West Side Story is one of the most iconic musicals of all time, with its enduring themes of love, rivalry, and cultural identity resonating with audiences around the world for over half a century. The musical, which was first performed on Broadway in 1957, features a stunning score composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The music has become legendary in its own right, with many of the songs from the musical becoming timeless classics. From the soaring romance of “Maria” to the playful humor of “Gee, Officer Krupke,” the West Side Story soundtrack has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best West Side Story songs of all time, taking a closer look at the melodies, lyrics, and performances that have made these songs so beloved by audiences around the world.
1. “Somewhere”
“Somewhere” is a heart-wrenching ballad from the legendary Broadway musical, West Side Story. Written by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the song captures the longing for a better world, where people can live in harmony, free from the violence and prejudice that plagues society. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the lyrics are filled with a sense of hope that despite the bleak reality of the world we live in, there is still a chance for a brighter future.
The song is sung by the character of Maria, who dreams of a place where love and acceptance reign supreme. Her soaring vocals capture the essence of the song and convey the message of hope and optimism that is at the heart of the musical. “Somewhere” has become an anthem for social justice and equality, and its message continues to resonate with audiences today.
2. “Maria”
“Maria” is one of the most iconic and beloved songs from the classic musical, West Side Story. Written by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the song is a romantic ballad that captures the intense passion and longing felt by the lead character, Tony. The melody is instantly recognizable, and the lyrics are filled with raw emotion, making it one of the most memorable love songs of all time.
“Maria” is sung by Tony, who has fallen deeply in love with Maria, despite the fact that they come from rival gangs. His heartfelt vocals express the depth of his feelings and his desire to be with her, no matter what the cost. The song’s soaring chorus is filled with a sense of hope and optimism, suggesting that love can conquer all obstacles.
“Maria” has become a timeless classic, and its popularity continues to endure to this day. It has been covered by countless artists, and its message of love and acceptance has touched the hearts of millions around the world.
3. “America”
“America” is a lively and energetic song from the legendary Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is a lively debate between the Puerto Rican girls and the American girls about which country is better. The melody is catchy and upbeat, and the lyrics capture the cultural divide between the two groups.
The song features a call and response style between the girls, with each group presenting their arguments for why their country is superior. The song is filled with humor and playful banter, making it one of the most memorable and entertaining numbers in the musical. “America” has become a popular anthem for celebrating diversity and the American Dream.
4. “Tonight”
“Tonight” is a romantic ballad from the iconic Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the two lead characters, Maria and Tony, as they express their love for each other and their hopes for a future together.
The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the lyrics are filled with passion and longing. The song captures the intensity of young love, and the soaring vocals of the lead actors convey the depth of their emotions. “Tonight” is one of the most memorable and beloved songs from the musical, and its message of hope and love continues to resonate with audiences today.
5. “I Feel Pretty”
“I Feel Pretty” is a playful and upbeat song from the legendary Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the character of Maria as she admires herself in the mirror and revels in her own beauty.
The melody is cheerful and bouncy, and the lyrics are filled with humor and wit. The song captures the joy of feeling confident and attractive, and its playful lyrics and catchy tune make it one of the most memorable and entertaining numbers in the musical. “I Feel Pretty” has become a popular anthem for celebrating self-confidence and beauty.
6. “One Hand, One Heart”
“One Hand, One Heart” is a tender and romantic duet from the iconic Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the two lead characters, Maria and Tony, as they exchange vows of love and commitment.
The melody is gentle and heartfelt, and the lyrics are filled with sincerity and passion. The song captures the depth of the characters’ feelings for each other, and its tender vocals and beautiful harmonies make it one of the most memorable and touching numbers in the musical. “One Hand, One Heart” has become a timeless classic, and its message of love and commitment continues to resonate with audiences today.
7. “Jet Song”
“Jet Song” is an energetic and dynamic opening number from the iconic Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the Jets, one of the rival gangs in the musical, as they boast about their strength and dominance in the streets of New York City.
The melody is fast-paced and rhythmic, and the lyrics are filled with bravado and swagger. The song captures the aggressive and competitive nature of the Jets, and its lively vocals and choreography make it one of the most memorable and exciting numbers in the musical.
8. “Cool”
“Cool” is a powerful and dramatic song from the legendary Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the character of Riff, the leader of the Jets, as he tries to calm down his fellow gang members and prevent a violent confrontation with their rivals, the Sharks.
The melody is tense and brooding, and the lyrics are filled with a sense of urgency and danger. The song captures the intensity of the situation, and its haunting vocals and powerful choreography make it one of the most memorable and impactful numbers in the musical.
9. “Gee, Officer Krupke”
“Gee, Officer Krupke” is a playful and humorous song from the legendary Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the Jets as they mock the authority figures in their lives, including the police officer who arrests them.
The melody is upbeat and lively, and the lyrics are filled with sarcasm and satire. The song captures the rebellious and irreverent nature of the Jets, and its witty lyrics and catchy tune make it one of the most memorable and entertaining numbers in the musical.
10. “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love”
“A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” is a powerful and emotional duet from the iconic Broadway musical, West Side Story. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song is sung by the two lead female characters, Anita and Maria, as they confront each other about their love for Tony, the male lead.
The melody is passionate and intense, and the lyrics are filled with raw emotion and conflict. The song captures the complexity of the characters’ feelings for each other, and its powerful vocals and haunting harmonies make it one of the most memorable and poignant numbers in the musical.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
