It’s one of the top shows on television right now. Though they’ve got a high budget and an audience that will support their every move, it seems that they haven’t always produced the greatest music. “Glee” often puts out music that sounds like a rip-off of ripped-off Kidz Bop. Not only that, but they have a tendency to choose the wrong songs. Recently they’ve covered Rebecca Black’s “Friday” (that was so two months ago) and Adele’s “Turning Tables” (oh no they didn’t). Love it or hate it, you still can’t say what they’ve made is totally obnoxious. A handful of their tunes could generate radio airplay if they were given a chance, and some of them could pass for mainstream hits. Here are some of the less shameful, or maybe, surprisingly legit, “Glee” audios.
10. “Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey)
Understandably, this got annoying. But it still deserves credit for what it accomplished musically and publicly. Its position as the first Glee song ever released was a solid milestone. The vocal work was astonishing and innovative, something that hadn’t been done on television before. Plus it definitely played a part in Journey’s original version becoming the most downloaded song in history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFIoyP8jw7Q
9. “Imagine” (John Lennon)
This tune could’ve easily been made into the most bothersome “Glee” song of all time. Just when we thought it’d been done in every way possible, they came out with a more intimate take on the song. It’s slow but uplifting, and when attached to a storyline featuring a deaf choir and some very interesting sign language choreography, it was impossible not to like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0mQvIiyMs0
8. “Bust Your Windows” (Jazmine Sullivan)
An easy favorite character for fans is the finger-waving Mercedes, who not only empowers but also entertains. She brought fire to the TV screens when she busted out car windows and shook her sassy hips to these sounds. Are we crazy for admitting she out-sang the original performer?
7. “Somewhere Only We Know” (Keane)
The Warblers melt our hearts yet again. Blame frontman Blaine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31hPSWQtsD0
6. “Rehab” (Amy Winehouse)
Sung by rival choir “Vocal Adrenaline,” this take on Wino’s hit was an early charmer. The multitude of voices gives a new kind of and lightness to the song. Somehow when the song is performed in Mass, it’s much more fun. Or maybe it’s the matchy-matchy outfits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whcecZtBXJM
5. “It’s My Life / Confessions” (Bon Jovi/Usher)
“Glee” has always been consistent in bringing together songs as if they were originally born to be conjoined. In this instance, they brought together the right parts of each song to spark a soulful and energetic mix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBxemVkWgZ8
4. “Faithfully” (Journey)
It’s as if the song was made to be sung as a duet.
3. “Teenage Dream” (Katy Perry)
The cute boys in uniform, also known as rival school show choir “The Warblers,” charmed viewers from their debut on the show. This rendition came at just the right time, right after the song had become popular and fans were looking for something fresh. The song is cute and special.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruXTtJjLVy4
2. “Don’t You Want Me” (The Human League)
In one of the most humorous and remarkable episodes to date, the kids got drunk and sang karaoke to this song. The song became suddenly modern when it was set to dance beats and given a bit of glam flavor. If you didn’t know “Glee” was the makers of this, you might mistakenly slip it onto your pre-gaming mix.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RrHtN3–VE
1. “Thriller/Heads Will Roll” (Michael Jackson/Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
This one takes the cake for most genius mash-up in “Glee” history. Not only that, it’s one of the greatest accomplishments in their library thus far. It tied together old school with incredibly current. People can hate on the fact that producers set foot on indie turf, but as long as it was pulled off, many props to them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcxWnBryoJQ
