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An admittedly weird but functional way to get into an extraordinary musical.
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The Hamilton Method.md

How to Start Listening to "Hamilton"

An admittedly weird but functional way to get into an extraordinary musical.

By Merlin Mann
December 15, 2016.

Proviso: This show is long and weird and overhyped and it is not for everyone. If you're not already a fan, you're certainly sick of hearing about it. Sorry. But if you maybe are interested, hey, here's a sane and scalable (if unorthodox and opinionated) way to decide if Hamilton is right for you.

Method: I suggest approaching Hamilton in something like concentric circles. The show definitely benefits from multiple listenings, but those listenings needn't be all the way through every time. Give the songs a chance; they're building something.

  1. Listen to just tracks 1-3 several times over a few days. Two of these songs are practically the brain stem for the show. So, if you despise these songs, just stop. This is not for you. Real talk: if you hate "My Shot?" Abort abort abort india golf niner niner! BUT, if you like what you hear…
  2. Now listen to tracks 1-8 a few times. At least three times. Big themes are established, unforgettable hooks are dropped, and many pieces are now on the board. Just keep working the system: trust me, it helps to listen in order. As before, if you're still feeling it, then…
  3. Next, let's try listening to tracks 1-13 a few times. Nice, right? The story and the characters are starting to air out a bit.
  4. Treat Day! Go back and re-listen to the songs you particularly like. Songs you felt meh about on the first listen are starting to grab you, right? Okay, good. Keep listening. Hear those little grooves and themes and rhythms. They'll come up again.
  5. Go ahead and listen through the end of Act I. If you're still here at this point, you're either fulfilling a dare or you're digging this. So, just listen ad libitum for a while.
  6. My Bold and Brave Stance: Only once you're in love with Act I should you move on to Act II. (Confession: I didn't even touch Act II for six months, and frankly I'm glad I waited.)

Honestly, I could have made this a lot shorter by just proposing Step 1 (viz. "Love 'My Shot' or GTFO," but I know people like lists plus structure makes us feel sane.

I really hope you'll give this a try. It's a pity we fans are so insufferable, because the music you're about to dig into really is awfully good. Ignore us; just enjoy the music.

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