One of the most divisive musicals for us at Rhombus Rota is ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Opening last year in the West End, some of us have made the visit to the Dominion Theatre to walk the runway. However, a review was never created for this blog, even though other blogs came out around the same time (Just For One Day and Wicked for example). The real reason for this is because the show was…. different. Considering this, the cast of the musical has still delivered their original West End cast album last Friday. I’ve decided to rank the songs in terms of quality and use in the show. Maybe one day we will do a review for the show…
18: Stay On Top
I’m sorry Vanessa but this isn’t good. I don’t feel like even finishing this one the 3 times I’ve listened to the cast recording for this ranking. Miranda is expressing how she has been relentless in becoming ‘on top’. I think Vanessa’s vocals are okay, but the original musical performance is painful to listen/watch.
17: Girl For The Job
Andy (played by Georgie Buckland) sings about how she wonders if she is cut out to work at runway (mainly to put up with Miranda’s ridiculous requests). Though I like Buckland’s voice, this song feels a bit forced compared to others. Realistically, it could be covered by dialogue and little would be lost (which hurts as I love a musical number).
16: The Old You
Nate (Rhys Whitfield) sings about how his girlfriend Andy is changing: quite dramatically I might like to add. This song is fine, I don’t dislike it but I don’t love it either.
15: Your Twenties
Andy spends the night with the rich guy who she’s been bonding with Christian. Whilst spending the night, they sing this upbeat song about how Andy is still young and figuring her life out. Again, not necessarily bad but not great either. I also don’t think I would’ve made the morally questionable choices Andy made in the show which are explored in this song.
14: Miranda Girl
Choosing to betray someone and becoming something you’re not is the main message of this song. Throughout, Andy becomes a ‘Miranda Girl’ and ends the first act of the show. To be honest, Buckfield does a great job vocally but it is hard to save the questionable choices made in the show.
13: What’s Right For Me
The final song of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ where everything gets resolved. Lots of characters get a moment to shine and as final songs go, it was okay. However, for a very flashy show, I’d have expected a grander ending (unless they wanted me to feel melancholy leaving the theatre).
12: In Or Out (Pt. 2)
This song is very good at moving the story along without just having dialogue. I like the reprise but it isn’t really a song you’d sing along too: there is a bit too much talking. However, when we do have singing, the song is good!
11: City Of Dreams
Andy has arrived in Paris and sings about how it is the city of her dreams. The show does a great job of making this moment feel spectacular with the Eiffel Tower. However, the soundtrack doesn’t have that luxury so it does feel a bit generic at times.
10: How To Survive At Runway
Emily is able to walk us through how to survive working at Runway. Amy Di Bartolomeo gets to sing the majority of this song which is a treat for us as she has a fantastic voice. I also really like how this song moves the show along effectively, like a good musical number.
9: House Of Miranda
The devil arrives in this song as Vanessa appears to sing. Vanessa Williams is the character and really does embody Miranda. I think you can really hear this on the soundtrack too: with some brilliant vocals and a great beat in the background. The chorus got stuck in my head for a long time.
8: In Or Out (Pt. 1)
Much better than the second part and gives the ensemble more of a role. Other than that, it is a great song: just significantly better than the second part.
7: Bon Voyage
Now we’re getting into the genuinely good songs. Amy gets to sing with sexy doctors and it is definitely an iconic moment from the show. This song is really upbeat and fun to sing along too, making it great to download.
6: Dress Your Way Up
Nigel helps Andy to dress to impress Miranda. This number is very fun and reminds us all that we should just look better to impress others… In all seriousness, it is a quirky fun number during a charming show.
5: I Mean Business
The opening number to the ‘Devil Wears Prada’, where we see Andy get ready to ‘mean business’. As opening numbers go, it isn’t bad at all. It sets the stage for the show clearly and has a good melody.
4: Who’s She
Andy starts to not remember who she is as she is walking the red carpet. I love an empowering song from a main character (similar to songs from Pretty Women), and this song really delivers. I totally see where Andy is coming from and Buckland gets to show everyone her amazing vocals: what’s not to love?
3: I Only Love You For Your Body
A surprising show for me in the show as Nate and Andy start singing about how they only love each other’s bodies. However, understanding the flirtatious and humourous comedy to the scene, this song is great.
2: The Devil Wears Prada
I really deep down don’t think this is that great a song. Lyrics such as ‘nada’ to rhyme with ‘Prada’ is ridiculous. However, I’m kind of living for it and the chorus has not left my brain for days now. It is ironically a great song and probably the one I’ve listened to the most out of the entire soundtrack.
1: Seen
Though the previous song I’ve listened to most, this song is by far the best song in the show. Matt Henry gets to sing a powerful song about how Runway is important to him as it helped him be ‘Seen’ as a young gay individual. It is a strong, emotional moment in the show. Often I’ve heard this show is full of ‘generic’ songs (which is mostly true) but this song should be receiving much more credit than it receives.
Max
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