“The heart may freeze, or it can burn. The pain will ease and I can learn. There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as, my last.”
On this day in 1996, the iconic American musical “Rent” graced the stage. Its importance for culture has withstood time and still holds true even in 2022. In the musical, East Village artists, dropouts, and outcasts look for adventure in life while fighting for equality and finding love. The musical leaves viewers laughing, smiling, and crying. To commemorate the anniversary of “Rent,” Young Entertainment has created its very own playlist for you to listen to.
Starting out the playlist are a few of “Rent’s” best songs. First is “Out Tonight” where the queen, Mimi, is introduced. “La Vie Boheme” comes in at number 2 where our favorite bohemians come together and celebrate their friendship and the life they live. Next is “Seasons of Love” which is known in every corner of the world. Love Indina Menzel? Of course, you do. Listen to “Take Me Or Leave Me” as a breakup anthem. Need more breakup songs? Listen to “Falling” by Harry Styles and “Let You Go” from HSMTMTS. “One Song Glory” is perfect for any angsty moment in life, trust. To add on more angst, because who doesn’t love a little more emotion, “What’s Wrong With Me?” from “Mean Girls: The Musical”, “Waving Through a Window” from “Dear Evan Hansen”, and “You Said You’d Grow Old With Me” by Michael Schulte fit the bill.
Love the love between Mimi and Roger? Listen to “Light My Candle” for all the sweet sparks between the two. Speaking of love, make sure to listen to “Elephant Love Medley” from the cast of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and “Our Love is God” from “Heathers the Musical”. Like Roger and Mimi, Satine and Christian were scared to fall for each other at first too.
To not add anything from Tick…Tick…BOOM! would be a crime as the movie is about the man who created the musical. “Boho Days” might sound familiar with the song, “La Vie Bohem” from the musical. Also added to the playlist is “30/90” which is about growing up and seeing each day pass by–a feeling each of the characters in “Rent” knows too well.
On a more serious note, an important topic spoken about within “Rent” is the HIV/Aids epidemic. Because of this, Young Entertainment has added songs that revolve around the theme of battling aids or losing someone to aids. Listen to the songs, “In This Life” by Madonna, “We Are the World” by U.S.A For Africa, and “The Last Song,” by Elton John. Addiction is also something a few of the characters go through. Check out “Wish You Were Sober” by Conan Gray.
At its core, this musical is about a group of friends going through ups and downs but sticking together. Closing out the playlist is “One Call Away” from Charlie Puth. His lyrics describe it perfectly, “No matter where you go/know you’re not alone I’m only one call away”
