We Need All The 'Hamilton' Mixtapes We Can Get

In these post-election times that we're currently striving to make sense of, we all need to keep up our spirits and seek out the inspiration necessary to maintain our fierce selves. And so, of course, Lin-Manuel Miranda confirmed the second Hamilton Mixtape volume. It's precisely what the world needs to hear right now. The first Hamilton Mixtape is due for release Dec. 2, 2016, and, like, sure, all this excitement for the second volume may seem a little preemptive when the first hasn't even been released yet. But we all know it's going to slay anyway, and just knowing that there'll also be a second volume is exactly the sort of musical comfort blanket of hope that I'm happy to throw around myself right now.

While confirming the news, Miranda also hinted at some vital songs that will be remixed on the mixtape, stating: "What, y'all though we'd leave Schuyler Sisters unremixed? Room Where It Happens? One Last Time? OF COURSE vol. 2 (Lemme finish vol 1 tho)." And holy Lin-Manuel Miranda, you guys, "Schuyler Sisters" is going to be on there. The sheer thought of the potential female artists who could absolutely smash that song together is already sending my brain into a buzzing swirl.

Small news stories like this might feel a little peripheral right now, but, if we're all going to come through this intensely daunting period with strength and fortitude, then we're going to need all the help we can get. Through art, culture, and music, we can embrace positive ideas and explore the complexities of American politics on a national, local, and personal level. And Hamilton delivers exactly that.

The original cast recording of Hamilton is an empowering and emotionally bolstering album to listen to in and of itself. But the additional musical treats of two separate mixtapes full of reworked versions of the original arrangements (by some supremely talented artists) provides fans with essential alternatives — vital for those times when you've totally overdone using the Hamilton soundtrack as your musical motivation of choice.

From Miranda's briefest tease of the songs that look likely to appear on the second Hamilton mixtape, it also feels like these mixtapes are highlighting some of the most powerful and significant overall themes from the show. It's worth remembering, after all, the multifaceted power of Hamilton. Not only is it a show that celebrates an important historical legacy, but it's also a musical that celebrates the vital (and wholly under-appreciated) contribution of both immigrants and women to American history.

At this exact moment in time, Hamilton provides the anthems that would allow many of us to rediscover our power on a daily basis. For instance, the powerful lyric, "'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal', and when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’mma compel him to include women in the sequel" in "Schuyler Sisters" is a feminist triumph, and it's always invigorating to hear.

So too is "Rise up! When you're living on your knees, you rise up. Tell your brother that he's gotta rise up. Tell your sister that she's gotta rise up" from "My Shot" an inspiring call to action, and one that we all deserve to hear right now. Politically, Hamilton is a bold reminder that positive change is always achievable and worth fighting for. It's a show that reminds us of our past as a nation, and, by doing so, shows us our capabilities for taking control of our future, too.

Though, yes, the news of Volume Two of the Hamilton Mixtapes may feel like little more than a minuscule spec of glitter amid an otherwise blackened cloud, it's still news completely worthy of a celebration. As we continue to move forward as a country into uncertain and, frankly, scary times, all of us will be needing a little something to inspire us through our day-to-day experiences and to motivate us through every step of whatever fight we have ready for the next four years.

The first and second Hamilton mixtapes, along with that much cherished original Broadway recording of the show, will always be albums worthy of keeping within playing distance of your ears, and your heart, at all times.