Music: Essential Drag Race Star Releases

It seems like every contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race dabbles their toes in the world of music, with some results better than others. Drawing inspiration from Mother Ru, many of the Queens have released albums, singles and EPs, crossing genres and showcasing their multifaceted talents. We’ve picked out some of the best Drag Race star music releases for you to listen to.


Courtney Act 
Kaleidoscope (EP)


Courtney Act’s Kaleidoscope EP was six tracks of pop perfection. From the soaring title track to synth-tinged ballad Ugly, Kaleidoscope presented six slickly produced anthems that showcased Courtney as a premier pop hitmaker and talented vocalist. We need a follow-up yesterday.

Derrick Barry 
BOOMBOOM ft. Chris Cox (Single)


Derrick was our favourite contestant from Season 8 and like his idol, Britney Spears, Derrick is familiar with making a belting pop anthem. This arrived in the form of BOOMBOOM a club-ready dance track packed with sexy lyrics, smooth vocals and a pulsating beat.

Alaska Thunderfuck
Poundcake (Album)


Alaska burst onto the music scene with debut album Anus, but its follow-up Poundcake that showcased her abilities as a pop star. Filled with a range of music styles from straight-up dancepop in the likes of Diamond in the Rough to Latin pop in Come to Brazil and even country in Race Chaser. This eclectic mix captures the multifaceted talents of Alaska.

BeBe Zahara Benet
Cameroon (Single)


Season One winner Bebe fused the worlds of African pop and club music in Cameroon, a unique track that pays tribute to the Central African nation. With a chorus that will stick with you and an upbeat club backing paired with chants, Cameroon is a stellar Drag Race release.

Ginger Minj
Sweet T (Album)


Ginger showed parallels to drag/pop icon Divine throughout Season 7 with her quick-wit and gorgeous personality, this continued post-RPDR with the release of Sweet T. Ginger’s debut album opted for a range of soulful pop and rock-tinged anthems, helping it standout from the usual Drag Race releases. Ginger’s powerful vocals are filled with heart – never more so than on the gorgeous cover of The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows with Carnie Wilson.

Sharon Needles 
Taxidermy (Album)


Sharon’s follow-up to PG-13 was filled with a number of Gothic pop anthems with a slight inclination to the dancefloor. Standouts include a cover of Cerrone’s Supernature, Dead Dandelion, upbeat anthem Glow in the Dark, and catchy title track.

Manila Luzon 
Couture Collection (Album)


This collection of Manila’s many releases is a handy package showcasing the best of the Drag Race favourite. Manila’s lovable personality shines through on many of these club anthems – with standouts including a camp cover of Madonna’s Vogue and Latrice Royale collaboration, The Chop.






Willam 
Shartistry in Motion (Album)


Willam’s released a number of parody tracks over the year, but what makes these such a joy is that she actually sounds great on record. Willam’s album/collection, Shartistry in Motion, boasted a number of slick pop anthems such as Coin on the Dresser, Thick Thighs and Only Anally. Needless to say, they are also very funny.






Detox
Supersonic (Single)


Released during Detox’s time on All Stars S2, Supersonic is a stunning electronic pop anthem that feels like it could have been produced by Giorgio Moroder. Infectious hooks, slick instrumentation and Detox’s unique vocals ensure Supersonic is a stand-out amongst the RPDR releases.






Miss Fame 
Beauty Marked (Album)


Miss Fame’s debut album is an expectedly elegant affair channelling themes of luxury and beauty that we associate with the high-end Queen. Highlights include the gorgeous Diamond Life, Violet Chachki collaboration Run the Runway and attitude-filled single, Rubber Doll.