Hazbin Hotel Season 2 has concluded, and it was certainly worth the wait. Hazbin Hotel centers on the efforts of Charlie Morningstar (Erika Henningsen), daughter of Lucifer, whose quest to redeem souls in Hell and get into Heaven draws her into conflicts with demons and angels alike. Season 2 not only deepened the characters’ relationships but also ramped up the drama and action. The season also featured more music. The eight-episode season featured 20 original songs, six more than Season 1.
Hazbin Hotel is known for its songs. With how beloved Season 1’s soundtrack was, Season 2 had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, creator Vivienne Medrano, songwriters Andrew Underberg and Sam Haft, and the entire cast stepped up to deliver a sequel soundtrack that not only stands shoulder to shoulder with its predecessor but in some ways surpasses it. Here are all the songs from Hazbin Hotel Season 2, ranked.
20
“Speedrun to Redemption”
“Speedrun to Redemption” is not a terrible song, yet it feels like the weakest song in a season filled with heavy hitters. Part of the issue is just how much of it rests on Charlie being rather judgmental of Angel Dust. This is obviously the point of the song, as she isn’t thinking clearly and is trying to overcorrect to prove a point. Still, it is an example where showing a character flaw can also bleed into the song itself, not having the same repeat-playability as many other entries on the soundtrack. It certainly is disappointing given that this is star Erika Henningsen’s only solo song.
19
“Clean It Up!”
“Clean It Up!” being so low is not a sign that the song is bad. On the contrary, it is incredibly catchy, and it is great to see Niffty (Kimiko Glenn) get her own solo song. Glenn’s speedy delivery and the song’s fast pace match Niffty’s chaotic energy, and the clever bit of transitioning to Japanese when Niffty is being entirely complimentary to Charlie, but the only words in English she can understand are negative, is a funny beat. The biggest issue with “Clean It Up!” is just how short it is.
18
“Sera’s Confession”
“Sera’s Confession” features two iconic singers, Patina Miller and Liz Callaway, performing an incredible duet that adds more dimension to the head seraph of Heaven. It is a powerful ballad about how someone who believed they were doing the right thing can be led astray, and then grapple with the horrors of their actions. The only thing working against “Sera’s Confession” is that Miller gets a stronger song later on in the series.
17
“Vox Dei”
Essentially a reprise of “Vox Populi,” “Vox Dei” sees the villain Vox (Christian Borle) declare holy war on Heaven. The two songs draw on the Latin phrase “Vox Populi, Vox Dei,” which means “To the voice of the people is the voice of God.” In this moment, Vox transforms himself into an angel with television-monitor wings. It is a chilling ending song for an episode that ratchets up the tension, but, like many reprises, it feels best as part of a larger piece of music.
16
“Don’t You Forget”
“Don’t You Forget” is a delightful Dixie-land style jazz duet between Rosie (Leslie Kritzer) and Alastor (Amir Talai). The song not only features two of the series’ best characters and most powerful Overlords but also firmly establishes Rosie’s power over Alastor, a previously unknown detail. Easy to listen to, “Don’t You Forget” is, though, unfortunate in that it’s a good song whose reprise is better.
15
“Live To Live”
Like many songs, “Live To Live” is a continuation of a Season 1 song, in this case, “It Starts with Sorry” with Sir Pentious (Alex Brightman) imparting the lesson that Charlie imparted to him earlier in the series. The song speaks to the condition of being human, how being good is not a state of being, but a choice people make every day, and they can always be better. How sorry isn’t always enough, but it is a start and worth trying to make amends.
14
“Like You”
“Like You” is the spiritual successor to Season 1’s “Welcome to Heaven”, with an upbeat pop tempo. Emily (Shoba Narayan), Abel (Patrick Stump), and Michael (Darren Criss) try to sell Sir Pentious about how great Heaven is, while the redeemed sinner only wants to go back to Hell to see his friends. What truly brings the song to life is a Pentious Disney-esque “I Want Song”-sounding moment of how he will “find a way” to break out of Heaven, only to find it impossible and slowly realize that Heaven is his version of hell.
13
“Bad With Us”
“Bad With Us” showcases Vox and the rest of the Vees recruiting the various other overlords of Hell. The song gives minor Season 1 characters a prominent role. It also lets Christian Borle showcase his vocal range, trying many styles. One of the season’s best jokes occurs when Carmila Carmine asks Vox, “Are you serious?” after he tries to appropriate Latin culture, leaving him embarrassed.
12
“Brighter”
“Brighter” serves as the origin for Vox, showcasing his human identity as Vincent Whittman and how he rose to power, killing off anyone in his way before his death. “Brighter” is a twisted, dark reflection of an electro-pop song that highlights Vox’s never-ending thirst for power and the means he will go to achieve it. It’s flamboyant and foreboding, cementing Vox as the series’ best villain so far.
11
“Losin’ Streak”
Sung by Angel Dust, “Losin Streak” is meant to serve as a mirror to Season 1’s “Loser Baby,” which was sung by Husk to Angel Dust. Here, Angel Dust sings to Husk in a lounge singer-inspired tune with a piano and soft, gentle lyrics. Blake Roman shows a new side to his vocals and Angel Dust to create one of the series’ most memorable moments.
Source link
Add Comment