10 Male Ballads That Will Make You Swoon
Just like most of the musical theatre community, I spent all of last weekend obsessing over the release of the Last Five Years film. I have been in love with that music for years and had been waiting to see it on stage, but instead had my first experience with the production as a film. After watching the film almost 3 times in one weekend (a bit excessive, I know) it prompted me into a “Jeremy Jordan binge.” I spent hours youtubing his performances and was blown away by how many New Musical Theatre songs he has performed. I came across so many gorgeous ballads and the next thing I knew I had fallen in love with him and every other man singing those ballads. I decided to create a list of NMT ballads that made me swoon and hopefully will make you swoon as well. And men, all of these songs have sheet music found on NMT as well so I hope you find that perfect ballad missing from your book.
10. “Maybe We Just Made Love” by Salzman and Cunningham
This song is from the musical I Love You Because, which was produced off-Broadway in 2006. Salzman and Cunningham created some of the songs while they both were in the musical theatre writing program at NYU. I’ve become really fond of the musical. Another favorite from the show is “Even Though,” which is worth a listen.
9. “Part of a Painting” by Pasek and Paul
Does everyone still love and miss SMASH like I do? Pasek and Paul did quite a few songs for SMASH and when I say that I mean they created some of the most memorable songs in season 2. Aside from that success they created the musical Edges, which, like all of their music, is brilliant. I love this performance; it’s done with such ease.
8. “Disaster” by Drew Gasparini
This song is from Drew’s compilation album I Could Use a Drink: The Songs of Drew Gasparini. The songs are performed by a lot of Broadway’s biggest talent. I love the rawness of the album and the variety of pieces he creates.
7. “Suddenly (Autumn)” by Will Reynolds
Will Reynolds is the trifecta in this clip. He is singing beautifully, playing beautifully, and making his song come to life beautifully. The piano in this piece is gorgeous and it puts you at ease. I can’t wait to hear more from him.
6. “When She Smiles” by Lewis Flinn
This performance by Andrew Rannells is pre Hedwig, pre Book of Mormon and pre Girls. I stumbled upon it on an “Andrew Rannells binge” and found myself putting it on repeat for a few days. I’m excited to have re-discovered it on NMT and rekindled my love for this song.
5. “One Last Prayer” by Kerrigan-Lowdermilk
Talk about a power duo! Kerrigan-Lowdermilk create some of my all-time favorite music. I just recently discovered “One Last Prayer” and fell in love. With further research, I learned that it is from their musical Republic, which is based off of Shakespeare’s Henry IV (parts I & II). Sounds pretty cool to me!
4. “Seeing You There” by Adam Gwon
I spent a good 3 weeks listening to Adam Gwon’s musical Ordinary Days, falling in love with the story the more I listened to it. All of the music is beautiful and I was so captivated after first hearing “I’ll Be Here” (definitely worth a listen if you haven’t yet). “Seeing You There” was actually cut from the show, but is a wonderful story song. This particular performance by Andrew Samonsky caught my attention.
3. “Prepared” by Georgia Stitt
I’m so happy to have recently discovered Georgia Stitt from NMT. Her music is phenomenal and there needs to be more powerhouse women such as her in the theatre. This song is from her show The Danger Year, which excites me greatly just listening to the music. This particular performance broke my heart, just like many of Jeremy Jordan’s performances. You can find Georgia accompanying in the background. Read more about the show on her fantastic website.
2. “Here For You” by Jonathan Reid Gealt
I absolutely love this song and this recording. What an amazing power duet, Jonathan himself and Jeremy Jordan. There aren’t a lot of male ballads like this and they both nail it out of the park. Jonathan has such a wonderful collection of music and I can’t wait to see where his future takes him. I hope after you listen to this song you find yourself on a “Jonathan Reid Gealt binge” and discover all of his wonderful music. He is amazingly talented.
1. “Run Away With Me” by Kerrigan-Lowdermilk
I have to say that this is one of my all-time favorite musical theatre pieces. I am in love with every performance of it and will never get sick of it. One of my favorite performances is by Michael Arden. He is absolutely incredible and will win a Tony some day (hopefully for Quasimodo). If you are near New York/New Jersey, go see him in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Paper Mill Playhouse starting March 4. You will not be let down.
What are your favorite male ballads? Add them in the comments below!
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