A new study by leading ticketing platform London Theatre Direct has mapped out the “blueprint” of the typical musical song to explore the key elements that make musical numbers unforgettable. By analysing more than 2,000 songs from 100 of the greatest musicals of all time, the study analysed 10 key data metrics (from Spotify’s extensive list of audio features) to map out each song and identify the communalities (and differences) that define on-stage hits.
From West End classics like Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to modern sensations such as Hamilton and Six, the research explores what makes these tracks resonate with audiences and thrive on streaming platforms.
A data-driven approach to decoding creative composition
To decode the anatomy of the archetypal musical song, the ticketing platform analysed data values for 10 key metrics that define each track on popular streaming platform Spotify: danceability, valence, energy, speechiness, liveness, acousticness, tempo, key, mode and time signature (all on scales from 0 to 100).
By mapping each song according to data points, the study was able to create a comparable data set that was then used to define the archetypical song.
The Blueprint – An average of on-stage songs
Averages were used to define the makeup of the musical archetype, a balanced musical song that supports storytelling, choreography and emotional engagement. This “average” musical song typically exhibits moderate danceability (51), moderate valence (43), moderate energy level (39), low speechiness (13) and high acoustics (64).
The biggest hits: why the most popular musical songs on depart from the archetype
While the initial research defines the median traits of an archetypal stage song, the list of most-streamed musical songs on Spotify tell a completely different story.
1- “Alexander Hamilton” – Hamilton
Take Alexander Hamilton, the most-streamed musical song on Spotify. Its values differ significantly from the blueprint, with high speechiness (30 vs. 13), faster tempo (91 BPM vs 52 BPM), low acousticness (28 vs. 64) and higher danceability and valence.
The reason why it’s the most-streamed musical track on Spotify boils down to the following areas:
Genre crossover appeal
Blending rap, pop, R&B, and theatre gives it a massive reach. It doesn’t just appeal to musical fans, it speaks to hip-hop lovers, history buffs, and younger audiences who may not typically engage with musicals.
Cultural impact
Hamilton redefined what a musical could be. Its success on Broadway and the West End, plus the Disney+ release, gave it huge exposure. This track is the gateway song to a groundbreaking show.
Narrative hook
“Alexander Hamilton” sets up the whole story. It has characters, a backstory, drama, and foreshadowing, all in under four minutes. It’s storytelling in motion, and listeners love songs that say something.
2- “Waving Through a Window” – Dear Evan Hansen
Coming in second, with high energy (70 vs. 39), low acousticness (32 vs. 64), higher danceability (58 vs. 51), low liveness (9 vs. 22), moderate valence (45) & low speechiness (8), this track is a standout in modern musical theatre and a major streaming success.
Why it’s a streaming hit:
Emotional resonance
This is the anthem of Dear Evan Hansen. It captures feelings of social anxiety and the need to be seen. These are themes that hit hard, especially with younger audiences.
Pop-like structure
The track feels more like a Top 40 single than a traditional musical number. It’s got a radio-ready sound, which makes it fit seamlessly into playlists alongside non-theatre artists.
Strong hook & refrain
The chorus, “Waving through a window…”, is instantly memorable, relatable, and singable. It’s the kind of refrain that sticks with you long after the song ends.
3- “Defying Gravity” – Wicked
An iconic power ballad and theatrical showstopper, Defying Gravity is the emotional and musical climax of Wicked. However, with extremely low acousticness (0 vs. 64), low danceability and valence (34 and 25 vs. 51 and 43), elevated tempo (73 BPM vs. 52 BPM) and low liveness and speechiness, it stands in sharp contrast to the musical song archetype.
What makes it a streaming success:
Showstopper value
This is the moment in Wicked. Whether you’ve seen the show or not, Defying Gravity is the standout, the emotional tipping point and the most recognisable number. Fans return to it to relive the moment.
Vocal powerhouse
It’s a signature song for vocalists, especially Idina Menzel. The vocal range and emotional build are unmatched, and that kind of performance has replay value.
Cultural impact
It’s become a theatre anthem. Referenced in pop culture, sung at auditions, featured in Glee, Defying Gravity has reached far beyond the theatre crowd.
