Rating:
Genre:
Soundtrack
Release Date: 11/03/2009
Like the
High School Musical franchise,
Glee became more than a TV show when several of its songs cracked the Hot 100, including the number four hit
"Don't Stop Believing." That song kicks off this soundtrack, the first in a series of albums cataloging the music performed by the show's cast. Not all
Glee members are created equal -- some castmates are far better actors than singers -- but this soundtrack has enough star power to keep things trucking along, especially when powerhouse alto
Lea Michele takes the wheel. She sounds fantastic throughout, whether she's holding her own during a duet with Broadway queen
Kristin Chenoweth, or covering the likes of
Jordin Sparks,
Avril Lavigne, and
Queen. The soundtrack is mostly a vehicle for her voice, yet it also gives ample stage time to
Matthew Morrison, who downplays his own Broadway career by rapping on two different tracks. Tuneful performances by
Mark Salling (the
Neil Diamond-loving jock) and former boy band member
Kevin McHale (the wheelchair-bound
Artie) also point to the fact that
Glee is an ensemble production in disguise, but
Lea Michele still receives top billing, as she sings circles around most of the pop stars whose music is featured here.
~Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
;)
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