Glee’s Top Ten Tunes
The mid-season finale of Glee was shown on TV3 last night (sister station 3e broadcast it last Friday, with E4 in the UK due to air the thirteenth episode of season one on Monday). So what better time to count down the top ten tunes from the series so far…
10. Puck - ‘Sweet Caroline’ (Episode 8: Mash-Up)
This was Puck’s first chance to really shine, as he was given lead vocal duties on Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’. It’s a lovely song, with actor Mark Salling providing both vocals and guitar. This gave the song a more realistic feel, inkeeping with the narration - unlike the cutaways of other episodes.
9. Rachel - ‘Taking Chances’ (Episode 4: Preggers)
Given the chance to sing a Celine Dion song and tear her away from Glee Club, Rachel (Lea Michele) took on ‘Taking Chances’, a song made famous by Dion. However, the original (and best) version is by Platinum Weird, the group formed by Kara DioGuardi and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Rachel is far and away the best singer in the cast, and this further enforced that notion.
8. Kurt & the Football Team - ‘Single Ladies’ (Episode 4: Preggers)
From the same episode as ‘Taking Chances’, there were a few different versions of Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’, but none was better than the fantastic dance routine which helps the football team win their first ever game. This episode was where Kurt finally came out to his father. It was an emotional episode throughout, and really displayed the show’s heart. (The solo Kurt version of the song was also damn good, but the dance routine must be seen again…)
7. Finn - ‘(You’re) Having My Baby’ (Episode 10: Ballad)
This song was better introduced than many of the other tunes, as Finn brought his stereo to his in-laws’ dinner table. Thus, we knew a song was inevitable, and it didn’t appear out of nowhere (like in High School Musical and the like where everyone seems to know the dance steps ahead of time). Finn isn’t the best male singer on the cast, as he can be sometimes grating, but this was his finest solo moment. Both funny and charming.
6. Haverbrook Deaf Choir & New Directions - Imagine (Episode 11: Hairography)
The most intense scene in the entire series so far. This featured the Haverbrook Deaf Choir signing the John Lennon classic, with vocals from both Haverbrook and New Directions. It worked perfectly with the song’s lyrics, and was a lovely moment in a clever television show which avoided going for easy laughs.
5. New Directions - ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ (Episode 1: Pilot)
Episode one of any series is always difficult, as you have to introduce all the characters and set the scene for the remainder of the season. There were a few road bumps in Glee’s pilot episode, but when the entire cast sang ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, you knew you were on to a good thing. The best New Directions song yet, and a wonderful take on the Journey classic.
4. Kurt & Rachel - ‘Defying Gravity’ (Episode 9: Wheels)
Kurt (Chris Colfer) is probably the best of the male youngsters (Will is the best male overall), but unfortunately doesn’t get as much chance to show his fantastic voice. A great moment in the series, as he tried to take on a female song, and did a fantastic job of it. The reason he failed to defeat Rachel in the competition is wonderful too. Kurt’s father is one of the best non-main characters in the show.
3. Will - ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl) (Episode 10: Ballad)
There were a lot of other mash-ups in the show; the girls’ ‘Halo/Walking on Sunshine’ was narrowly better than the boys’ ‘It’s My Life/Confessions’, but this one was the best. It’s also Will’s (Matthew Morrison) finest hour so far. A clever set-up which is a stable of teen drama, but handled perfectly as Will tried to reject Rachel’s advances by telling her to “really listen to the lyrics”. Gary Puckett’s ‘Young Girl’ has never sounded so good.
2. Mercedes - ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ (Episode 13: Sectionals)
Mercedes saved the best until last. We always knew she was a great singer (her solos in New Directions are always fantastic), but some of the songs chosen for her didn’t do her justice. Amber Riley has an extremely powerful voice, and when she’s able to sing a song like this (rather than hip-hop like ‘Bust Your Windows’), you really have high hopes for the second half of the season. Every bit as good as the original from Dreamgirls.
1. Rachel - ‘Take a Bow’ (Episode 2: Showmance)
As I said earlier, Rachel is far and away the best singer on the show. This is where she really proved that. I never had much love for the Rihanna original, but the lyrics and those vocals worked so well in the episode. This was the moment where Glee became your favourite new television show, wasn’t it? Simply amazing.
About the Author
Ronan Music blogger turned book/TV blogger. Avid follower of the Irish soccer team.
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I’m a big fan of Rachel’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, from the mid-season finale.
Defying Gravity and Don’t Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl would be my top two…I think.
Take a Bow, Don’t Stop Believing and Defying Gravity should be the Top 3. Also, I love !Bust Your Windows! by Mercedes
I’m not a huge fan of the “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” mash probably becuase it’s one of my favourite Police songs and they just do it better.
I miss Glee!
No Kristin Chenoweth? Her ‘Maybe this time’ with Rachel, and ‘Alone’ with Will would definitely be in my top 3.
Cannot stand Finn so he wouldn’t be included at all in my list.
Nice round up though! It’s *such* a great show 😀
great pics.
“Alone” is probably my #1, the CD version is longer that the short piece seen on the show. Super great.
Iluv puk. Quinn is my fav person shes sooo pretty.lol!:)role modle or what!