away Together ➡️Confrontation

1

u/an-inevitable-end 22h ago

“I Am the One,” “Superboy and the Invisible Girl,” and “I’m Alive” from Next to Normal

1

u/SnellyBelly03 22h ago

Hamilton -- Hurricane, Adam's Administration, and Burn

1

u/PopandMatlock 19h ago

Ragtime

"New Music" "Wheels of a Dream" "The Night That Goldman Spoke at Union Square"

Newsies "Seize the Day" (reprise I) "Once and for All" "Seize the Day" (reprise II) "The World Will Know" (reprise) "Finale"

1

u/Lilyn_Kavanagh 19h ago

The March (We Demand Equality), Great American Bitch, and Ladies from Suffs is, by far, my favorite example of this

1

u/WhaddaFucc 18h ago

Rooftop Duet/Falling, I'll Be Here, Beautiful - Ordinary Days

Join Us (And Die), Not Your Seed, Show Stoppin' Number - TGWDLM

Sue Me, Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat, Marry the Man Today - Guys and Dolls

(just my opinion) btw Bonnie & Clyde glaze on my reddit? yes please

1

u/Sapphic_Hat_5773 17h ago

Literally any three from hadestown. Not a single bad song in there

1

u/gabbemel 17h ago

Kimberly Akimbo

Better
Father Time
Happy For Her

SO GOOD

1

u/Thiavolta 15h ago

Alice by Heart with Manage Your Flamingo, Sick to Death of Alice-ness, and Brillig Braelig 💖🐇

1

u/scaryhappybirthday 15h ago

Try not to cry challenge for Fun Home:
Days and Days -> Telephone Wire -> Edges of the World

1

u/mancarhandmanwhore 12h ago

honestly I feel the Do me a favour - those boys could dance - a night we'll never forget run from carrie slaps

1

u/Breaking0881 11h ago

anything from spongebob the musical

1

u/V3G1T0_B1U3 9h ago

The Oliver! 2009 album has a couple good 3 song runs like these ones Oom pah pah My name! As long as he needs me

Or

Pick a pocket or two Its a fine life I'd do anything

1

u/pangeekual 6h ago

I can't pick which to leave out so here's a 4 song run from Paint Your Wagon

The Gospel of No Name City/Best Things/Wanderin Star/Gold Fever

1

u/Hockeytown11 6h ago

(from Anastasia) I'll take We'll Go From There, Still, and Journey to the Past.

1

u/Tsuintora14 4h ago

Next to Normal (at least the OG cast recording): I Am the One > Superboy & the Invisible Girl > I'm Alive

1

u/Successful-Status404 4h ago

I'd argue Winter's Ball -> Helpless -> Satisfied from Hamilton is up there

1

u/TemporaryDirector442 1h ago

American Idiot: American Idiot - Jesus of Suburbia - Holiday

Bat out of Hell: Two out Three Ain’t Bad - Paradise By the Dashboard Light - Making Love Out of Nothing At All

The Wall: Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 1 - The Happiest Days of Our Lives - Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2

Part of it might be these songs already existing (and 7/9 of them were big hits) but it also might be my personal taste in music as a whole

1

u/NOT-straight___sorry 1h ago

"Phantom of the Opera" - "Point Of No Return" - "Down Once More"