A track-by-track breakdown of Kinky Boots
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Since strutting its red stilettos onto the stage, *Kinky Boots* has become one of musical theatre’s most joyful celebrations of individuality, resilience, and self-expression. With music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the show blends heart, humour, and not to mention some of the most played pop-rock anthems of all time. While the glittering boots may steal the spotlight, it’s really the soundtrack that lifts *Kinky Boots* into musical theatre royalty.
### **“Price and Son/ The Most Beautiful Thing in the World”**
The opening moments introduce Charlie Price, his relationship with his father, and the legacy of the struggling shoe factory. Moving from tender memory into harsh reality, this sequence contrasts childhood nostalgia with adult responsibility, framing the emotional conflict that will drive Charlie’s journey.
### **“Take What You Got”**
A punchy, defiant ensemble number led by factory foreman Don that captures the workers’ resistance to change. Rooted in tradition and frustration, it highlights the fear that comes with shifting norms, particularly around gender and masculinity, setting up one of the show’s central tensions.
### **“Land of Lola”**
Perhaps one of the most iconic introductions to any character ever. Enter Lola in a blaze of red leather and confidence. Inspired by 80s pop and rock influences, this explosive introduction captures Lola’s bold and unapologetic individuality. It is a showstopping entrance that immediately challenges Charlie’s sheltered worldview.
### **“Charlie’s Soliloquy”**
This reflective ballad gives Charlie space to process the pressures placed on him, from expectations of masculinity to the weight of his father’s legacy. Vulnerable and sincere, the song reveals Charlie’s uncertainty and sets up his emotional journey throughout the show.
### **“Step One”**
A joyful burst of optimism, this number sees Lola encouraging Charlie to take risks and trust himself. With its infectious rhythm and motivational lyrics, “Step One” embodies the show’s belief in courage as the first step toward change - it makes for a great song to run to too.
### **“Sex Is in the Heel”**
The factory workers take centre stage in this high-energy ensemble number as they learn to design boots for drag performers. Packed with humour and choreography, the song bridges worlds and breaks down preconceived ideas, proving that creativity thrives when boundaries are challenged.
### **“The History of Wrong Guys”**
Lauren, the factory’s quick-witted worker, delivers a hilarious and undeniably relatable solo about her unfortunate dating history. Inspired by Lauper’s pop sensibilities, this song provides comic relief while celebrating self-awareness and resilience.
### **“Not My Father’s Son”**
One of the most emotionally resonant songs in the show, this duet between Charlie and Lola explores their complicated relationships with their fathers. Stripped back and heartfelt, it reveals how different lives can share the same wounds, forging a powerful connection between the two characters.
### **“Everybody Say Yeah”**
As the factory workers unite to save the business, this number becomes a rousing anthem of teamwork and belief. It marks a turning point where doubt gives way to collective determination, and the show’s spirit of unity shines.
### **“What a Woman Wants”**
This lively ensemble number sees the women of the factory step into the spotlight, playfully dismantling outdated ideas about gender roles. Empowering, cheeky, the song reinforces the show’s feminist undertones while celebrating strength, agency, and solidarity - doing so with “Rock. Solid. Commitment’.
### **“In This Corner”**
A literal battle on stage takes place in this fierce and emotionally charged duet. As frustrations collide, the number underscores the pain caused by misunderstanding and pride, reminding us that progress is rarely smooth or comfortable.
### **“Soul of a Man”**
Charlie’s powerful eleven o’clock number lays bare her emotional core. Reflecting on identity, self-worth, and inner strength, the song redefines masculinity through vulnerability and compassion.
### **“Hold Me in Your Heart”**
A tender farewell ballad sung by Lola, this song offers forgiveness, reflection, and emotional closure. Gentle and sincere, it captures the show’s capacity for softness, allowing space for growth, empathy, and reconciliation.
### **“Raise You Up / Just Be”**
The triumphant finale brings together everything *Kinky Boots* stands for. As the characters embrace their true selves, the song delivers a message of acceptance, pride, and joy. It is a celebration not just of success, but of authenticity, encouraging everyone to stand tall in who they are.
From factory floors to fashion runways, *Kinky Boots* tells a story of transformation powered by empathy, courage, and a killer pop score. In my opinion, it is one of the rare musical theatre albums with zero skips. With its infectious energy and heartfelt messages, these songs remind us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is “just be”.