Spring Break
New Vibrations: Cast of Glee
Glee: The Music, Vol. 1
Issue date: 11/5/09
As with all shows with music as a major focus (such as "Hannah Montana"), this fall's newest smash television hit "Glee" has released the first of what we expect to be many compilations of the show's music. Glee: The Music, Vol. 1 features covers that include everything from Broadway classics to Top 100 favorites to '80s hits.
"Glee" doesn't cover bargain bin songs - artists ranging from Rihanna to Queen have given The CW rights to use their music in the show. Madonna has even reportedly given the show rights to her entire, extensive catalogue and is scheduled to perform later in the season on the show.
The covers are a little Broadway, a little overdone and a lot of awesome. Many of the covers have been performed in a way that differs from the original - always a plus when considering the art of song remakes.
The actors were cast for their prior musical backgrounds so none are lacking in vocal abilities. Lea Michele (character Rachel Berry) starred in the original Broadway cast of "Spring Awakening" and Jenna Ushkowitz (character Tina Chang-Cohen) was in the Broadway revival of "The King and I."
The album starts off with Journey's beloved "Don't Stop Believing" that utilizes a mix of a cappella and percussion and blends it to perfection. Continuing through the album, there are '80s throwbacks (like "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon?) and R&B gems (Jill Scott's "Hate on Me") alongside famous showtunes (Cabaret's "Maybe This Time"). The choice to remake songs that span so many genres is clever in the sense that it is doubtful someone won't find anything appealing amidst the 20-song potpourri.
Each song generally features a swelling chorus or intensive multi-part harmonies that make them even more dramatic. Oh yes, you can very much picture a members of an over-achieving glee club performing them on stage. In fact, don't be surprised if they make you want to get up and dance as well.
One of the best songs remakes is Kanye's "Gold Digger" which includes a yell-back chorus that answers questions posed through the verses: When the lead singer asks "I'm lookin' for the one, have you seen her?" they sing back "No, we ain't seen her."
The strength in these covers is that, in general, they don't feature only one main vocalist. While a male takes the lead vocals for the cover of Young MC's "Bust a Move," a group of female sopranos sing the chorus.
Male and female vocalists alternate singing the verses in the cover of Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On" while everyone chimes in to build the overpowering, inspirational choruses. While this is not an innovative technique, especially when considering it is done by most college a cappella groups across the country, it is impressive when combined with a swelling orchestra and the television show's stage performances.
It's poppy and peppy, but don't act like you couldn't predict that from the title of the TV show.
"Glee" doesn't cover bargain bin songs - artists ranging from Rihanna to Queen have given The CW rights to use their music in the show. Madonna has even reportedly given the show rights to her entire, extensive catalogue and is scheduled to perform later in the season on the show.
The covers are a little Broadway, a little overdone and a lot of awesome. Many of the covers have been performed in a way that differs from the original - always a plus when considering the art of song remakes.
The actors were cast for their prior musical backgrounds so none are lacking in vocal abilities. Lea Michele (character Rachel Berry) starred in the original Broadway cast of "Spring Awakening" and Jenna Ushkowitz (character Tina Chang-Cohen) was in the Broadway revival of "The King and I."
The album starts off with Journey's beloved "Don't Stop Believing" that utilizes a mix of a cappella and percussion and blends it to perfection. Continuing through the album, there are '80s throwbacks (like "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon?) and R&B gems (Jill Scott's "Hate on Me") alongside famous showtunes (Cabaret's "Maybe This Time"). The choice to remake songs that span so many genres is clever in the sense that it is doubtful someone won't find anything appealing amidst the 20-song potpourri.
Each song generally features a swelling chorus or intensive multi-part harmonies that make them even more dramatic. Oh yes, you can very much picture a members of an over-achieving glee club performing them on stage. In fact, don't be surprised if they make you want to get up and dance as well.
One of the best songs remakes is Kanye's "Gold Digger" which includes a yell-back chorus that answers questions posed through the verses: When the lead singer asks "I'm lookin' for the one, have you seen her?" they sing back "No, we ain't seen her."
The strength in these covers is that, in general, they don't feature only one main vocalist. While a male takes the lead vocals for the cover of Young MC's "Bust a Move," a group of female sopranos sing the chorus.
Male and female vocalists alternate singing the verses in the cover of Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On" while everyone chimes in to build the overpowering, inspirational choruses. While this is not an innovative technique, especially when considering it is done by most college a cappella groups across the country, it is impressive when combined with a swelling orchestra and the television show's stage performances.
It's poppy and peppy, but don't act like you couldn't predict that from the title of the TV show.
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