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After reviewing the music from Glee for a good part of the year, I have compiled what I believe to be the 10 best tracks recorded by the Glee cast.
10. “Faithfully”
The duet between Lea Michele and Cory Monteith of Journey’s “Faithfully” was New Directions lead in song during Regionals. I am a huge fan of both of their singing voices. Michele and Monteith seem to compliment each other very well. This song is what I thought to be their shining moment singing together during the last part of season one.
9. “Beautiful”
Amber Riley has had some amazing vocal performances this year, but it was her rendition of Christina Aguilera’s huge hit song, “Beautiful” that really blew me away. The song allowed for Riley to show off multiple facets of her vocal range, as well as sing a powerful message.
8. “Stop! In The Name of Love/Free Your Mind”
This mash-up from season two features all the Glee guys from New Directions. I really enjoyed this track, and the guys sounded great. I have to add that Chord Overstreet sounds really charming during his verse. I thought the track was well-produced, and who would have ever thought that Diana Ross and EnVogue would meld well together into one song?
7. “Toxic”
It was a toss-up decision between this and “Me Against the Music,’ which I thought was another great track from the Britney Spears themed episode at the beginning of season two. I picked this track, because I really liked what they did with using the harmonies in place of instruments. Plus, it was nice to hear Matthew Morrison singing with the rest of the cast.
The Glee ladies, along with Chris Colfer really nailed the essence of this song on the head. This track is infused with a lot of personality, which is what makes it just as much fun to listen to as the original Lady Gaga version.
5. ”Happy Days Are Here Again”/”Get Happy”
Hands down, this is my favorite duet of season two, so far. Lea Michele and Chris Colfer sound absolutely incredible singing together. They both exhibit vocal restraint when appropriate, allowing each other to shine during their respective verses. It’s a stunning vocal performance from each of the singers.
This past year there haven’t been really any show-stopping group numbers from New Directions since the first half of season one. However, “Like a Prayer” was the juggernaut of the Madonna themed episode. During the first verse of the song where Lea Michele is singing, her voice has this haunting feeling about it. I love that there’s a backing choir, it really elevates the whole song to a different level.
Glee guest star, Jonathan Groff sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with flare and drama that has only left me hoping that the show figures out a way to bring his character Jesse St. James back to the show. His vocal range is amazing, and this song showcased every bit of his talent.
2. “Forget You”
Color me shocked when I first heard Gwyneth Paltrow’s version of Cee Lo Green’s “F*** You.” I knew Gwyneth could sing, but I didn’t know how she would sound on a song that’s current. Turns out, she can rock it with the best of them. This is a great version of the original song, and it’s so much fun to sing-a-long to.
This song is probably the best thing to happen to Glee during the first half of their second season. Flipping this song and have it being sung by newcomer Darren Criss adds a fresh perspective to the track. Criss has a great voice, and it was fantastic fit for this song. Again, I love the acoustic harmonies that were used instead of instruments. This version is so good, that I rarely listen to the original song anymore.
So do you agree or disagree with my picks? What were your favorite songs from Glee during 2010?
