 "Photo: Courtesy Fox.com")
Fox Broadcasting Company’s new hit TV series “Glee,” has made it’s bevymultitude of covers, heard during the show,diddies available forto the masses. “Glee: The Music, Volume 1” is filled with fun, poppy music that is as exuberant as the bright yellow album cover.
The soundtrack’s first track is a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” and it is probably the most well-known song from “Glee” as clips of the song are used in many of the TV commercials for the show. Journey is a good choice for the first song, because it starts the album off with a fun song everyone knows.
The cast has some experienced Broadway actors whose seasoned vocals stand out. Leading the group is Lea Michele, of Broadway’s “Spring Awakening” fame. Her melodic voice makes tsongs she leads a treat to hear. Her rendition of Rihanna’s “Take A Bow” is gorgeous with her smooth vocals, and her version of “Taking Chances” by Celine Dion is definitely worth more than one listen.
Amber Riley’s wide vocal range definitely stands out on the soundtrack. The tracks that she sings lead on are powerful —, she completely steals the spotlight in “Somebody to Love”.
One might think that seasoned Broadway actor Matthew Morrison would sing a great deal on the album; but two out of the three songs he performs on, he raps. While he’s not a poor rapper — in fact he’s quite good — it would be nice to hear more of his polished singing voice.
sings One track features special guest Kristen Chenoweth. The Tony and Emmy award winner is a treat on the album, lending her vocals to two fantastic duets: “Alone” with Morrison, and “Maybe This Time” with Michele. (Fans will enjoy the two Broadway divas trying to outdo one another singing the melancholy and heartbreaking classic from Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret.)
One of the male leads on the series, Corey Monteith, may not have the strongest voice of the cast, but he is able to hold his own. He does exceptionally well on his duet of “No Air” with Michele.
All the songs are covers on the soundtrack, and each is done in a special “Glee” cast version. Some are better than others.
“Hate on Me,” with Riley taking the lead, does the original song justice, but the version of “Dancing with Myself” falls under par it. “You Keep Me Hanging On” is a great version of the original Supremes classic sung by Dianna Argon. One of the best and shortest songs on the soundtrack is Mark Salling singing “Sweet Caroline.” Salling has a fantastic voice and it is a shame that the Neil Diamond cover is just under two minutes.
Overall, the soundtrack is a great pick for fans of the show or for people who like new twists on familiar songs. Not all the songs are top-notch, but the gems balance everything out. Plus, as a special treat for all the Broadway fans, the final track which features Michele and Chris Colfer singing their hearts out on “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.” Take a chance on this soundtrack; it’s a glee-fully good time.
Grade: B+
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