Compared to many musicals, there is no song from Phantom that stands out in the American musical consciousness. I have listened to a lot of musicals over the years, but does Phantom have a single tune that anyone whistles to themselves?
I have broken out in “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof at appropriate moments of every day life, same with 76 Trombones, and the occasional Oklahoma! , even the occasional “Don’t Cry for Me” from Evita. Nothing from Phantom. I was surprised it ran for so long.