top10 – Kim's Musical Theatre Library

Top 10 Best 9 to 5 Songs

Kimberlie — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:14:45 +0000

While “9 to 5” is not in my top 10 favorite musicals of all time list, I do think the show is incredibly heartwarming and fun. And it is mostly to do with the songs (duh, it’s a musical). So! Let’s make a “Top 10 Best Songs” list for this musical.

Let’s go!

And if you don’t know anything about “9 to 5”, click here for more information.

TOP 10

10 – Always a Woman

I was actually back and forth on this spot, because I originally had “Potion Notion” here.

I absolutely loved Allison Janney’s performance in that number when I watched it. The lyrics are fantastic and so funny. However, when I just listened to the cast recording, I found “Potion Notion” lacking. It still made me smile, but I didn’t laugh or feel like the song was anything special. I think this is the type of song where you need to see it to understand what is going on.

So, I decided to put “Always a Woman” at number 10.

This song is where Franklin is tied up in his own bedroom, and he’s got quite a few things to say about his situation.

Every sexist, egotical thing you can think of is in this song.

The ultimate toxic man everybody!

I wasn’t a big fan of the villain songs in this musical, but “Always a Woman” is fun to listen to, and I much prefer it over “Here for You”. Also, the actor, Marc Kudisch, has an incredible voice especially that ending note, and the song itself is just so groovy and has this gospel vibe to it that makes you want to dance.

Even though the song is sexist like no other, that’s the point…

It’s a villain song.

Every little sexism comment you can think to say is in this number, and it’s hilariously fantastic.

9 – Backwoods Barbie

Now, when I first heard this song, I remembered it feeling very out of place with the rest of the musical. It’s very country compared to the rest of the very broadway album.

But, once I learned it was originally Dolly Parton’s song who changed it slightly for the musical, it made more sense.

Doralee was Dolly Parton’s character in the original movie, and Dolly really made that character her own.

So, having this song for Doralee’s character fits as it truly explains Doralee isn’t some dumb blonde, and she knows what people think of her. But, she isn’t a victim and knows how to stand up for herself when needed.

And, though I don’t really relate to Doralee or have much in common with her, the lyrics really hit straight to my heart.

Lyrics like:

“Don’t judge me by the cover, cause I’m a real good book, So read into it what you will, but see me as I am”

and

“Yes I can see how I could be misjudged upon first glance, But even backwoods Barbies deserve a second chance”

…hit deep.

But the ending is what usually gets me…

“Cause even backwoods Barbies get their feelings hurt”

I get teary eyed when I hear that line.

I think any woman can relate to those lyrics even if they are not as glamorous and fabulous as Doralee or Dolly Patron.

Fantastic song from Dolly.

8 – One of the Boys

Violet is finally taking charge!

This is such a fun number and a great way to open up Act 2!

Violet gets to have her solo moment, and when I watched it, I thought this was one of the best musical numbers in the whole show.

Even though the actress is not a typical broadway singer, Allison Janney adds so much joy, character, and talent into this song. She did a fantastic job.

And, what’s so great is I think she sings the song better in the cast recording (probably because she doesn’t have to jump around, dance, get on tables, do costumes changes, etc.).

I love altos.

However, again, I think this is one of those songs you have to see to get it, because there is a big dance number in the middle of the recording that doesn’t translate every well through audio. It’s just one of those songs you have to see, and I promise it’s worth it.

Super fun song that screams musical theatre.

7 – Change It

Great song with lyrics to remember when you’re feeling down.

But… I don’t know why…

Because I really, really like the lyrics in this song…

But for some reason, it feels like there is something lacking.

It’s another fantastic, empowering song that Doralee leads as she and Judy convince the workers to make the workplace a better environment, and everyone sings the song beautifully, but…

The song is so forgettable.

I originally had this song much higher on the list, but after listening to it again, it just doesn’t have the “ugh” (how do you even type that sound effect) that I would usually get out of a song like this.

Compared to all of the other empowering numbers in this musical, I think this song is the weakest. It just doesn’t hit where it should.

I’m not a composer so I can’t explain in better detail why I feel this way, but regardless, it is a good song. The lyrics are inspiring and should be on the playlist.

It’s just not a great song, you know?

6 – 9 to 5 + Finale: 9 to 5

Honestly, this is a song I would put as my alarm if I didn’t know I would end up hating it three months later, and that’s a shame, but I don’t want to end up despising the iconic “9 to 5”.

This is Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” but broadwayifed (if that is even a word), and she did a fantastic job changing the song to fit the broadway stage.

You still have the classic chorus here, but then, you have all these new added lyrics that make the overall song so much better.

It starts out with alarms, beeps, and bells to “wake” you up. Then, we are introduced to the three main characters.

Somehow, Dolly was able to really let each individual shine musically. We get a taste of the kind of individuals they are and what problems they are currently facing:

Violet talking about her life with her son and feeling dejected from her job as she continues to be overlooked.

Doralee feeling upset about how she is treated at work but shows how resilient she is with her supportive husband at her side.

And Judy taking on a new chapter in her life after her husband divorced her.

Just with these few moments, Dolly gave us so much information and clues us in what the overall show is going to be like.

And don’t even get me started on the music! How it’s stays in pace with Violet’s section before it transitions from broadway to a more country style tone with Doralee then transitions again to a slower, softer sound when introducing Judy.

This is a 10/10 opening musical number.

And that ending always gets me. I like the overlapping lyrics of-

~“9 to 5″ ~

~“Get up and work, get up and work”~

Love. It.

Genuinely was dancing to this song from the beginning to the end.

TOP 5

5 – Let Love Grow

An unexpected sweet love song between Violet and Joe.

I remembered this song took me by surprise, because one, there is no love interest for Violet in the movie so having this storyline in the musical was a surprise, and two, it’s not like this romantic side plot is of any importance to the overall musical.

But what I love about it is that it is important for Violet.

Despite being “older” and feeling like she’s not worth it, Joe steps up and takes a stand to make her see it’s ok to fall in love again.

This song seems like it heals a part of Violet that she herself didn’t realize needing healing until that moment.

It’s a mature love song between two adults who are looking for love again, and that is so sweet.

Usually, I don’t care for love songs.

But this one…

It’s an adorable, gentle, sweet song that I am putting on my playlist.

4 – Shine Like the Sun

Truly an empowering number and probably the one that gets everyone up on their feet to jump, cheer, and clap.

And that’s good, because it concludes Act 1 in the show.

Despite the poison mishap, Violet, Doralee, and Judy decide to take the chance to make their workplace better with Franklin in custody (or keeping him locked up in his own home… details).

Each lady has amazing solo parts, the composition is fantastic, and the lyrics get you so hyped up especially that ending.

“When the crying’s all done, When the lying’s all done, When the trying’s all done, There’ll be nothing but sun”

Ugh, that part gives me goosebumps everytime.

Fantastic way to end an act.

3 – Around Here

Super fun song.

And what’s probably the catchiest song in the entire musical besides “9 to 5”.

It’s also a great number that introduces the atmosphere of the company.

You truly feel like you are Judy trying to figure out your way around the place.

Out of all the songs this musical, this is the song that gets stuck in my head the most.

Whenever I have something important to do, this is the song that always comes to mind.

“You gotta know what to do, you gotta do it in a hurry, Gotta hustle, gotta bustle, gotta scoot, you gotta scurry, ‘Cause we got no time to fool around, around here”

So. Freaky. Catchy.

Whenever I hear it, I want to start jumping and dancing.

There are a lot of fantastic empowering female songs in this musical, but sometimes, I just want a good, fun number with a nice beat to it.

2 – I Just Might

Golly, this song makes me cry, and we haven’t even gotten to number one.

I think no matter who you relate to whether its Judy, Doralee, or Violet this song speaks for a lot of women who have gone through so much pain.

The chorus speaks for everyone.

And the ending always gets me.

It’s a gorgeous number between the three leads, but that ending is so powerful when they sing together.

…

I really don’t have anything else to say.

Each of the women have their conflicts, but they hope to rise above whatever comes their way. It’s one of the songs that I think speaks for itself.

If you need a good cry, listen to this song.

Before we take a look at my favorite song from “9 to 5”, let’s talk about the other musical numbers!

Special Mentions

the “just there” songs

5 to 9

Roz is sent off to France so she doesn’t learn the leads’ plans, and you feel pretty bad for her in this song.

She has no clue whats going on and misses Franklin terribly so.

The switch in the title is clever and so is the tune where usually its happy is now so melancholy and sad.

Otherwise, there’s not much else to say about it.

The Dance of Death

We now get into the drug induced dream with a sequence of songs between the three girls starting with Judy’s dream. Judy acts and sings completely different.

Usually she is a shy, timid, and honest girl, but now, she is suddenly a sexy, loud, and bold woman.

With ballroom style music, she messes with dream Franklin until he is terrified of her before she sends him to Doralee with the next song.

This isn’t my favorite song in the sequence and is a bit too much in my point of view.

Cowgirl’s Revenge

Again not a country music loving girl, but this is a fun song.

In her dream, Doralee is getting her revenge on Franklin for all the sexist things he has done to her.

While I don’t think this revenge is morally ok, this shows how Doralee feels in an honest, comedic sort of way. She makes dream Franklin feel humiliated and scared as the real Franklin did to Doralee before sending him off to Violet.

Potion Notion

“Coffee is the best!”

Best line in the entire show. I don’t even care.

Violet’s dream song is definitely my favorite. The setting is transformed into a fairytale where Violet is a princess waiting to be free from the evil cluthes of Franklin. That’s taking too long so she is making a potion to stop him.

The actress changes her normally alto voice to a higher pitch princess sound that is so funny to hear especially when the animals sing with her.

The lyrics are fantastic, and she is the one to finally defeat the evil dream Franklin with her potion.

Joy to the Girls

It’s the ending song of the entire dream sequence, and it’s a bit odd to me.

It’s a rendition of the song “Joy to the World” but with the lyrics changed.

I’m guessing this is just for comedic reasons as everyone knows “Joy to the World”…

But it just felt like too much.

Honestly, the entire dream sequence felt like too much.

the villain songs

Here for You

A classic villain song with great vocals from Marc Kudisch.

Super jazzy, but the lyrics definitely give you the feeling of “ewww”.

Of course, this is what you are suppose to feel towards the villain so the writers did their job well, but it’s not a villain song that I would come back to listen to for fun.

Heart to Hart

Like “Here for You”, this song gives me “ick” vibes, but for different reasons.

While this isn’t really a villain song (i pity Roz and see her more as a brainwashed follower), this is still a song about Roz willing to do anything for a man she loves who obviously doesn’t love her back.

…

It’s a toxic thing.

While the vocals are very impressive and the entire song from start to finish is a powerhouse musical number, it again feels like way too much.

I honestly did not expect Roz to break out into a full gospel number. It didn’t feel out of a character.

It just felt like a lot.

WANT TO WATCH THE MUSICAL?

The Best Song in 9 to 5

Get Out and Stay Out

Yup, ugh, definitely cried haha.

I mean, genuinely this song did not have to go this hard.

Everytime I hear this song I just start bawling.

Judy finally stands up to her ex husband and decides to move forward in life.

I think for anyone who has been in an abusive relationship of any kind whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spirtual with anyone this song speaks to and for them.

Personally, this song has really helped me through some very tough times in my life, and I can proudly say in confidence that, like Judy, I have taken the steps to walk away and say enough.

It felt scary, but it is so liberating once you get through it.

And this song perfectly captures those feelings of grief, hurt, anger, fear, and happiness so well.

The lyrics hit deep, and the vocal brilliant of the actress, Stephanie J. Block, is everything this song needs to be.

Dolly really nailed this number, and because of all the reasons I mentioned, that’s why it’s number one for me.

No other song is this real and raw.

In my eyes, its the stand out song of the musical.

10/10.

WANT TO WATCH?

Conclusion

And that is it!

I hope you enjoyed my list. Again, “9 to 5” is not my favorite musical of all time, but the musical numbers are some of the best I’ve heard in Broadway.

Fun, joyful, uplifting, and empowering.

Thanks for reading 🙂

Top 10 Best 110 in the Shade Songs

Kimberlie — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:15:46 +0000

Even though “110 in the Shade” is not my most favorite musical in the world (i think it can be pretty boring), I thought it would be fun to do a “Top 10 Best Songs” list for this story.

Let’s go!

And if you don’t know anything about “110 in the Shade”, click here for more information.

TOP 10

10 – Raunchy

Usually not my kind of song, but knowing the context of this number, the character, and how fun the song can be, I can make a pass.

However, the 1972 version and the 2007 version are very different from each other.

Inga Swenson does quite a bit of voice acting switching from her normal voice to a manly sound to what seems like an interpretation of Minnie Mouse.

I’m not gonna lie, I did cringe from the sound, but I’m guessing that was something funny during that time? Also, Inga’s voice sounded strained in this song. It did not sound comfortable at all.

As for the 2007 version, this musical number sounds like it’s THE song for the show and a showcase to show off Audra McDonald’s voice as her singing fits almost perfectly with this revision.

Furthermore, there is a whole new dance section in the middle of this number, and there’s no “Minnie Mouse” voice.

Sooooo that’s good.

Definitely prefer the 2007 version more.

9 – Everything Beautiful Happens at Night

People are probably going to be surprised that this song is above Raunchy, but I think its the ballroom/waltz-like sound that gets me.

It makes me want to dance, and I love music that makes me feel like that.

It’s a chorus ensemble song that gives off a romantic, melancholy like sound.

The 1972 version and the 2007 version are slightly different from each other. The 1972 version is completely an ensemble number and a big slower in tempo. While in the 2007 version, the song is a bit faster, and Lizzie gets some lines to sing about her wishing to have a night with someone special.

I do like the 2007 version better, because there is just so much more in the song than the 1963 version. More solos, more duets, lots of beautiful harmonies, and Lizzie gets a few lines as well.

I just really wanna dance to this song so I think that’s what makes it a good musical number.

8 – Love, Don’t Turn Away

I believe this Lizzie’s “I Want” song in the musical, and it’s very pretty.

It shows Lizzie’s desire for love. She dreams to be married and live her life with a wonderful man.

There are different interpretations of this song between the 1963 version and the 2007 version. The 1963 version is more joyful and happy while the 2007 version is more wistful and dreamy. Maybe a little sad.

I like both versions, and I don’t really have a preference. Both actresses did a great job with this number.

7 – Is It Really Me?

This song could be a duet song or a solo depending on which version you listen to.

The 1963 version makes it a romantic duet song between Lizzie and Starbuck, and I remember having thoughts on this. Because it is a duet, it sounds like Lizzie is asking those questions to Starbuck, asking if she is beautiful or not.

It kind of reminds me of the song “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” from the musical “Cinderella”.

So, it’s not a bad thing if I didn’t know there is no romantic chemistry between the two characters, and one of them is a con man.

In the 2007 version, it becomes a solo song for Lizzie, and I think that works so much better especially since I think it drives home the whole point of the musical which is “believing in yourself/loving yourself”. So Lizzie doesn’t sound like she’s asking these questions to Starbuck. She is making that realization about herself and is just speaking/singing out loud her thought process.

I don’t think neither versions are good or bad. I just think the 2007 version actually drove home the point of the story.

6 – Wonderful Music

This is basically the ultimate love triangle song.

Lizzie is being pulled two different directions between Bill Starbuck and Sheriff File. I actually enjoyed this song as the men try to sing over each another to get Lizzie to hear them. And, I love overlapping voices in musical theatre numbers…

When it sounds good.

And though the 1963 version is fine, the audio mixing is really strange and distracting.

I hear Starbuck’s voice in my right ear, File in the left ear, and Lizzie’s voice in my forehead. Furthermore, I heard the ensemble in the back of my head, and the instruments just seem to be everywhere. So it’s hard to enjoy.

The 2007 version is much more fun, because the audio mixing is 10 times better. I can actually enjoy the song and listen to the lyrics.

TOP 5

5 – Evenin’ Star

I originally had this at the bottom of the list, and I have no idea why.

In my earlier drafts, I wrote down “it is forgettable”.

…

I don’t know why I wrote that, because since then, this musical number has been one of the songs I think about the most.

I love the lyrics, the actor’s voice is so pretty, and in general, the song just feels magically because of the instruments.

This song was made for the 2007 version. It starts off Act 2 and leads into the song “Everything Beautiful Happens at Night”, and it is such a great example of using a musical moment to get a glimpse into a character’s thoughts especially with someone like Bill Starbuck.

Love. It.

But I need to move on, because we would be here for awhile if I went into depth about the lyrics.

Soooooooo let’s move on!

4 – Simple Little Things

In my earlier draft, I put down that this musical number was boring.

But then, I saw a video of Inga Swenson singing this song, and I realized how beautiful this moment is in the story.

It’s a delicate and simple song that reveals Lizzie’s true desires for life. And, I think it’s good that the song is so simple. Not all songs should be loud, boastful, and booming with intent. Sometimes, a song that is quiet and soft is enough to get the point across.

I even get chills now when I listen to it.

I actually prefer the 1963 version just because of Swenson’s delicate singing. The 2007 version is fantastic of course. McDonald did an amazing job, but I think I am biased because of the Swenson video.

3 – Poker Polka

It’s really funny that the only songs that involve the father and brothers are the ones that take the top three spots.

What can I say? They had the funniest songs in the musical!

Just like “Lizzie’ Comin’ Home” (spoiler alert!), this song is fun and a faster tempo compared to other songs in this musical as H.C. and his sons are trying to convince the Sheriff File to go out with Lizzie. Unfortunately, every idea the boys come up with the sheriff turns down.

However, again, I like the 2007 version. For one, the audio is much better. Secondly, like the rest of the album, there’s a ton of fun moments sprinkled throughout the song that make the experience so much fun to listen to.

And lastly, the harmonies!!! Especially that ending!!!

Perfection.

2 – Lizzie’s Comin’ Home

The song is so catchy, and probably out of all the numbers, this is the song that gets stuck in my head the most.

This song is drastically different tempo wise as the number is incredibly fast. It’s understandable, however, as H.C. and the boys find out Lizzie is coming home in 5 minutes, and the house is an absolutely mess. So, throughout the song, the boys are quickly trying to clean up.

The only reason this song is second place is because of the really bad audio mixing in the 1963 version.

Especially that ending. It sounds like one of the boys are screaming instead of singing.

My poor ears.

But I love listening to the 2007 version!

It’s so fun and playful, and I love dancing to it.

And the harmonies at the end!!!

Before we take a look at my top favorite song from “110 in the Shade”, let’s talk about the other musical numbers!

Special Mentions

the random song

Cinderella

Not much to say.

A super short number of a young girl singing a childhood song Lizzie use to know.

The child’s singing was a bit weird though. That did not sound like a child’s voice haha.

the “i want to pull my ears” songs

Old Maid

The ending musical number to Act 1, and its a bit anti-climatic for me.

This song is like “the dark of the night” type song where all hope feels lost for Lizzie. She is overcome with fear that she will become what the title suggests.

Unfortunately, despite a few listens, I still don’t like this number.

It’s very pitchy to me and way too loud in both the 1972 version and the 2007 version. I mean, it is a soprano operica-type of song, but it feels like too much.

Another Hot Day

This is the opening song for the musical, and usually, you would want the opening to be flashy or mysterious or something that is really gonna catch the viewer’s eye or their ear to listen.

However, “110 in the Shade” takes a very different approach. The song is very slow, and even when we get to the second chorus where the tempo picks up a little more, it’s still very slow compared to other opening numbers.

However, this sets the mood and atmosphere for the rest of the show as the setting is out in the country in an old western town. It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Furthermore, as the title states, its another hot day in town which I’m sure makes everyone feel tired, beat down, and slow from the blazing sun.

So, yes. The opening song does it’s part well, but it’s not a song that I would personally be coming back to anytime soon.

You’re Not Foolin’ Me

Not a fan of this song.

The 1972 version especially.

For one, the singers sound very strained as the majority of the song is up high in their singing register especially for Inga Swenson. Her voice sounds scratchy and too high which is crazy as she is a soprano. So, it must be how the song was written that makes it sound grating especially when the two leads sing over each other in the last chorus.

Secondly, the lines between the two characters is confusing.

As the audience, you get to learn more about Bill Starbuck and his family, but no one is sure if what he is saying is true anyways, and then, he accuses Lizzie of being dishonest towards herself when he doesn’t know anything about Lizzie.

I do believe sometimes strangers can see parts of you that no one else who knows you can, but this is a bit of strange. And, honestly, it is not a good way to start the coming romantic relationship between the two.

The 2007 version is better as the voices don’t sound so granting and scratchy, but the dynamic is still there, and the notes are still high up there…

Not a fan.

the ok, but boring songs

A Man and A Woman

A love song between Lizzie and Sheriff File.

We learn more about the sheriff and his thoughts on marriage while Lizzie tries to infuse some positivity into the concept.

However, the two have very different backgrounds when it comes to romance: one being divorced and the other has always been single.

Some people would probably not like this song, but I think it’s simple and sweet. But, it is forgettable like a majority of these songs.

I do prefer the 2007 version as the voices are not so pitchy, and the mixing is better.

The Hungry Men

This song probably wouldn’t pass in today’s society if it was written now as the song is mainly about the women getting the food ready for the picnic while the men complain about wanting the food now.

The men have their reasons as they state some problems happening around the town as the sun continues to blaze on their farms and crops with little grace.

It’s another slow tempo song as the women sing about getting ready, the men sing about their issues, and Lizzie reprises her first song “Love, Don’t Turn Away”.

Just like “Another Hot Day”, there isn’t much to this song after one listen.

The Rain Song + The Rain Song (Reprise)

This first song introduces Bill Starbuck, a man who oozes charisma, claims himself as the man who can make it rain for a fee of $100 (which is pretty hefty during that time!).

This song perfectly reveals the character as a swav man who knows how to woo a crowd and get his way although Lizzie isn’t convinced one bit.

This song reminds me a lot of “The Music Man”, but it’s definitely not as catchy like “Trouble” or “76 Trombones”.

The reprise is the very last song of the show, and the 1972 version and 2007 version are quite a bit different from each another.

The 1972 version shows Lizzie’s struggle trying to decide which man to pick while the 2007 version skips that part and goes straight to the rain coming.

Both the song and it’s reprise are fine. Just again, pretty forgettable.

Little Red Hat

It’s a pretty random song in my opinion.

The song is about this side story the audience never gets to really see about Lizzie’s younger brother and the girl he has a crush on and how they got together.

The 1972 version is fun and innocent while the 2007 version has a lot more vocal dynamics that make it a little more interesting to listen to, but at the end of the song, something about it felt a little creepy to me.

I think I actually prefer the 1972 version as it’s shorter than the newer version.

WANT TO LISTEN WITH ME?

The Best Song in 110 in the Shade

Melisande

This is a really fun song. Full of imagination as Starbuck takes you on an adventure through his lavish storytelling.

Bill Starbuck decides that Lizzie needs a new name if she doesn’t like the old one she has and creates a fairytale about a man trying to woo a beautiful woman.

The 1963 version is fine, but I like the actor’s voice in the 2007 version better. Also, it’s much more playful and comedic in the 2007 version.

While the 1963 still feels dreamy, it always feels lacking in the instrumental part.

Whenever I listen to the 2007 version, I always want to dance. I’m smiling, my heart is pounding, and my mind is running wild with imagination.

That’s what makes a good musical number.

And the ending always gives me chills.

WANT TO WATCH?

Conclusion

And that is it!

I hope you enjoyed my list. Again, “110 in the Shade” is not a personal favorite of my mine, but I can enjoy quite a few of the songs for a couple of listens.

Thanks for reading 🙂