Music Review: Glee Cast – “Pot O’ Gold”

Glee returns this week with its latest episode, “Pot O’ Gold.” The episode features five tracks, two of which are sung by one of the winners of The Glee Project, Damian McGinty, who is making his official debut on Glee as Rory Flanagan.

Naya Rivera (Santana) and Amber Riley (Mercedes) take on Christina Aguilera’s hit “Candyman” this week. It’s definitely a song that allows Rivera and Riley to showcase their vocals, being that they both have big voices with great range. I love this song because it’s so fun and bubbly, but when it comes down to it I would rather listen to Aguilera’s original. I don’t feel like either Glee singer brings anything new to it to distinguish it from the original. And let’s be real: no one can hit that last big note like Aguilera can.

Just when I had finally gotten Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” out of my head, Darren Criss (Blaine) manages to drill it back into my brain. Glee really doesn’t divert from the original track, but having a guy take on the lead vocal breathes new life into the song. Criss is an excellent choice to take the reins on this one, because not only does he have the most pop voice out of all the guys in the cast; he’s got a great track record of turning Perry’s songs into Glee hits. His cover of “Teenage Dream” went on to be Glee’s biggest-selling song last season. I can only imagine how long it will take for this latest track to become the show’s next big top seller.

We finally get Mark Salling’s (Puck) first big solo of the season this week, as he takes on Foreigner’s “Waiting For a Girl Like You.” Glee strips the song down to just an acoustic guitar, which allows for Salling’s vocal to come across as vulnerable and, more importantly, emotionally believable.

Damian McGinty (Rory) makes his big entrance this week with his two tracks, “Bein’ Green” by Kermit the Frog and “Take Care of Yourself” by Teddy Thompson. I think that both of these songs will quiet up any naysayers (including myself) who didn’t warm up to The Glee Project this past summer.

McGinty has a really pure voice and provides solid vocal performances on both of his tracks. I love hearing him go up into his falsetto range on “Take Care of Yourself.” The challenge will be to see if he can hold his own with something a bit more contemporary sounding. I think the kid has some vocal chops, and it will be interesting to see what songs Glee throws his way later this season.

Songs from Glee’s latest episode, “Pot O’ Gold,” will be available to download Tuesday, November 1 on iTunes.

Photo credit:  Adam Rose/FOX