The Cast of “Glee”

“The Power of Madonna”

6.7/10.0

Key Tracks: “Like A Prayer,” “Vogue”

“Glee” and Madonna have a lot in common: They’re both bold, brassy, highly controversial and like taking long walks on the beach over a heavy dance beat.

So it only makes sense that these two musical giants come together to create a confection of guilty pleasures.

It’s powerful, and it’s Madonna — it’s “The Power of Madonna” (the popular TV show’s latest release, if you hadn’t guessed by now).

Making an EP chock-full of over-the-top numbers from an iconic, over-the-top performer was a wonderful idea only the gods — or rather, the producers of “Glee” — could dream of.

And that’s exactly what the music of “The Power of Madonna” is: A great idea. Save for a few numbers that are awesomely irresistible, the power of “Glee” ultimately remains its strongest on-screen.

Note that I said “numbers” to describe the music on the EP. Now with more dependence on the standard overproduced musical number during the show — with the powerhouse chorus, high belting and catchy rhythm that all make you want to gleefully sing along — the same magic on the screen doesn’t always translate over to a car radio or iPod.

The irony of “Like a Virgin” (describing a trio of virgin characters) or “Express Yourself” (with the girls dressing up as boys) just doesn’t have the same effect on my iPod … or on car radio.

The last number of the episode leaves audiences on a musical high — remember “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Somebody to Love” and “My Life Would Suck Without You” — and while the religious experience of “Like a Prayer” helps when I see the talented cast belt in front of a full-blown choir, the song succeeds on its own without context.

The insanely catchy “4 Minutes,” a newer Madonna hit from her latest album “Hard Candy,” strangely out-does any cover from leads Lea Michele and Cory Monteith.

Upset over their small chances of ever getting a solo, supporting characters Kurt and Mercedes cover this brassy little number with the Cheerios in retaliation.

All in all, “Glee” is “Glee.”

And while it even bothers me that Jane Lynch finally sang a song in-character as the Madonna-worshipping Sue Sylvester — the most epic character ever on modern television — “Glee” music is meant for light listening. And nothing is lighter than Madonna.