The Simpsons might not be big Broadway Stars, but they sure can perform a musical song and dance number when the mood is right. Incorporating satirical versions or imitations of popular tunes naturally fits in with The Simpsons format. This is a comedy that thrives on pop culture references and historical affairs, so more than likely, you're going to witness an element of those natures.
Okay then. While there were so many great musical segments in the series, we had to boil them down to five. But fear not, as we'll include episode suggestions that has even more crafty tunes. We included legends, iconic episodes, and notable guest stars in our list, creating a blend of different genres and yes, even antics.
5 of the greatest musical numbers from The Simpsons
"Happy Birthday, Lisa" from "Stark Raving Dad"
Season 3
Michael Jackson, under the pseudonym, "John Jay Smith" guest-starred as the character Leon Kompowsky, who meets Homer at the psychiatric hospital. Homer's commitment was due to a wearing a pink shirt to work (a fashion faux pas Burns strongly dislikes), whereas Kompowsky was committed for believing that he's the famed singer, Michael Jackson. The two men form a friendship and Kompowsky later stays at the Simpsons. His arrival's initial reaction from the townspeople was met with fanfare as they truly thought that the real Michael Jackson was coming. The expectations were quickly dissolved when they find out that "Jackson" was some average joe from Jersey.
Nonetheless, Bart and Kompowsky connect platonically, and the two collaborated on a birthday song for Lisa, who turned eight. Under his record label's protocols, Jackson wasn't allowed to sing in the episode, and the sung vocals was done by Kipp Lennon of the band, Venice. However, Jackson provided his spoken dialog in his mellow and soft-spoken voice.
"Stark Raving Dad" was pulled from the Disney+, other streaming services, and televised airings in 2019, in response to the released Michael Jackson documentary, Neverland. Conclusively, you can only watch the episode on YouTube.
"The Monorail Song" from "Marge vs. The Monorail"
Season 4
"Marge vs. The Monorail" ha been praised as one of the best The Simpsons episodes in history. Maybe it's because of the clever writing, or the Homer-isms that were epically funny, or could it be the sudden surprise appearances of Lyle Langley, voiced by the late, but great Phil Hartman, and the late Leonard Nimoy? Who really knows for sure, but you can't argue that "The Monorail Song" makes you want to get up and dance along with the mob.
Just don't ride the monorail.
"Baby On Board" from "Homer's Barbershop Quartet"
Season 5
Homer, Apu, Barney (Wiggum's replacement), and Skinner assemble a barbershop quartet called The Be-Sharps and become Grammy-winning sensations overnight. Much of the episode reflects the Beatles breakup in the 1960s when they were working on their studio album, White Album. The late George Harrison guest-starred as himself.
The inspiration behind The Be-Sharps' hit song, "Baby On Board" came from Lisa and Marge, when the latter had to purchase a car window sign to tell drivers not to hit the family car, as Baby Lisa was strapped inside. The lyrics just flowed out of Homer naturally and he and his group had a hit on their hands. Unfortunately, fame led to the quartet's breakup and The Sharps were no more.
"The Burlesque House" from "Bart After Dark"
Season 6
Springfield holds an elicit secret, and it's a House of Burlesque. Bart gets a job at the place, after he does property damage to it. Soon, he absorbs himself in its aura and it's not as scandalous as presumed. The residents find the house the perfect spot to unwind after a long day at work, and enjoy its eccentric entertainment.
Before Marge is set to destroy the Burlesque (and she partially does) Homer, Bart, and the town engage in a song and dance routine why the House is a vital coponant in Springfield. It's pretty catchy and is a fun mockery of the Wild West Saloon entertainment from the 19th century.
"Drop Da Bomb" from "New Kids On The Blecch"
Season 12
A Navy officer forms a boy band called the Party Posse. consisting of Bart, Milhouse, Nelson, and Ralph, as part of a recruiting project to enlist people in the Armed Forces. The group becomes popular and adored by young fans, much in the essence of the Y2K boy bands, Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. The latter provided the singing voices of Party Posse,thanks to a voice alteration synthesizer.
And much like these groups, Party Posse experience quick success and were soon creating music videos, such as "Drop Da BOmb. The tracks are in the typical bubblegum pop music style, , the lyrics are designed to inject subliminal messaging to enlist. It works, but Lisa stops it after she figures it out.
And everything is back to normal.
More musical The Simpsons episodes
When you're finished watching these choices, here are few more episodes to get your musical fill!
"A Streetcar Named Marge"
"All Singing, All Dancing"
"Cape Fear"
"Elementary School Musical"
"Homer's Adventures Through the Windshield Glass"
"Homerpalooza"
"I Love Lisa"
"Lisa Goes Gaga"
"My Fair Laddy"
"That '90s Show"
"The Otto Show"