Soundtrack Review: tick, tick...BOOM!

Lena Trietley '24 ~ April 2022

The late Jonathan Larson, best known for the 1996 broadway musical Rent, has his legacy renewed in a Netflix production of his semi-autobiographical musical, tick, tick…BOOM! Reimagining an already successful musical is not a simple task, but it is safe to say Lin-Manuel Miranda did a successful job updating the music for today’s audiences.

We see 17 songs in this soundtrack compared to the original 14. Instead of Larson, Andrew Garfield takes the vocals of the main character, Jon. Garfield had no previous expertise in singing before this, however he has a vocal style and ability that is common enough in musical theater, which keeps the classic Broadway feel alive.

The album starts with the upbeat “30/90” with its message of not wanting to grow older. However, this reinvigorated version features a more contemporary production style, updated lyrics, all with the same undeniable catchiness.

The biggest change you see is in “Boho Days,” a unique song that is newly personalized by Miranda. It is similar to the original in many ways, but features Miranda’s unique stamp as well as the impromptu feel of a drunken party song.

One of the most tear-jerking songs is about friendship. “Why” is a bittersweet song about growing up with Jonathan's best friend Micheal by his side. In the film, it is intertwined with Micheal’s (Robin de Jesús) own song “Real Life.” After a big fight, news is shared that Micheal is ill– news that is extremely terrifying to both. Micheal sings about almost being in denial, while Jonathan sings about how he could not bear the thought of losing him.

The soundtrack finishes with “Louder Than Words,” a song composed of all the questions Jon writes through the movie in hopes of striking inspiration for songs. Most are questions he is asking that cannot be answered, as he responds “Don’t say the answer, actions speak louder than words.” It is a beautiful message for such an inspiring song they end with.

Overall, the soundtrack is a phenomenal and a spectacular tribute to one of Jonathan Larson’s most memorable works.

Title Photo: Instagram / @ticktickboom