"I want" songs with a modern twist

May 9, 2022 3:49 PM

I've been listening to "Another Day of Sun" from La La Land and "30/90" from Tick, Tick... Boom on repeat, and looking for more songs to add to my playlist. Musical theater nerdery below the fold.

I've been trying to figure out what they have in common; so far what I have is they are both modern-ish "I Want" songs and they are both kind of peppy and light. Here are some songs I've added that are closest so far:

"My Junk" from Spring Awakening
"Michael in the Bathroom" from Be More Chill
"When I Kissed the Teacher" from Mamma Mia 2
"I Hate Everything But You" from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
"Where You Are" from Moana
"Sincerely, Me" from Dear Evan Hansen

I considered "The Wizard and I" and other more traditional I Want songs, but they are too... theatery or something for this particular vibe. Any ideas? As you can see, TV show and film songs are definitely fair game for this one, along with any musicals you can think of!

posted by Threeve to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

I don't actually know if it counts as modern or not and it doesn't really quite serve in the usual way as an "I want" in the plot, but Santa Fe from Rent comes to mind.
posted by eotvos at 4:39 PM on May 9, 2022

Best answer: Waiting on a Miracle from Encanto
posted by matildaben at 9:24 PM on May 9, 2022 [2 favorites]

“Three Horses” from Onegin.
posted by miles1972 at 11:58 PM on May 9, 2022

First Impressions from First Date?
posted by bunnysquirrel at 8:33 AM on May 10, 2022

A funny meta one: What Do You Want Paul? from The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals.
posted by catquas at 9:18 AM on May 10, 2022

Also What If? from Firebringer.
posted by catquas at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2022

"Ring of Keys" from Fun Home
posted by tinymegalo at 3:26 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]