The electrifying new musical Hercules opened earlier at London Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Based on the classic Disney movie, Hercules focuses on a demi-god who one day wants to find where he belongs. Before today, we didn’t have the soundtrack to this new musical. Fortunately, the album released today: showcasing the brilliant talents of Alan Menken and the incredible Hercules 2025 cast. I’ve decided to discuss my 10 favourite songs from this new album.
10: Today’s Gonna Be My Day
It has been a minute since I watched the original Hercules film, but I’m almost certain this is a new song. It is also, unfortunately, one of the few new songs which are okay. This song allows Luke Brady to sing about Hercules hope for the day: seeing how this might finally be his day to find where he belongs. It is not too long but works well as an early way to describe Hercules hopes and ambition.
9: One Last Hope
A classic song with a musical rendition. Phil is eager to make Hercules a warrior and he is his ‘last hope’. Trevor Dion Nicholas does a great impression of Phil, singing in a way which is grounded and good. This also acts as a great way of introducing the friendship between Phil and Hercules: a great friend duo in the Disney universe.
8: Great Bolts of Thunder
This is an interesting song. The Muses bring some beautiful vocals and powerful moments throughout the first half of this song. These five women’s voices together has the perfect blend: they really did a great job at choosing the right people to be the Muses. In the second half of the song, we have some plot development as we go straight back into more Muse action! Moreover, the instruments used give the song a very 1980s rock/pop style: giving an overall great song.
7: Forget About It
Potentially an interesting inclusion for my top 10 list as I haven’t heard anyone talk about this one. Meg and Hercules meet as Meg discusses how she doesn’t need a man. Hercules is instantly in love… maybe a little too eagerly. Mae Ann Jorolan gives a fun, snarky performance as Meg with a great comparison to Luke Brady’s hearted lyrics. Following on from the last song, this song is perfect for a musical. It reminds me very much of other Alan Menken work such as Little Shop of Horrors and The Little Mermaid.
6: A Star is Born
A fun and upbeat ending number. By this part in the show, we have been through a lot so to watch a happy ending with joyful dancing is great. I will say that it is by far not the best Alan Menken ending song but it does an okay job at finishing the show.
5: Gospel Truth I
Now this is how to tell a story. The Muses are brilliant as per usual, with the most brilliant vocals and mixing. I think this is such a fun way to tell the story of Mount Olympus, introducing us to this world we are coming into. It is also the longest Gospel Truth song throughout the show. Whilst the other reprises are also great, this one really is the main song: allowing everyone to show how amazing they are.
4: To Be Human
Menken is very eager to discuss ‘being human’, as we’ve seen in many of his musicals. Luke Brady has such a clear, confident voice with such beautiful vocals. I’m unsure the origin of this song, but it feels like Menken has tailored this score to suit Brady’s vocal range perfectly. I also love how this gives Hercules a second solo song, as previously this wasn’t the case in the story. It is by the far the best new musical number in Hercules: you should definitely listen to it!
3: Zero to Hero
Come on, who doesn’t know this one?! From the beginning of the song with the impressive rift, this is the perfect song for this show. It gives such a high energy, joyful vocals and brilliant parts for most of the cast. It is worth mentioning the difference between this version and the original. Menken has altered verses to allow for the musical adaptation and I personally enjoy it a lot. One thing I quite like is the Muses singing ‘work it Herc’. It builds so much energy and enjoyment that you can’t not love it!
2: Go the Distance
Again, an absolute classic Disney song which has only been made better by being put on stage. Hercules sings about going the ‘distance’ to find where he belongs. Luke Brady is the perfect person to play Hercules and brings everything to this song. I thoroughly enjoy some of the lyrics, rifts and changes made from the original piece: giving it more a theatrical feel and making it even better to sing in the car.
1: I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)
Potentially an generic choice but this is, and always has been, the best song in Hercules. Meg is clearly so in love with Hercules and this comes out as a fun musical number. The Muses teasing her about her crush is iconic, the scene is perfect and the vocals are on point. Mae Ann Jorolan, similarly to Luke Brady, is the perfect casting for Meg: being able to sing in a very distinctive voice which works so well for this song.
Max
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