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All the Songs Ben Platt Sings in The Politician

Ben Platt Only Sings 3 Times on The Politician, but You'll Be Playing the Songs on Repeat

Oct 22 2019

Netflix's The Politician is a story filled with political intrigue, medical drama, crime solving, and, most surprisingly, random musical moments! Of course, with a star-packed cast featuring musical darlings like Ben Platt and Laura Dreyfuss, it's no surprise that creator Ryan Murphy snuck in some time for the stars to show off their vocal prowess.

Most notably, despite his constant fumbling when it comes to running for class president and generally interacting with other human beings, Platt's Payton is gifted with a voice of an angel and gets to flaunt it three times in the first season. He breaks our heart with his performance of "River" in the first episode and has a duet with Zoey Deutch's Infinity in episode six that's beautiful as much as it is disturbing.

Since season two is already a done deal, we hope Murphy gives us some more moments to hear the cast show off their talents! In the meantime, check out all the songs Platt covers over the eight-episode season ahead.

Image Source: Netflix

The Song Payton Sings During River's Funeral:

River and Payton have a sweet, yet complicated relationship that doesn't really end even after the former dies by suicide in the first episode. (If you've watched the series, you know what we're talking about.) To memorialise his former tutor, classmate, and occasional lover, Payton performs Joni Mitchell's "River" during the school wake, a moving rendition that brings tears to everyone's eyes. The song is technically a Christmas tune off Mitchell's Blue album, but it's also about a recent breakup, which makes it a perfect song choice for the high school senior.

The Song Payton Sings in the New York City Bar:

In the final, eye-opening episode of the series, we open up with Payton attending New York University, consumed by bitterness and lost without purpose. He performs Billy Joel's classic hit "Vienna" at a cafe while Infinity and Skye watch from the crowd. It's a fitting song for Payton, since it's meant to remind the listener to stop trying to make things happen and take their time in life. Considering that Payton is the type of person who plans out his entire life around the desire to become president, he should probably pay a little more attention to the lyrics he's singing.

The Song Payton and Infinity Sing During Play Rehearsal:

When winning the presidency doesn't bring him the joy and satisfaction that he expected, Payton joins the school production of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical, Assassins. He ropes Infinity in with him, since she's also going through a time, and the two land the roles of John Hinckley and Lynette Fromme. They perform a stirring rendition of the song, "Unworthy of Your Love," originally sung by Alexander Gemignani and Mary Catherine Garrison in the 2004 Broadway run. The track is about the would-be assassins' respective loves for Jodie Foster and Charles Manson, and is inherently creepy for that reason, but it's still a beautiful performance!

The Song Payton and River Play on the Piano:

During a moment of solitude during the hectic campaign, Payton plays piano to soothe himself. He's quickly joined by the ghost of River, who encourages him to continue doing good things, rather than worrying about being a good person. The song played by the two young men is Platt's own "Run Away," originally featured on his critically acclaimed debut album, Sing to Me Instead. It's the perfect accompaniment to such a soft and intimate moment between the two former lovers.

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