When Schmigadoon! was released in June 2021 as an Apple TV original show, viewers expected whimsical, bizarre things. The premise and the concept of a musical parody are intriguing, and the star-studded cast inspires more than just confidence. The title is a reference and, on its own, a promise to entertain.
There were so many ways it could go wrong, but the series manages to stick its landing. One of its highlights is undoubtedly the musical aspect—a reflection of characters’ relationships and growth. Here is every song in Schmigadoon! ranked based on its overall presentation.
Honorary Mention
“Leprechaun Song” and “To the Right, To the Left” are too short to be classed as full songs but both are fun and enjoyable in their own ways.
Martin Short sings the former to the befuddled Josh and Melissa; the latter is played during Melissa’s friend’s wedding as the bridesmaid’s dance according to the instructions in the lyrics— which is a stroke of comedic genius.
15. Va-Gi-Na
Before this “Do-Re-Mi” parody even plays, some viewers have recognized the alpine background resembles that of The Sound of Music. In the scene, Melissa teaches a young couple about reproductive health, something that the folks of Schmigadoon seem reluctant to learn.
As whimsical as it is, “Va-Gi-Na” is unfortunately outshone by other songs in the show. It is also the shortest on the list, thus missing the chance to further develop its melodic variations.
14. You Made Me Wanna Sing
Sung by Keegan-Michael Key’s character, Josh, who despises musicals and refuses to sing till the very last moment. Key, a great singer himself, had to hold himself back to sound like someone who sings for the very first time.
The song ends with his and Cecily Strong’s voices blending in perfect harmony. While it is sweet, it is a shame that Key did not get to show off his singing talent.
13. He Is A Queer One That Man Of Mine
The solo by Ann Harada is a bag of conflicting emotions: endearing, sad, and hilarious. As Harada’s character sings wistfully about her husband, Melissa observes the glaringly homoerotic decors in the house.
It is one of the songs without dance movements and theatrics, which in some ways affects its ranking. That being said, as part of a relationship arc, its placement and importance in the show are undeniable.
12. Somewhere Love Is Waiting For You (+Reprise)
The scene in which Alan Cumming sings about the sorrow of being closeted comes before Harada’s solo, presenting his side of the story. It is meant to comfort Strong’s character, Melissa, featuring grand swelling music with Cumming going full-opera mode.
Its reprise at the church two episodes later is a lovely surprise. Cumming’s character Mayor Menlove comes out to a room full of people, even stopping to take a jab at some men who seem weirded out by his confession.
11. Enjoy The Ride (Part 1, 2)
At this point of the series, Josh and Melissa set off to woo Betsy and Danny respectively. While Melissa and Danny sing to each other, Josh finds out that Betsy is underage and tries to back out. The juxtaposition is comedy gold.
The tune is sensual and flirtatious. Strong and Dove Cameron, who played Betsy, have done a good job setting up the mood. The scene parallels to the one during which Emma and Jorge confess their love for Josh and Melissa but, sadly, lacks the latter’s charm.
10. I Always, Always Never Get My Man
It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it a villain song, albeit a rather sad one. Countess Von Blerkom, played by Jane Krakowski, sings about the woes of side female characters in musicals, having all her love interests taken by younger heroines.
Krakowski’s theatrics is a nice reminiscence of her role in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. With jazzy melody, ostentatious dancing, and hazardous driving, she steals the show for nearly two minutes straight, leaving the viewers wanting for more.
9. How We Change
This is the final song of the series, wrapping up the main plot and multiple character arcs. What it tried to say is as direct as the title itself and essentially the message of the show— relationships grow as people change for the better.
The first part of the song isn’t particularly tuneful, but the second part has a faster pace and nicer beats. The very last bit is taken from “Schmigadoon”, ending the song on a celebratory note.
8. Cross That Bridge
The perks of having a big ensemble of actors include creating grand, impressive dance sequences, wonderful harmonization, and a visual feast of fancy costumes in motion.
The song and its title are a funny wordplay of a common phrase. Instead of crossing the bridge when the right time comes, the ladies of Schmigadoon are determined to do just that as soon as they can, with iconic lyrics like “It’s not a metaphor […] it’s a literal bridge” to boot.
7. You Can’t Tame Me + You Done Tame Me
These two solos illustrate the transformation of town rapscallion Danny. The first is sung as a character introduction, and Aaron Tveit’s singing does not disappoint, neither does his portrayal of a character who is unironically committed to his archetype.
The second part is an absolute delight, featuring a reluctant Melissa who walks off as Danny spews synonyms of ‘steal’. Despite being a minor character, Danny earns the spotlight thanks to Tveit’s masterful performance.
6. Suddenly (+ Melissa Reprise)
Performed by Jaime Camil and Ariana DeBose, “Suddenly” is amazingly catchy, Disney-esque and sappy, with “what and where and why and when and how” being arguably the best refrain.
But the highlight of the scene arrives when the characters from two different sets switch places or interact—Josh and Melissa meet each other’s gaze in a critical moment. The harmonization of Camil’s and Strong’s voices in Melissa Reprise is a pleasant addition.
5. With All Of Your Heart
This was the adorable classroom song-dance that is meant to lecture Josh. DeBose, who played Emma the schoolmarm, is a marvel in every way. From her tabletop tap-dancing and chemistry with the kids, she brings constant fun and surprises throughout the performance.
On its own, “With All of Your Heart” is an echo of childhood, considering that many kids’ shows and movies (Barney & Friends, Mary Poppins, etc.) have musical roots. It is nostalgic, most of all.
4. Tribulation
The real-villain song makes it to the top 4, and for a good reason. It is a feat pulled off by the talented Kristin Chenoweth, who originated Glinda in Wicked (soon to become a movie). Filmed in a single take, the scene is completed with seamless movements, tongue-twisting phrases like “tommyrot”, “flapdoodle”, “claptrap fiddle-faddle”, jiggery pokery", and energy befitting the ever-magical Schmigadoon!.
Viewers won’t ever hear about cows and sheep having amorous congress in other songs, and that’s just the tip of this bizarre iceberg.
3. Schmigadoon!
Apart from introducing the titular town and its people to the surprised (Melissa) or appalled (Josh) main characters, the first song exists to dazzle, keep the viewers hooked, and establish the setting.
It certainly serves its purposes and does a great job with a superb, diverse cast and an exquisite set. Like “Cross That Bridge”, the visual details in the scene— the beautiful costumes, the choreography, the background— are a wonder to behold.
2. Corn Puddin’
Out of all the songs in the series, “Corn Puddin’” is the most unexpected one. It is literally about one thing: corn pudding, and is set off whenever the phrase is uttered.
While the song serves little to no purpose other than showing Josh’s reluctance and Melissa’s willingness to participate in whatever Schmigadoon has to offer, viewers are apparently drawn to the enthusiasm and humor. It is presently the most-streamed track in the album on Spotify.
1. Lovers’ Spat
The best song of the series has to be perfect in a few aspects: the song itself, the dance sequences, and relevance. “Lovers’ Spat” has it all. It is in perfect sync with the plot and pacing of the scene. Most importantly, it makes Josh and Melissa’s argument a part of the song with the he-says-she-says sequence.
As the song goes on, the tension between them heightens. But the townspeople are right. It is indeed just a lovers’ spat, and the worst is yet to come.
