My Definitive Ranking of Every Song From ‘Julie and the Phantoms’

In case you’ve been living under a rock this autumn, Kenny Ortega (the visionary director behind High School Musical and Descendants) has returned with his latest project. It’s a nine-episode Netflix Family series about a girl, Julie, who plays a CD of the tunes from ’90s boy band Sunset Curve (who sounds eerily similar to 5SOS, just saying) when the band — now [cute] ghosts — appear to her. So, naturally, they form a band together because they are all musically inclined. This show is one of my new favorite Netflix obsessions even though I’m way older its suggested demographics. But, oh well, it’s just that good. Part of the reason, I’m loving JATP is due to its bop-worthy soundtrack because all 15 tracks are massive hits, I promise you.

So, for all my fellow JATP-loving fans and unapologetic Sunset Curve stans, here’s my official, definitive ranking of the entire soundtrack.

15. “All Eyes on Me”

Sure, this track has a catchy beat that makes me want to dance like the girls of Dirty Candy, and Alex too, but that’s about it. Now, when the pandemic is over, who wants to join me and choreograph our own dance to this track and become our own version of Dirty Candy?


14. “I Got the Music”

Yes, these young ladies are absolutely, incredibly talented, but this just isn’t my type of music. It’s the hip hop-py vibe and yelling thing that I just can’t get into. But, it’s very upbeat and has me wishing I could be in a flash mob every day of my life.


13. “Wow”

Seriously, Carrie is poised to be a miniature pop star already. Girl has the drive, determination, and precision to be the leader of a girl group. Flawless, that’s right.


12. “You’ve Got Nothing to Lose”

What do you get when you put Broadway veteran Cheyenne Jackson in a musical TV show? A fabulous musical number, obviously. This track has a big-band feel that makes me want to get up and dance. Also, Dancing With the Stars producers are seriously lacking if they don’t give one of their couples a quickstep or something to this number. I need to see it.


11. “Wake Up”

Madison Reyes was born to sing and be a star, that’s for sure, and this track proves that tenfold. This is only No. 11 because it’s less catchy than some other tunes, and I’m less likely to have this stuck in my head, singing and dancing along at every aspect. It’s still incredible, because of her voice, just wow.


10. “Edge of Great”

Here’s pure proof that this band was meant to play together. Like, their chemistry as a group is just electric and gives me chills every time. Also, I just want to stand on all my furniture and belt out their tunes. Seriously, if there’s a concert, I’ll be first in line to buy tickets next to all the teenybopper fans.


9. “Flying Solo”

This ode to best friends is beyond precious, but also makes me wanna sing and dance along throughout my entire apartment. Next time you want to tell your besties how much you appreciate them for always supporting you, just send them this link and that alone will say a lot.


8. “The Other Side of Hollywood”

But this Cheyenne Jackson number is pure Broadway and I love this track for that exact reason. It has a 1920s-inspired groovy beat, and it’s everything us theater nerds love. It’s flashy, has killer vocals, and perfect dance breaks. Yes, please!


7. “Perfect Harmony”

This ballad is absolutely pure and romantic from the very first moment that Luke appears through the mirror to dance with Julie, and gah, I’m a puddle. It’s so freaking cute, my heart has melted for these two and this beautiful duet.


6.”This Band is Back (Reggie’s Jam)”

This feels like a backyard jam sesh and is just plain, good fun! It starts with my favorite line, “Come on, Reginald” which, of course, I say every time I listen to. It’s just such a fun, cute line because Reggie is so lovable and underrated as a character. This track is just for fun, I dig it.


5. “Now or Never”

The opening number of the entire show gives off so much 5 Seconds of Summer vibes, and as a 5SOS stan, I’m on board. It has that rocking boy band music type that makes me want to stan Sunset Curve as a massive fangirl (oops, too late). Now, excuse me as I go blast this track and dance around my apartment while I do my chores.


4. “Bright”

For the first time the band played together in front of a crowd, I have chills. Their chemistry together is electric, pure poetry, and I’m obsessed; just call me a Fantom already!! This band was just meant to play together, and then, uhh, Luke, his voice is like an angel.


3. “Finally Free”

I think the section where Luke and Julie share a mic, look deep into each other’s eyes, and repeat “I got a spark in me” is why I love this so much. They ooze chemistry and it just makes me melt, like gah, it’s so perfect. Other than that, it’s an upbeat track that makes me want to sing along and dance around. I love it. Also, I saw a TikTok theorizing that Kenny Ortega included this song as the follow-up to HSM‘s “Breaking Free,” which, ahhhh, that would be amazing.


2. “Stand Tall”

This song is now my go-to confidence-building, empowering track to power pose to before I have to do anything important. Seriously, hit play and then power pose for the duration of the track, it works every time. When the song ends, you’ll feel so freaking empowered and fierce, ready to conquer the world. Which, like, yes, we need more of that especially as women in today’s world. Plus, each of the guys’ solos make my heart race, and then Luke’s grand entrance, after nearly giving me a heart attack, was everything to see him get there and it made me smile.


1. “Unsaid Emily”

Here’s the big one. The all-time best. The one that makes me cry literally every single time I hear it. And if Spotify is on shuffle and this comes on, then I’m a goner. It’s so vulnerable and raw, but so beautiful and authentic that I’ll always stan Charlie Gillespie and his character of Luke because look at his range! Look at what this boy can do! Now, considering the emotional impact of “Unsaid Emily” and Luke’s backstory, I’m gonna need all the tissues when Season 2 (please, please, please renew this, Netflix!) gives us songs and moments about both Reggie’s and Alex’s backstories.

The American Music Awards happened. It’s time for my Red Carpet Breakdown.

Must-see looks of the night:

1. Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.36.27 PM Miss Kendall Jenner, fashion’s latest  haute couture It Girl of course is in attendance, and her dress… looks messy, sloppy. Not well put together. I mean, she’s a tall, beautiful girl, stop going for the obvious sexpot look your family is known for, be the high fashion model “Kendall,” you wanted to be called.

2.  Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.36.52 PM Selena Gomez, who will perform (for the first time ever) her latest song about the Biebs. This ages her soooo much. It’s too dark, too long. She’s young, having fun: you don’t need to age yourself this much! And that strict bun does not help that cause.

3. Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.37.13 PM PLL star Lucy Hale: not crazy about the dress, a little ill-fitting. But, I LOVE LOVE LOVE her hair! The length with the ombre and the styling– perfect!

4. Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.52.58 PM I’m loving “Jealous” right now, and here he is, Nick Jonas in the flesh. He looks very dapper, but I’m afraid the silk suit is a little too Academy Awards than AMAs. But, hey, no complaints, obvi, just like any other female fan. (lol.)

5. Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.37.25 PM “All About that Bass” singer Meghan Trainor. Love this look, from head to toe. She’s been vocal about not being a size two, and I see a gorge ensemble that I’d want to steal. Perfectly tailored, the bag is jus the perfect amount of “pop.” She looks great. And I’m loving her song, “Dear Future Husband” right now, it’s great.

And of course…

6. Screen Shot 2014-11-23 at 8.36.42 PM ONE DIRECTION… sports black-on-black. They look good, well-done, boys. However, Niall looks like the odd man out: the only one dressed very casual when his bandmates are dressed to the nines (Liam! Louis! Zayn!). He looks like he took clothes off the rack from 5SOS’ wardrobe, tbh. And Zayn’s hair: it’s DANNY ZUKO.

Top of the Charts

Hi all. Sorry it’s been awhile– classes have taken over my schedule. But, I’m back now and this week I’m going to discuss my thoughts on the top music songs, that I’ve heard of.

1. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

Finally, she’s calling herself pop. Finally. At first, I hated this song. But now, after letting it settle, I like it. Definitely has a good dance vibe.

2.”Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J, & Nicki Minaj

You already know my thoughts on this song.

3. “Break Free” by Ariana Grande feat. Zedd

Love Ariana right now. Love this song.

4. “Black Widow” by Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora

Normally, I hate rap. But, in this case, I’ll make an exception.

5. “Maps” by Maroon 5

Definitely good driving music.

6. “Amnesia” by 5SOS

I’v already talked about them. But this song is good. I want to see a Travis Wall contemporary number choreographed to it.

7. “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran

Love this song. And it’s rumored to be about Ellie Goulding cheating on Mr. Sheeran with 1D’s Niall Horan. Hmm…

What songs are you currently listening to?

Sorry it’s been awhile!

Hi again! I’m so sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. 1. I’ve just moved into my dorm for my sophomore year, 2. I’ve been helping with freshman move in which takes a lot, and 3. Writers Block.

But, I’m back now, and I hope to continue to update this blog on a weekly basis.

Since, the VMAs and the Emmys both happen to be this week, I will be posting a Red Carpet post, as soon as that happens, so something to look forward to.

MY PREDICTIONS REGARDING RED CARPET FASHION:

MTV VMAs

  • Ariana Grande, who will open the show with her “Bang Bang” collab (as spoiled by Frankie on Big Brother), will probably wear something floral, pink, or black; same silhouette and same hairdo.
  • Sam Smith, who’s nominated for Artist to Watch will prob show up in jeans, sneakers, and blazer, like most the guys (Dylan O’Brian, Jason DeRulo, etc) on the carpet.
  • Beyonce, the winner of the Video Vanguard Award (no idea what that is) will probably go super couture or sexy; either way she’ll rock black, possibly with lots of sequins and glitter.
  • Taylor Swift: As she is about to release a new pop album, 1989, she’ll probably try to look like a pop princess (like Ariana) or go with her signature Old Hollywood style.
  • 5 Seconds of Summer: As new nominees and performers, they’ll probably show up in whatever rehearsal clothes they have. I mean, have you seen their concert apparel?
  • Fifth Harmony: I mean, I’m not sold on their music, but they’ll probably go over-the-top as if attending a high school homecoming dance, just like every other event they go to.
  • Kim Kardashian [West]: Is there anywhere in Hollywood she won’t be? She’ll probably wear some sexy, tight outfit that most mothers would never wear, but hey, she’s a Kardashian and married to Kanye.
  • Miley Cyrus will be there, and who knows what she’ll where.

EMMY AWARDS

  • I’m expecting lots of mermaid style gowns in red, white, nude, and maybe blue.
  • Claire Danes: Most likely some white or silver classic gown. Maybe Ralph Lauren?
  • Kerry Washington: If Olivia Pope doesn’t influence her fashion…. I’d love to see her in crisp white ala Miss Pope.
  • Melissa McCarthy: I love seeing her in the glamorous gowns and looking girly, something she hasn’t played since Sookie on “Gilmore Girls.”
  • Emma Roberts (my camp pal, well, sort of): Something dramatic. Either a short dress or a long dress with cutouts across the midsection.

Let’s see how these predictions play out. Keep an eye out for my Post Red Carpet entries!

My [Must Listen To] Summer Music Playlist, Part 2

As you recall, earlier this summer I had compiled a list of the songs I was obsessing over this summer.

I’m here to amend that list:

1. “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

To be honest, I started to enjoy this song after seeing the amazing choreography to it on So You Think You Can Dance! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVPQhXm_1cI) And now, I’m obsessed with it.

2. “Chasing the Sun” by Hilary Duff (aka Lizzie McGuire!!)

Lizzie McGuire is back! And this time with a super-sweet Top 40 song that is perfect for summer! Love.

3. “Break Free” by Ariana Grande feat. Zedd

Yes, another Ariana track is on the list, but I can’t help it–she’s just that talented.

4. “Black Widow” by Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora

Okay, I guess I’ll put this on here. Simply because it’s catchy.

5. “Maps” by Maroon 5

Another ‘maybe’ song, but hey, it’s catchy and I’m enjoying it.

6. “Amnesia” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Love this ballad! And I’m waiting for a routine on SYTYCD!

7. “Good Girls,” “18,” “Mrs. All American,” “Social Casualty,” “Voodoo Doll,” “Greenlight” by 5SOS

And lastly, here’s a feminist-inspired country number:

Happy listening! xx