daily californian logo

BERKELEY'S NEWS • JUNE 02, 2023

Apply to The Daily Californian!

A definitive ranking of the top 10 musical numbers in 'Mamma Mia!'

article image

UNIVERSAL PICTURES | COURTESY

SUPPORT OUR NONPROFIT NEWSROOM

We're an independent student-run newspaper, and need your support to maintain our coverage.

JULY 20, 2018

Mamma mia! Here we go again! In anticipation of the long-awaited sequel, let’s take a look back at the 10 best musical numbers from the 2008 movie “Mamma Mia!” and its star-studded cast.

10. “Voulez-Vous”

Obviously, I am a fan of the large dancing numbers, and Voulez-Vous is no exception to this appreciation. The song seems to ask and deliver exactly what viewers need at this point in the plot.

9. “Lay All Your Love on Me”

Can we talk about the back-and-forth of the sexual tension in this song? The teasing interactions between Sophie and Sky really highlight the physical chemistry of young, naive love. Don’t forget to watch out for the silly aspects, such as the subtle parody of the “Dance of the Little Swans” in the flippers.

8. “Honey, Honey”

While the prospect of reading your mother’s sexual history in her diary is a little gross, the way Sophie dramatizes the stories adds a silly aspect that manages to resolve the uncomfortable atmosphere. Also, who wouldn’t want to be running around a beautiful Greek island with friends solving a sort of mystery? Bonus points for the bedroom dancing scene that I’ve definitely re-enacted unintentionally with friends.

7. “Slipping Through My Fingers”

This number just makes me wish Meryl Streep would sing this song in the background of my life. It serves as a sweet mother-daughter moment and brings the musical back to the root of the story, proving that a mother-daughter relationship is stronger than anything else, even the most complex situations.

6. “Money, Money, Money”

This song is #relatable. Don’t we all wish we had a little money? Also, who doesn’t love Donna’s yacht fantasy? Someone put her on the next episode of “Below Deck.”

5. “Super Trouper”

If my future bachelorette party doesn’t involve sequins, flares and a fun dance number, I don’t want it! This song is where we see Donna and the Dynamos in action. I don’t know about you, but I would definitely pay to see them live.

4. “The Winner Takes It All”

Streep’s emotive voice details the pain of a heartbreak and the aftermath that doesn’t always seem fair. While Streep is absolutely amazing at transforming into a character, it ranks fourth because it slows the pace of the movie.

3. “Waterloo”

I’m not sure if I am allowed to rank this one, as it falls during the end credits, but I feel that it deserves third place since it manages to bring the characters from the movie into the world of ABBA during its peak as a band.

2. “Mamma Mia”

Of course, the namesake of the movie would rank second! Donna represents all of us trying to sneak a second look at someone from our past. You’d be lying if you didn’t agree with the constant back-and-forth of wanting to see and then not wanting to see that person. Exactly as the song says, it brings around the same feelings you had years before, and before you know it, “Here we go again!”

1. “Dancing Queen”

As one of the most famous ABBA songs, it rightfully deserves this spot. Tanya and Rosie’s karaoke with a hairbrush and hair dryer is the reason why all girls take so long getting ready together. From Donna’s jumping on the bed to sliding down the banister, the trio is really “growing down” and expressing its freedom. Also, major bonus points for the large choreography number and Donna’s air guitar/headbanging. If you’re not on your feet dancing by the end of the song, then you need to re-evaluate your life choices or just start by rewatching the movie again.

If you haven’t seen the movie in the past year, month or even few days, it’s time to turn it on again and relive your Kalokairi dreams! Here’s to the endless ABBA-filled nights of karaoke ahead!

Contact Catherine Dugoni at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

JULY 20, 2018