The Most Popular Song from Cats, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:50
Ranking the top song from the musical Cats helps illuminate which melodies resonate most with audiences. This musical, known for its catchy tunes and deep emotional connections, offers a variety of songs that touch on different themes and emotions. By determining which song stands out among fans, new listeners can gain insights into the heart of the musical's appeal. Having a live ranking system where fans can vote for their favorite songs encourages participation and engagement from the community. It creates a dynamic conversation about the music, allowing individuals to share their personal experiences and memories associated with each song. Additionally, this ongoing voting process helps to keep the list current and reflective of the community's evolving tastes.

What Is the Most Popular Song from Cats?

  1. 1
    62
    votes
    This is the most popular and well-known song from Cats. It has been covered by numerous artists and has become a classic tune.
    Memory is an cognitive ability and important sub-stage of the Sensorimotor Stage. It refers to the ability to retain and recall information from past experiences. It allows individuals to store and retrieve information to use in various cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, and learning.
    • Types of Memory: Short-term memory, long-term memory, working memory, sensory memory, implicit memory, explicit memory.
    • Capacity: Memory capacity varies among individuals, but the average short-term memory span is around seven items.
    • Encoding: Memory encoding is the process of converting sensory information into a form that can be stored and recalled.
    • Storage: Memories are stored in various brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.
    • Retrieval: Memory retrieval is the process of accessing stored information from the memory system.
  2. 2
    49
    votes

    Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This is the opening number of the musical and sets the tone for the entire show.
    Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats is a song featured in the musical Cats. It serves as an opening number to introduce the Jellicle Cats and their unique characteristics and personalities. The song sets the stage for the Jellicle Ball, where Old Deuteronomy will choose one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
    • Musical: Cats
    • Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Lyricist: T. S. Eliot (based on his poems)
    • First Performance: 1981
    • Genre: Musical theater
  3. 3
    5
    votes

    The Rum Tum Tugger

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is known for its upbeat and catchy melody, and is performed by one of the most popular characters in the show.
    The Rum Tum Tugger is a character from the Broadway musical Cats. He is known for his rebellious and flirtatious personality. The Rum Tum Tugger is a mischievous tomcat who possesses a natural charm and a penchant for causing a stir wherever he goes. He is adored by the female cats in the Jellicle tribe but is often aloof and unpredictable.
    • Song duration: Approximately 3 minutes and 48 seconds
    • Debut: The Rum Tum Tugger first appeared in the original production of Cats in 1981
    • Vocal range: Baritone or tenor
    • Characteristics: Flamboyant, charismatic, rebellious
    • Musical style: Upbeat and catchy with a blend of rock and jazz elements
  4. 4
    12
    votes

    Mr. Mistoffelees

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is performed by the magical cat of the same name, and is known for its fast-paced choreography and catchy tune.
    Mr. Mistoffelees is a popular song from the musical Cats, which is based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The song is performed by the character Mr. Mistoffelees, a magical cat who is known for his incredible conjuring abilities.
    • Songwriter: T.S. Eliot, with additional lyrics by Trevor Nunn
    • Genre: Musical
    • Musical: Cats
    • Premiere Date: 11 May 1981
    • Duration: Approximately 4 minutes
  5. 5
    10
    votes

    Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is performed by the railway cat, and is known for its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics.
    Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is a song from the popular musical Cats. It is a lively and energetic number that showcases the character Skimbleshanks, who is the cat in charge of keeping the railway trains running smoothly. The song highlights Skimbleshanks' dedication, athleticism, and his ability to maintain order and efficiency on the train. Skimbleshanks is portrayed as a playful, mischievous, and highly skilled cat. The song features catchy melodies and intricate choreography, often performed with tap dancing. It is loved by audiences for its memorable tunes and the impressive performance by Skimbleshanks.
    • Musical: : Cats
    • Song Type: : Character Solo
    • Character: : Skimbleshanks
    • Composer: : Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Lyricist: : T.S. Eliot
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Macavity: The Mystery Cat

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is performed by the villain of the show, and is known for its mysterious and ominous tone.
    Macavity: The Mystery Cat is a popular song from the musical Cats. It is sung by the character Mr. Mistoffelees and describes the mysterious and elusive nature of the character Macavity.
    • Songwriter: Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Lyricist: T. S. Eliot
    • Musical: Cats
    • Performed by: Mr. Mistoffelees
    • Genre: Musical theatre
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Gus: The Theatre Cat
    Effie · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This song is performed by the elderly theatre cat, and is known for its emotional lyrics and touching melody.
    Gus: The Theatre Cat is a song from the musical CATS. It is a moving and nostalgic ballad that tells the story of Gus, an older cat who once had a glorious career in the theatre. Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn, the song showcases the character of Gus as he reminisces about his past glory days in the theater.
    • Song Type: Ballad
    • Musical: Cats
    • Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Lyricist: Trevor Nunn
    • First Performance: May 11, 1981
  8. 8
    12
    votes

    The Old Gumbie Cat

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is performed by the quirky and mischievous cat, and is known for its playful melody and fun lyrics.
    The Old Gumbie Cat is a popular song from the musical Cats. It is sung by the character Jennyanydots and showcases her quirky and eccentric personality. The song highlights Jennyanydots' role as the resident 'Gumbie Cat,' who appears to be lazy during the day but is actually very busy and productive at night.
    • Composed by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Lyrics by: T.S. Eliot
    • First performed in: 1981
    • Primary singer: Character Jennyanydots
    • Genre: Musical theater
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer
    Effie · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This song is performed by the mischievous duo, and is known for its playful melody and catchy lyrics.
    Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer is a lively and mischievous song from the musical Cats. It is a playful duet performed by two characters named Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. The song showcases their antics, stealthy behavior, and their knack for causing trouble.
    • Musical: Cats
    • First Performance: 1981
    • Genre: Musical Theatre
    • Length: Approximately 4 minutes
    • Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
  10. 10
    4
    votes

    Growltiger's Last Stand

    Andrew Lloyd Webber
    This song is performed by the pirate cat, and is known for its dramatic and intense tone.
    Growltiger's Last Stand is a song in the musical Cats that depicts a fierce and mighty pirate cat named Growltiger and his final battle against his enemies. It is a dramatic and memorable scene within the show.
    • Song Type: Solo Show Tune
    • Genre: Musical Theatre
    • Lyrics by: T.S. Eliot
    • Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
    • Premiere Date: 1981

Missing your favorite song?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Critical acclaim
    Consider which songs were praised by critics for their melody, lyrics, and overall impact on the show.
  2. Cultural significance
    Look at which songs became popular outside of the show and had a lasting impact on popular culture.
  3. Chart performance
    Consider the songs that performed well on charts and had commercial success, possibly reaching a mainstream audience.
  4. Fan response
    Consider the songs that have remained popular among fans and are still frequently covered or referenced in popular culture.
  5. Importance to the plot
    Consider how important the song is to the plot of Cats and whether it stands out as a memorable moment in the show.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular song from Cats. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1937 views
  • 173 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular song from cats

Background Information: Cats, the popular musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been a favorite among theater enthusiasts for decades. Based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the musical tells the story of a group of cats known as the Jellicles and their annual gathering, the Jellicle Ball. One of the most beloved aspects of the musical is its catchy soundtrack, which features hits such as "Memory," "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," and "Mr. Mistoffelees." However, when it comes to the most popular song from Cats, there is one clear favorite among fans. "Memory," sung by the character Grizabella, has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1981. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with audiences around the world, and the song has been covered by countless artists, from Barbra Streisand to Celine Dion. Despite the popularity of "Memory," other songs from Cats have also earned a place in fans' hearts. "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" is a playful and energetic number that introduces the audience to the Jellicle cats, while "Mr. Mistoffelees" showcases the impressive dance skills of the actor playing the titular character. Overall, the music of Cats has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its memorable tunes and heartfelt lyrics.

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