Unlocking the Magic: A Comprehensive Review of the ‘Once Upon a Time’ Musical Episode Soundtrack

The highly anticipated ‘Once Upon A Time’ musical episode is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement! But you don’t have to wait to experience the magic, as the full soundtrack has already dropped. As a devoted ‘OUAT’ enthusiast, I’ve immersed myself in every single track, and here are my in-depth thoughts and reactions to Storybrooke’s enchanting musical debut.

1. “Powerful Magic” — Ginnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallas

The journey into the musical heart of Storybrooke begins with an absolute gem: “Powerful Magic.” From the very first note, it’s clear this song is a standout. Ginnifer Goodwin, at 38, unequivocally proves she possesses a voice that could easily grace any classic Disney animated film. Her vocal performance is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing a pure, melodic quality that instantly transports listeners to a world of fairy tales. This track feels incredibly authentic, almost as if it were plucked directly from a beloved Disney movie soundtrack, radiating warmth and hope. Josh Dallas, also 38, matches her energy and delivers a performance brimming with his signature Prince Charming charisma. Their chemistry, a cornerstone of the show, shines through every lyric, making this opening number a truly captivating and enchanting experience that perfectly sets the stage for the episode.

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2. “The Queen Sings” — Lana Parrilla, Giancarlo Esposito, Lee Arenberg, Tony Amendola, Bevereley Elliott, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Dallas

This ensemble piece carries a distinctive theatrical feel, immediately evoking comparisons to the dialogue-driven, recitative style found in iconic productions like Les Misérables. The entire cast participates, blending their voices to narrate through song, which is an ambitious undertaking for a television musical. While effectively advancing the narrative, “The Queen Sings” functions more as a transitional piece rather than a standalone hit. It’s not a track that necessarily stands out for its melodic complexity or catchy chorus. Instead, its primary purpose is to build anticipation and lead the audience directly into the Evil Queen’s much-anticipated, powerful solo number, serving as an important bridge in the episode’s musical storytelling.

3. “Love Doesn’t Stand A Chance” — Lana Parrilla, Giancarlo Esposito, Lee Arenberg, Tony Amendola, Bevereley Elliott, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Dallas

Following the ensemble build-up, Lana Parrilla unleashes her full force as the Evil Queen in “Love Doesn’t Stand A Chance.” This track immediately grabs attention with its striking rock-inspired sound, a bold stylistic choice that sets it apart from the more traditional fairy-tale melodies found elsewhere in the musical episode. The edginess and raw energy of the song perfectly encapsulate the Evil Queen’s defiant and vengeful nature. Lana Parrilla’s performance is absolutely fierce; she delivers every line with a powerful conviction that embodies the character’s unwavering resolve. While its unique style might make it feel somewhat distinct from the other tunes, its impactful delivery and thematic resonance with the Evil Queen’s arc make it an unforgettable part of the soundtrack, demonstrating her iconic strength and determination to reject love in favor of power.

4. “Revenge Is Mine” — Colin O’Donoghue & Pirates

It’s no secret among ‘Once Upon a Time’ fans that Colin O’Donoghue, 36, possesses a formidable singing voice, a talent previously hinted at or showcased in smaller capacities. The musical episode provided the perfect, grand stage for him to truly unleash his vocal prowess, and he seizes the opportunity with “Revenge Is Mine.” This song is an absolute blast, a high-energy, swashbuckling anthem that perfectly captures Captain Hook’s adventurous spirit and rebellious charm. Colin’s talents shine brightly throughout, his voice carrying the track with an infectious enthusiasm. You can distinctly feel the joy and passion he pours into this performance, particularly as he’s joined by his boisterous crew of pirates. It’s a fun, memorable number that adds a dash of piratical flair and embodies Hook’s journey and his enduring, albeit often complicated, quest for justice and retribution.

5. “Wicked Always Wins” — Rebecca Mader

When you hear a title like “Wicked Always Wins,” it’s almost impossible not to conjure images and sounds reminiscent of the iconic Broadway musical Wicked. Naturally, this track starring Rebecca Mader, 40, as Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, aimed to channel that same powerful, defiant energy. As one of the few cast members to be given a solo number, expectations were undoubtedly high for Mader’s performance. While the song is certainly *okay* and Mader delivers a solid vocal, it felt like it struggled to fully realize its potential. There was a sense that the melody and lyrics were building towards a truly explosive, signature Wicked Witch moment, but it never quite reached that climatic peak. It leaves the listener wanting just a bit more, as if the song was trying to ascend to a grander scale but ultimately fell a little short of achieving its ultimate, wicked impact.

6. Charmings Vs. Evil Queen — Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Dallas & Lana Parrilla

This particular track functions more as a thematic medley, skillfully weaving together elements from two previously heard songs: the hopeful “Powerful Magic” and the defiant “Love Doesn’t Stand a Chance.” While it doesn’t introduce any entirely new melodies or lyrical content, its brilliance lies in its clever arrangement and juxtaposition. By bringing these two contrasting themes—the unwavering love and optimism of the Charmings against the bitter cynicism of the Evil Queen—into direct musical conversation, the song dramatically highlights the central conflict of the episode and, indeed, much of the series. It’s a powerful musical clash that emphasizes the enduring struggle between light and darkness, hope and despair, making for a compelling and emotionally resonant moment even without fresh material.

7. “Emma’s Theme” — Jennifer Morrison

“Emma’s Theme” emerges as one of the most poignant and unexpected highlights of the soundtrack. The song commences with a beautifully slow and deliberate pace, allowing the rich, gorgeous orchestral accompaniment to truly shine, setting a deeply atmospheric and emotional tone. Jennifer Morrison’s vocal performance is a revelation; her voice is soft, ethereal, and utterly captivating, possessing a delicate strength that few knew she harbored. This track delves deep into Emma Swan’s psyche, serving as a powerful sonic embodiment of her inner turmoil and ultimate resolve. Through song, Emma confronts her fears and realizes the profound truth that the enduring love and hope instilled in her heart by her parents are a force far more potent than any dark magic wielded by the Black Fairy. It’s a moment of profound self-discovery and empowerment, perfectly articulated by Morrison’s moving delivery and the song’s exquisite composition, making it an ideal anthem for the Savior.

8. “A Happy Beginning” — Entire cast

As a fervent admirer of the dynamic duo that is Colin O’Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison (our beloved Captain Swan), the opportunity to hear their voices blend in such sweet, harmonious music is nothing short of a dream come true. “A Happy Beginning” starts with their enchanting duet, a moment that is sure to melt the hearts of countless fans. Soon after, the entire cast joins in, culminating in a magnificent, soaring final tune that encapsulates the very essence of ‘Once Upon a Time’s’ optimistic spirit. This track is undeniably one of the absolute best on the soundtrack, radiating pure joy, hope, and the promise of a brighter future for the residents of Storybrooke. Its emotional power is immense; if you can listen to this grand finale without a single tear in your eyes, then you truly might be missing a heart. It’s a triumphant, heartwarming conclusion that perfectly ties together the musical journey.

The highly anticipated ‘Once Upon A Time’ musical episode, promising to be a landmark event for the series, is scheduled to air this Sunday, May 7, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For those eager to relive the magic or experience it for the first time, the complete soundtrack is readily available for purchase and streaming now on iTunes and other major music platforms. Don’t miss this unforgettable chapter in Storybrooke’s history, where every fairy tale finds its voice.

HollywoodLifers, now that you’ve had a chance to listen to the enchanting songs from the ‘Once Upon a Time’ musical episode, what are your thoughts? Which track stole your heart, and which performance surprised you the most? Share your opinions and join the conversation in the comments below!