Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar remains a groundbreaking rock opera, and its concept album is legendary. For fans and newcomers alike wondering about the best tracks, this ranking dives into every song from the iconic 1970 concept album, the bedrock of the stage musical. We’ll explore what makes each song unique, from the bombastic overture to the heart-wrenching “Gethsemane,” offering a fresh perspective for those passionate about Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
The Songs We Skip: Acknowledging the Less Played Tracks
18. “Pilate’s Dream,” “Everything’s Alright (Reprise)”, “The Crucifixion”, and “John Nineteen Forty-One”
Let’s be honest, some tracks are less likely to make it onto our regular playlists. “Pilate’s Dream,” “Everything’s Alright (Reprise),” “The Crucifixion,” and “John Nineteen Forty-One,” while narratively important, often get skipped. It’s not that they lack purpose, but musically, they don’t quite reach the heights of other Jesus Christ Superstar songs. Even “The Crucifixion,” despite its crucial role in the story, can feel less like a standout song on its own.
17. “Everything’s Alright”
“Everything’s Alright” escapes the bottom tier by a hair. While not a frequent listen, its gentle melody and piano-friendly structure give it a slight edge. It serves its purpose in the narrative, offering a moment of calm, but in the realm of memorable Jesus Christ Superstar songs, it sits a bit lower in the rankings.
Solid Storytellers: The Mid-Tier Tracks
16. “The Arrest” and “Peter’s Denial”
Moving into the songs we actively listen to, but perhaps not on repeat, we find “The Arrest” and “Peter’s Denial.” These are solid tracks that drive the plot forward. “The Arrest” has a unique energy with its almost journalistic ensemble questioning Jesus, creating a dramatic scene. “Peter’s Denial” captures a moment of intense personal conflict. While vital to the narrative arc of Jesus Christ Superstar, these songs are more about storytelling than standalone musical impact compared to other Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
15. “Pilate and Christ” and “Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)”
“Pilate and Christ” and “Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)” are grouped together because, musically, they feel like one cohesive piece. Though separated by “King Herod’s Song,” their dramatic tension and Pilate’s internal struggle blend together. These tracks showcase the escalating conflict and the pressure mounting on Jesus, making them essential for the story, but perhaps not the most individually striking Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
14. “The Last Supper”
“The Last Supper” is a powerful and conflicted song. The chorus is undeniably catchy, and the dramatic confrontation between Jesus and Judas is a highlight, showcasing the complex relationship at the heart of Jesus Christ Superstar. However, its length can feel a bit drawn out. While the narrative depth is appreciated, a tighter edit might elevate its replay value among Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
13. “What’s the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying”
“What’s the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying” is pure Andrew Lloyd Webber earworm territory. The repetitive structure is incredibly effective in getting the song stuck in your head, reflecting the growing frenzy surrounding Jesus. Its infectious energy makes it a fun listen, capturing the public’s fascination and misunderstanding of Jesus’s mission, yet it might lack the emotional depth of the higher-ranked Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
12. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is arguably one of the most famous Jesus Christ Superstar songs. Mary Magdalene’s heartfelt ballad is undeniably catchy and showcases Yvonne Elliman’s vocal talent. However, as a love song, it can feel somewhat detached within the larger narrative, especially considering the intensely charged relationship between Jesus and Judas which often overshadows other dynamics in Jesus Christ Superstar.
11. “Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem”
Similar to “What’s the Buzz,” “Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem” utilizes repetition to build intensity, perhaps even more effectively. The opening section vividly portrays the escalating fervor of the crowd and their misguided expectations of Jesus. The shift to “Poor Jerusalem” provides a moment of reflection, though some might find it disrupts the initial momentum of this powerful ensemble piece among the Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
Top Tier Tracks: The Essential Jesus Christ Superstar Songs
10. “King Herod’s Song”
“King Herod’s Song” is a masterclass in villainous musical numbers. It allows Herod to be delightfully theatrical and mocking, staying true to the biblical narrative while being incredibly entertaining. Alice Cooper’s rendition is iconic, but even in the original concept album, the song is a standout, injecting dark humor and memorable characterization into Jesus Christ Superstar.
9. “Judas’s Death”
“Judas’s Death” marks the beginning of the top tier, a truly emotionally charged song. It delves into Judas’s internal turmoil and guilt, highlighting his tragic role in the story. Webber’s use of repetition here is incredibly impactful, emphasizing Judas’s anguish. The musical callbacks to Mary Magdalene’s song add layers of complexity and emotion, making it a powerful and unforgettable Jesus Christ Superstar song.
8. “Overture”
The “Overture” deserves its high ranking. It’s a bombastic, electric guitar-driven instrumental that immediately sets the rock opera tone of Jesus Christ Superstar. While perhaps not reaching the heights of Phantom of the Opera‘s overture, it’s a thrilling and epic opening that perfectly prepares the listener for the dramatic journey ahead within the world of Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
7. “Hosanna”
“Hosanna” is a surprisingly captivating track. Whether it’s the brief villainous interruption, Jesus’s unexpected sass, or the sheer energy of the ensemble, “Hosanna” just works. It’s a vibrant and engaging song that showcases the diverse musical styles within Jesus Christ Superstar and its ability to blend reverence with rock energy.
6. “Superstar”
“Superstar,” the title track and perhaps the most famous Jesus Christ Superstar song, lands just outside the top five. It’s undeniably catchy and lays out the central themes of the show, questioning Jesus’s fame and legacy. While iconic and impactful, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth or musical complexity of the songs in the absolute top tier.
5. “The Temple”
“The Temple” is the ultimate ensemble piece in Jesus Christ Superstar. Every element is perfectly crafted, from the chaotic temple market to Jesus’s powerful disruption and the desperate pleas for healing. Ian Gillan’s raw vocal performance in the final moments elevates the song to another level, making it a thrilling and intense highlight among Jesus Christ Superstar songs.
4. “Damned For All Time/Blood Money”
“Damned For All Time/Blood Money” is emotionally resonant, primarily due to Murray Head’s angsty and nuanced portrayal of Judas. The song offers a sympathetic perspective on Judas’s motivations and the internal conflict he faces, making him a more complex and relatable character. This track deepens the emotional core of Jesus Christ Superstar, making it a standout.
3. “Heaven On Their Minds”
Murray Head’s Judas steals the show again with “Heaven on Their Minds.” This opening number immediately establishes Judas as the narrator and driving force of the story. His vocal delivery is captivating, full of rockstar energy and angst. The song is crucial for setting the stage and introducing the central conflict of Jesus Christ Superstar, making it an essential and top-ranked track.
2. “This Jesus Must Die”
“This Jesus Must Die” is a villain song done to perfection. While not overly complex lyrically, its sheer catchiness and menacing tone make it incredibly effective. It’s a perfect blend of ominous and slightly theatrical, capturing the growing opposition to Jesus and the escalating stakes within Jesus Christ Superstar.
1. “Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)”
“Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)” is the undisputed masterpiece of Jesus Christ Superstar. Jesus’s soliloquy in the Garden of Gethsemane is a powerful exploration of faith, doubt, and acceptance. Ian Gillan’s vocal performance is heart-wrenching, conveying the full weight of Jesus’s sacrifice. The song encapsulates the emotional and thematic core of Jesus Christ Superstar, making it the definitive and top-ranked song.
That concludes our ranking of every song from the Jesus Christ Superstar concept album. What are your rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Happy listening!
