The first volume of the Glee soundtrack is out! And while we can’t say it’s full of surprises — we get two unaired songs, a few full-length versions of songs abbreviated on the show, and a good mix of the showstoppers — it’s definitely worth cherry-picking a few downloads. And so we’ve ranked and annotated all seventeen tracks to tide you over until the show returns next week. Check the site for the ranking for the rest of the 12 songs.
5. “Sweet Caroline,” Mark Salling
Five words: We. Want. More. Singing. Puck. The recorded version is still woefully abbreviated, and we could do with less acoustic guitar in general. But who knew Puck had a sexalicious voice to match his looks? We’ll forever think of this song as a gift from one good lookin’ Jew to another.
4. “Alone,” Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison
It nearly reduced us to tears of happiness in the episode, and the jolt of Heart drama is still there. A good example of how Mr. Schue is often better when harmonizing (remember his simple rendition of “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane?”). P.S. We miss Kristin.
3. “Defying Gravity,” Lea Michele and Chris Colfer
Another one not yet seen, but a potential classic Symbolic Episode Ender. We’re not surprised that Rachel would seem right at home singing Elphaba’s showstopper belter from Wicked —Lea Michele does, after all, seem to fashion herself a mini Idina Menzel. The real wow factor, though, comes with hearing Kurt sing for the first time! We heard his lovely, warm alto, and first thought it might be coming from a girl (we mean that as a compliment). Plus, the whole “rise above and stay true to yourself” message is super-affecting when we consider Kurt’s plot line thus far. More singing, Kurt, please!
2. “Hate on Me,” Amber Riley
When a teenage girl can make us momentarily forget Jill Scott, it’s a good sign. Boogie down in your apartment! Better lyrics and better instrumentals (that great funk band!) than “Bust Your Windows,” and Mercedes sounds better for it. We love when she screams about making her scorned man a metaphorical peach pie.
1.“Maybe This Time,” Kristin Chenoweth and Lea Michele
Even without visuals, this still feels complete. Kristin, of course, blows Lea out of the water, though Lea’s vocals sound a bit better without her overwrought facial expressions attached. We dare anyone not to imagine themselves a little Sally Bowles after hearing this — or to toggle back and forth between the Liza Minelli and Glee versions.
full article: nymag.com