My favorite (non-movie) pop culture of 2016!

Last updated on: December 20, 2016 at 10:13 pm by Chris Williams

My favorite (non-movie) pop culture of 2016! 2016-12-20T22:13:29-05:00 Chris Williams

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

1.) Hamilton

I first listened to the soundtrack for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed musical in January. Since then, I’ve played it at least once a week. It’s all I listen to when I write. I’ve studied the annotated lyrics in “Hamilton: The Revolution.” I watched the PBS documentary. I’ve listened to “The Hamilton Mixtape.” I’m planning on reading Ron Chernow’s biography of the founding father over the holiday break. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this obsessed with a work of art. I would put “Hamilton” above any narrative experience I’ve had this year, including the best movies. And, like most people, I still haven’t seen it on stage.

“Hamilton” is one of the most densely layered, brilliant works of art I’ve encountered. Even on my first, casual listen, I was swept up in how enjoyable Miranda’s mixture of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and showtunes was. On subsequent listens, I came to appreciate the sprawling, epic narrative. The way Miranda draws drama and laughs from politics, history and family tragedy. The way he packs so much information into the lyrics that hip-hop is the only way you could tell the story in one night. The themes and motifs that repeat at just the right moment to drive a sledgehammer into your heart. Reading the annotated lyrics has only taken me deeper down the rabbit hole as I’ve seen how deftly Miranda plants Easter eggs that pay homage to everything from the history of America to the founding fathers of rap. It’s such a perfect, involving experience that I almost can’t imagine what will be waiting for me when I eventually get to see it on stage (probably still a long way off). It’s at once an energetic, moving character piece; a thrilling experiment that brings history to vivid life; a celebration of diversity and America’s best ideals; and a call to inspiration and service for a generation entering troubled times. And it’s all the work of collaborators who are the best in the game, the brainchild of a man who is both a true genius and one of the most enjoyable geeks to follow on Twitter.

I need to stop writing about “Hamilton.” My wife has asked me to stop talking about “Hamilton.” But as I finish this list, I think I might need to put the soundtrack on.

The Hamilton soundtrack is available for purchase and streaming on a variety of platforms. Tickets for Hamilton are available for the price of your firstborn.

Go back Continue Reading

Previous Post

December 19, 2016

"It's My Favorite" Talks Christmas!

Next Post

December 24, 2016 Happy Christmas Eve

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category christmas Culture humor interviews Lists long reads movies we need news Podcasts Reviews story of God Uncategorized Weekend Read

Select a Month October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back at Sodom?

Select your answer to see how you score.

She turned into a pillar of salt She was blinded She lost her voice She disappeared