In the editor’s rotation: Still a lot of showtunes… some Halloween?

If you survived my first “In the editor’s rotation” column, welcome back! If this is your first time reading about the music I listen to… good luck.

Unfortunately, it’s still mostly showtunes. I am ever so slightly (majorly) reentering my Broadway phase from seventh grade, and since my last column, it has only gotten worse. But don’t let that scare you away — I’m hoping at least one song on this list is tolerable enough to make it onto one person’s playlist.

‘Rainbow High’ — Rachel Zegler, ‘Evita’

Rachel Zegler’s version of “Rainbow High” from “Evita” is finally available to stream, and it was so worth the wait. Her vocals are exceptional (not that I expected anything less), and her performance translates perfectly through just audio. There is literally nothing she can’t do.

‘No Cure’ — Megan Hilty

This may come as a shock, but I have not gotten over my Megan Hilty obsession since my last column. I may or may not be secretly hoping that if I mention her enough, someone reading this will be inclined to look her up. But seriously, Hilty’s 2013 album “It Happens All the Time” is full of incredible tracks, and “No Cure” is no exception. I actually just purchased the album on CD — I don’t own a CD player, but I needed to have a physical copy of this album just for the vibes.

‘For the Gaze’ — Megan Hilty, ‘Death Becomes Her’

I know I mentioned this one last time, but I listened to this specific song so much in the past two weeks that it deserves its own shoutout. Look, I won’t make you sit through the entire “Death Becomes Her” original Broadway cast recording, but if you have a spare few minutes, look up Hilty’s performance of “For the Gaze” for “The Tonight Show” on YouTube — you won’t be disappointed.

‘Paparazzi’ — Jessica Vosk

As much as I love Lady Gaga and will always stay true to the original “Paparazzi,” I recently discovered this cover and am obsessed. I love pretty much anything if it's performed by Jessica Vosk, and that certainly includes this cover. Her style and this song blend brilliantly.

‘Which Witch’ — Florence & the Machine

Halloween is right around the corner, so spooky tunes are slowly beginning to infiltrate my Spotify streams. I do listen to this specific track year-round, but there’s something special about streaming anything Florence & the Machine in the fall.

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‘Marian the Librarian’ — Hugh Jackman, ‘The Music Man’

I got to see this production of “The Music Man” on Broadway for a high school field trip, and ever since, it infiltrates my rotation every few months — specifically, Hugh Jackman’s songs. “The Music Man” was a hit for a reason — the songs are very fun and catchy, and Jackman’s performance adds so much to them.

‘THE GREATEST’ — Billie Eilish

I’ve been a fan of Billie Eilish since her debut album, so, not to be dramatic, but the release of “Hit Me Hard and Soft” changed my life. There’s something about the build on “THE GREATEST” that gives me chills every time I listen to it. I fear I may never get over this particular track.

‘How Did It End?’ — Taylor Swift

Apologies to the Taylor Swift antis, some (a lot) of her music hits. My favorite Swift album by far is “The Tortured Poets Department,” which is filled with heartbreaking ballads and a few upbeat, fun surprises. “How Did It End?” is absolutely devastating, and it also fits well for pretty much any angsty ship edit on TikTok you could imagine.

‘Both Ways’ — Tom Galantich & Kerry Butler, ‘Clinton the Musical’

Kerry Butler’s vocals as Hillary Clinton are mind-blowing. Need I say more?

powers40@miamioh.edu