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Songs from "Glee"
Songs from "Glee"
When I fell in love with Fox’s “Glee” last September, I had no idea the relationship would last longer than a few months. But what once was a simple infatuation has developed into something more — I’ve become a Gleek.
Not only has this show become a favorite for many teenagers, its soundtrack has produced some of iTunes’ bestselling tracks this year, including its hit song “Don’t Stop Believin.”
Competing with “Believin,’” however is the cast’s cover of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”
The show’s New Directions glee club takes the stage for the first time with layers upon layers of the harmonic build-up and climactic finales (enormously boosted by the big-voiced Mercedes Jones) typical of Queen songs and now classic of “Glee’s” songbook.
The often piano-based big numbers coming around every other track almost overpower the show’s compilation album, “Glee: The Music, Vol. 1,” but then you remember the characters behind the music – the show’s fundamental genius. The album is just filled with one rousing number after the other.
It’s one thing for a show to have great music, but the stories built around numbers during episodes reinforce “Glee’s,” well, gleefulness.
Star Lea Michele’s voice is perfect for “Glee’s” seemingly endless supply of power ballads like the aforementioned covers. It’s kind of expected that she sing “diva standards” like Celine Dion’s “Taking Chances” and Rihanna’s “Take A Bow.”
The Broadway veteran’s voice has the heart and the vocal power and precision that make every spine-chilling solo satisfying. She could really sing anything. The full-throttle belting from “Defying Gravity” is clearly more suited for her vocals than for co-performer Chris Colfer’s falsetto soprano (though the song’s message is far more suited to his character, Kurt, than hers).
The rest of the cast has just as much talent as its obvious diva. The only time Berry’s throne as the glee club’s star is threatened is the wildly ironic presence of Kristen Chenoweth’s April Rhodes, who steals the show from the Idina Menzel-lookalike on the smoky and yearning “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret.”
Songs from the other performers are where the real gems are found. Cory Monteith’s Finn pretty much is reduced to duets with Rachel, on “No Air,” “Believin,” “Somebody to Love” and “Keep Holding On” (notice a pattern of song choice?), but on his inaugural “Can’t Fight This Feeling” Monteith’s scratchy-yet-smooth voice soars on the guitar-backed instrumentation.
A self-described “Beyoncé, not Kelly Rowland,” diva Mercedes (played by Amber Riley) evokes more of a Jennifer Hudson-type big voice, evoking some brassy soul on the scorned songs “Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan and “Hate On Me” by Jill Scott. I wonder who’s going to be singing “And I’m Telling You” when that song comes in the near future.
The only character who really bothers me is teacher Will Schuester and his tendency to rap in his numbers rather than capitalize on the amazing voice he shows on “Alone” with Kristin Chenoweth. Just say no to “Gold Digger.” Mercedes’ intro is impressive as always, but the rapping of a high school Spanish teacher just makes everything so awkward to listen to and/or watch. Morrison raps well and flows consistently, but it breaks the character too much for Will to suddenly be a G.
“Glee” just invites its viewers for an hour of escapism, as the show’s writing is as much guilty fun as the aurally awesome music, released every week on iTunes in a smart move by Fox. The show holds claim to the specifically on-screen Emma Pillsbury, the school’s guidance counselor, and Cherrios coach Sue Sylvester, both hilarious characters, one with a heart and the other definitely without one.
“Glee’s” quirky, often racy, plots should be enough incentive to become a “Gleek” alone. What other show could have teenage pregnancy, faked pregnancy, cupcakes laced with pot and lots of unrequited love?
The show’s soundtrack is now available and new episodes of “Glee” air at 8 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox.
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JJanowiak 2 years, 6 months ago
I am a gleek. AND I'M DEFYING GRAVITY!