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Glee isn't just about the music. It has hilarity on a regular basis, and some of the best TV drama I've EVER seen. But for the intentions of this album, it's all about the music. So without further ado, here's my review of the song on Glee: The Music, Volume 1.
1). A+ - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) and Cory Monteith (Finn) with the Glee Cast - Don't Stop Believin' (Pilot Version) - THIS was the song that started it all. I was enthralled and intrigued throughout the first episode anyway, but when I heard this... Well, like the rest of the world, I just fell in love. This is a true modern masterpiece, building off the shoulders of giants (Journey) to make something new and fresh for the new generation. Remains one of the best songs of the entire series.
2). A- - Cory Monteith (Finn) - Can't Fight This Feeling - This was Cory Monteith's very first Glee solo, and he does a solid effort. It was later revealed, by him, that he had never really sung outside of privately, and that he was more of a drummer. In fact, he did drums for part of his audition tape. But he was asked to sing, and viola, a star is born. From this first song, I could tell that when he got more comfortable and less nervous, he was going to really shine. And now he can tear a solo UP. Great classic song, and Monteith does a helluva job.
3). A- - Amber Riley (Mercedes) and Matthew Morrison (Mr. Shue) with the Glee Cast - Gold Digger - This was the first of what were soon to become Matthew Morrison's infamous raps. And Amber Riley KILLS the introduction. Honestly, I can't stand rap music, but Morrison does a REALLY respectable job. I don't see why the fact that he's white should matter. He's clearly got swagger. Not my favorite song, but with his decent job and Amber Riley's powerhouse vocals, it still pulls a solid A-.
4). A+ - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) - Take A Bow - Lea Michele's first solo on the show is EPIC. I love me some Rihanna, but this is one of those songs that I like the Glee Cast Version better. (Okay, so maybe most songs... LOL) Lea Michele sings with such emotions... It does have that one powerhouse Diva moment, but the rest of this song is just sheer, subtle, masterful genius.
5). A+ - Amber Riley (Mercedes) - Bust Your Windows - This song is amazing to begin with, but add Amber Riley... WHEW! Smokin' hot vocals. And the performance that went with it on the show was incredibly powerful as well. Do yourself a favor and go on YouTube and watch this done live at one of their tour performances. Watching her interacting with that car, and some of the things she does, is just amazing. 5 stars all the way!
6). A+ - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) - Taking Chances - This is one of my favorite Celine Dion songs, and Lea Michele knocks it right out of the park. She delivers such powerful vocals and emotion to the song, that it just comes to life and soars. Amazing!
7). A+ - Kristin Chenoweth (April Rhodes) and Matthew Morrison (Mr. Shue) - Alone - This song was one of the few that introduced Gleeks to the fan favorite character of April Rhodes, masterfully voiced by The Chenoweth. She makes powerhouse Diva vocals sound effortless, and this song is all the more amazing for it.
8). A - Kristin Chenoweth (April Rhodes) and Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) - Maybe This Time - With this song, Broadway (The Broadway, as April would say. LOL) lovers everywhere passed out with their eyes rolled back in their heads. Not always my favorite song, but these ladies KILL IT!
9). A+ - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Cory Monteith (Finn), Kevin McHale (Artie) and the Glee Cast - Somebody To Love - This song gets an A+ for Amber Riley's STUNNING finish alone. But everyone gives 5 star performances as well. This song is another of the series' best.
10). A - Amber Riley (Mercedes) and Glee Cast - Hate On Me - Again, not one of my favorite songs. But with Amber Riley getting to do it for Glee? NOW it's a song I really love. Her voice is just so darn powerful. A solid A for effort.
11). A - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) and Cory Monteith (Finn) - No Air - I LOVED this song when it was Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, and I love it even more now. Lea and Cory blow this one out of the water. Such an amazing ballad...
12). A- - Dianna Agron (Quinn) - You Keep Me Hangin' On - This song marks Dianna Agron's first solo on the show. And it's good. Much better than I thought it would be. She doesn't have the most powerful voice, but it is soft and beautiful, and suits her perfectly. She has a VERY Britney Spears look and sound, and I think she can only go further. A solid A-.
13). A+ - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) and Cory Monteith (Finn) with the Glee Cast - Keep Holding On - This remains one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and I hated the original. This show is packed with emotions, and it's hard to watch this number on the actual show without tearing up.
14). A - Matthew Morrison (Mr. Shue) - Bust A Move - I HATED this song when I was younger. I thought it was offensive beyond measure. I loved the beat, how could you not? But I hated the song. Turns out all it needs is a little cleaning up from the folks at Glee. LOL Another of Matthew Morrison's infamous rap performances, I think he does GREAT. Probably the ONLY rap song besides I Love The Way You Lie by Emenim that EVER got an A grade from me.
15). A+ - Mark Salling (Puck) - Sweet Caroline - I was surprised beyond words at how much I liked this song. It's another song that I used to hate, that I now love once it got the 'Glee Treatment'. LOL Mark Salling does a remarkable job, and he's got, as it turns out, an entire album of his stuff out now. (
Pipe Dreams
)
16). B+ - Kevin McHale (Artie) - Dancing With Myself - The ONLY song on the entire album to not get an A grade. It has nothing to do with Kevin McHale's vocals, because I think he sounds great. It's just... I can't describe how or what the music is. Maybe more like Jazz? Either way, it's not my cup of tea. Still, he sounds great. B+ grade.
17). A - Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) and Chris Colfer (Kurt) - Defying Gravity - I think this was the song that introduced Chris Colfer as the vocal prodigy that he clearly is. They mention in the show that he is literally doing things no one else can do, and that's about damn true. Very few males in the world can sing in his tone and at such high octaves. AMAZING duet, or, as they call it on the show... Great Diva Off!!!
Alright, so that's my two cents folks. Overall, I give this album a solid A+. VERY few albums have songs that are A grade across this board. This one JUST missed the mark, but the majority of them are A's or A+, and that makes this a winning album in my book. In fact, I think it was ROBBED of the Grammy! LOL
Thanks for your time folks.
Sincerely, R.A. McDowell
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