With all of its record-smashing success and worldwide trending topics, it can be easy to forget that "Empire"'s greatest feat is that it's a MUSICAL. Let that sink in: the no. 1 show on TV is a damn musical. What a time to be alive!
In honor of the season 2 premiere (airing tonight, Sept. 23) -- which features even more incredible music -- we're looking back on the best songs from season 1. Can "Drip Drop" even be topped? Check out our list to find out.
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"Live in the Moment"
Jamal and Hakeem's first collaboration on "Empire" was OK. That's kinda the reason it's last on our list. "Just OK" doesn't fly with Lucious.
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"Adios"
We love our girl Tiana, but we just weren't feeling the beat on this one.
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"All of the Above"
We get it, Jamal. You have crazy range. Still, we just weren't feeling it. We need more beats, less falsetto.
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"Remember the Music"
It's a nice tune.
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"Bad Girl"
LOL. Remember when Empire forced Tiana and V to work together? Both women turn out amazing vocal performances, but they don't really gel together. "The Boy Is Mine," this is not.
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"Nothing to Lose"
The only time Jamal finally felt accepted and respected by his father -- and of course, it was through song. Aww.
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"Whatever Makes You Happy"
It's fun! Jennifer Hudson can GET IT.
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"Nothing But a Number"
That "Tom’s Diner" sample is everything.
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"Keep It Movin'"
The words "I'm so dangerous" have never sounded sexier. Not to mention, the hook on this Tiana/Hakeem track is FIRE.
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"Money For Nothing"
OK, maybe we're a little biased, but this hip-hop reworking of the classic Dire Straights song is pretty dope.
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"You’re So Beautiful (White Party Version)"
Just an incredibly powerful performance from Jamal.
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"Power of the Empire"
Pretty much sums up the entire show, no?
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"Lola"
Gah! So CUTE.
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"Black & Blue"
Have you ever heard anything so lovely?
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"No Apologies"
As the show's unofficial theme song, "No Apologies" really is the song that started it all. It's a perfect blend of Jamal's smooth vocals and Hakeem's biting verses.
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"Conqueror"
Estelle's small but memorable cameo in this late-season episode resulted in the show's most beautiful (and inspiring) duet.
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"Walk Out On Me"
Haters, to the left.
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"Good Enough"
An emotional song and a beautiful vocal performance from Jussie Smollett.
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"What Is Love"
Everything about this song sends shivers down our spines.
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"You're So Beautiful (Full Cast Edition)"
It's doesn't get better than the entire Lyon family on the same track! There's only one song that could top it...
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"Drip Drop"
BEST SONG EVER. The beat is just SO GOOD. No apologies. (Get it?)