Andrew Lloyd Webber, a name synonymous with musical theatre brilliance, has gifted the world with some of the most memorable and enduring songs in the genre. From soaring ballads to infectious ensemble numbers, his compositions have captivated audiences for decades. Exploring his vast repertoire reveals a treasure trove of musical gems, each telling a story and evoking powerful emotions. Here are some of the best Andrew Lloyd Webber Songs that have become iconic in their own right.
Memory – Cats
From the groundbreaking musical Cats, based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry, comes “Memory,” a song that epitomizes longing and nostalgia. Sung by Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, in a moment of poignant reflection, the melody is both heart-wrenching and powerful. Elaine Paige’s original rendition is legendary, and Jennifer Hudson also delivered a moving performance in the Cats movie adaptation, further cementing the song’s place in popular culture. The lyrics, drawing inspiration from Eliot’s “Preludes” and “Rhapsody on a Windy Night,” combined with Webber’s soaring music, create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Elaine Paige as Grizabella singing Memory in Cats musical
Gethsemane – Jesus Christ Superstar
Venturing into rock opera with Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Webber tackled the monumental story of the final days of Jesus Christ. “Gethsemane” stands out as a pivotal and emotionally charged moment. Sung by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, it portrays his internal struggle and desperate questioning of his fate. The raw emotion in the lyrics, “Why should I die?”, coupled with the soaring melody and demanding vocal range, makes “Gethsemane” a dramatic and unforgettable song that showcases Webber’s versatility.
Scene from Jesus Christ Superstar film featuring Jesus in Gethsemane
Any Dream Will Do – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a cornerstone of musical theatre, particularly beloved by community groups and schools. “Any Dream Will Do” perfectly captures the hopeful and optimistic spirit of the musical. This uplifting anthem, sung by Joseph, resonates with anyone who has dared to dream big. Its catchy melody and inspiring lyrics have made it a favorite for auditions and performances, and it remains one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most universally loved songs, showcasing his knack for creating melodies that stick in your head.
Donny Osmond performing Any Dream Will Do in Joseph musical film
Don’t Cry for Me Argentina – Evita
Evita, a musical centered on the life of Eva Perón, might seem like an unconventional subject, but it yielded one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic ballads, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” This powerful and emotive song, sung by Eva Perón to the people of Argentina, is a masterclass in musical storytelling. Madonna’s rendition in the film adaptation brought the song to a global audience, and it continues to be a defining song from Evita, demonstrating Webber’s ability to blend historical narratives with compelling melodies.
Madonna as Eva Perón singing Don't Cry for Me Argentina in Evita film
Think of Me – The Phantom of the Opera
No exploration of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best songs is complete without mentioning The Phantom of the Opera. “Think of Me” is a quintessential example of the musical’s romantic and dramatic atmosphere. Sung by Christine Daaé during an audition, the song begins delicately and builds to a powerful crescendo, capturing the audience’s attention and showcasing Christine’s vocal talent. The melody is then echoed by Raoul, marking the beginning of their romantic connection. “Think of Me” is a perfect introduction to the grandeur and emotional depth of Phantom.
Sarah Brightman as Christine Daae singing Think of Me in Phantom of the Opera musical
Love Changes Everything – Aspects of Love
From the lesser-known musical Aspects of Love, “Love Changes Everything” has become a signature song, largely thanks to Michael Ball’s powerful performances. This ballad explores the transformative power of love with a simple yet deeply affecting melody. Its universal theme and memorable tune propelled it to pop chart success, proving its appeal beyond the stage. The song’s enduring popularity highlights Webber’s talent for crafting melodies that resonate with audiences on a personal level.
Michael Ball performing Love Changes Everything at Royal Albert Hall
Jellicle Cats – Cats
Returning to Cats, “Jellicle Cats” serves as the overture and a vibrant introduction to the world of the Jellicle tribe. This instrumental piece, punctuated with vocal fragments, is unconventional yet captivating. It gradually builds, introducing musical themes and creating anticipation for the musical to unfold. The fragmented melody and rhythmic complexity of “Jellicle Cats” showcase Webber’s innovative approach to musical composition and his ability to create unique sonic landscapes.
Cats musical ensemble performing Jellicle Cats number
Go, Go, Go Joseph – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Another gem from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, “Go, Go, Go Joseph” is an energetic and narratively driven song. With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, it propels the story forward while offering a commentary on Joseph’s journey. The chorus acts as a Greek chorus, engaging with the audience and adding a layer of theatricality. “Go, Go, Go Joseph” exemplifies Webber’s ability to blend biblical narratives with modern musical styles, creating engaging and accessible musical theatre.
Joseph musical cast performing Go Go Joseph in stage production
All I Ask of You – The Phantom of the Opera
“All I Ask of You” is arguably the quintessential romantic duet from The Phantom of the Opera. This tender love song, sung by Raoul to Christine, is filled with heartfelt emotion and soaring melodies. The Phantom’s envious presence in the shadows adds a layer of dramatic tension. Webber’s score for Phantom draws inspiration from Romantic opera, and “All I Ask of You” exemplifies this with its rich orchestration and emotional climaxes. Interestingly, the song faced a lawsuit from Puccini’s estate due to similarities to music from La fanciulla del West, highlighting the song’s operatic influences.
Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson performing All I Ask Of You in Phantom of the Opera film
Sheet music excerpt from Puccini's La Fanciulla del West, Act 1
Unexpected Song – Song and Dance
From the unique musical Song and Dance, “Unexpected Song” is a beautiful soprano ballad about the sudden and overwhelming experience of falling in love. Bernadette Peters originated the song on Broadway, and Sarah Brightman’s single release further popularized it. This emotionally resonant song showcases Webber’s skill in crafting ballads that capture intimate and relatable human experiences, even within a less mainstream musical.
Sarah Brightman performing Unexpected Song in concert
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s contributions to musical theatre are undeniable, and these songs represent just a fraction of his remarkable output. His ability to create melodies that are both memorable and emotionally resonant has solidified his place as one of the greatest songwriters of our time. From the grandeur of Phantom of the Opera to the playful energy of Joseph, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songs continue to enchant and inspire audiences worldwide.
