Glee: Best and Worst Songs So Far

One more week, gleeks. With the recent release of Glee: The Music, Volume 1, I'm sure many of you obsessed fans have already determined your favorite Glee numbers. I know I have, so I've compiled a list of what I think are the best and worst numbers so far this season.

Let's start with the good:

5. Bust Your Windows

It's no secret that I am on Team Mercedes. While Rachel has finally grown on me, I still think Mercedes is getting the short end when it comes to solos. This performance by Amber Riley is what really sealed the deal on my devotion to Mercedes. The car wash cheerleaders and Kurt's reaction to his damaged windshield certainly didn't hurt.

4. Don't Stop Believin'

Still one of the best ensemble numbers so far, this performance from the pilot is the one that made most of us into the card-carrying gleeks we are today. "Don't Stop Believin'" is clearly the anthem for New Directions, and still in heavy rotation on my iPod.

3. Sweet Caroline

Definitely my favorite solo of the season so far. I already had a glimmer of a crush on Noah Puckerman when he showed Rachel Berry his guns, but by the second refrain of "Sweet Caroline," I was fully prepared to go Mary Kay Letournou all over that fine-lookin' Jew. Thank GOD the actor who plays Puck, Mark Salling, is of legal age.

2. Keep Holding On

I'm writing the list myself and even still I'm shocked that I'm putting an Avril Lavigne song in the number two slot. What really sold this one for me is the way the director and actors use the number to tell a story without dialogue, which is what musicals should do. Dianna Agron (Quinn) pulls some serious heartstrings in this number, which is tough after all her machinations behind the scenes with Sue Sylvester. Finn grabbing both Rachel's and Quinn's hands toward the end of the number is equally affecting. But the part where Kurt spins Quinn, with tears in her eyes? OMG, somebody please get me a tissue. "Keep Holding On" wins this spot for equally showcasing the stars' talents for dancing, singing, and acting.

1. Somebody to Love

I get weepy every time I watch or hear this performance. DON'T YOU JUDGE ME. The group numbers are the true shining moments of Glee, and this is, thus far, the pinnacle. Even Corey Monteith's awkward Frankenteen dancing cannot detract from the win of this number. And, even though it hardly needs to be said, Amber Riley's solo at the end is amazing. It sends chills up my spine every time. 

And now, the not as good:

3. No Air

I wasn't a fan of the song to begin with, but the heavy Autotune and the cheesy wind-blown sequence of Finn and Rachel singing in the halls was just a little too much. 

2. The Thong Song

I think it's cute when Will does the rapping b-boy thing, but no one should ever sing this song. Ever. Can we please forget it was written?

1. Confessions/It's My Life

I know they're all hepped up on goofballs, but the dancing is too frenetic, and Corey Monteith's vocals are terrible. The only saving grace of this number is Artie, who needs to be getting more solos. 

Thankfully, next week will not only bring a new  episode, but the episode itself, "Wheels", promises to heavily showcase Artie. See you next week with the recap!

Comments

[Liline]

I love their versions of 'gold digger' and "push it' and I don't even like rap!

[Liline]

As a European, I don't get country most of the time but I really enjoyed "last name".

[ljpock]

I too started to swoon with "Sweet Caroline". I didn't have a crush on Puck until he then, but how can you resist the guns AND Neil?

I am proud to admit I bought Vol. 1 earlier this week and have been in heaven listening to it.

I like your list except that the Thong Song IMO was so bad it was funny. Because I agree that no one should ever have to sing that song, and that he did it with such gusto was awesome!

Every time I listen to "Somebody to Love" and hear Franketeen sing "Got no feel, I got no rhythm. I just keep losing my beat" I giggle because that boy just can't dance to save his soul (which is utterly adorable).

Ok - I think I've rambled enough :)

Love your recaps also - can't wait til next week!

[Sprite's Keeper]

Seriously? It's coming back next week? I don't know, what if they decide the World Series needs twenty more games...
Actually, I've heard that they may perform "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. If so, THAT will be my favorite Glee song, even if Kristin Chenowith doesn't come back for it.

[Sofia]

I bought Confessions/It's my life, and it's the only glee song I've bought, because 1) Artie sings in it and I may have a crush on him. Luckily he's only a couple years younger than me. Has any else seen the youtube videos of the boy band he used to be in? He is the absolute only reason to watch those videos, which really gives me a good enough reason to watch them 2) I hate that they're all 1.29 on itunes and otherwise would have bought sweet caroline because Puck singing that song makes me swoon.

My boyfriend totally agrees about the thong song, and i thought it'd be funny, but kinda pushed out of my memory until i saw it here. Yeah, definitely needs to go.

[pgoodness]

i agree. :)

[Alyssa]

Thumbs down on "Push It", "The Thong Song" And Quinn's most recent solo, which was so forgettable I don't even remember what she sang.

I agree on your tops and would only add Rachel's "Take a Bow" to the tops list... maybe in place of Sweet Caroline (Puck is hot, but the song didn't wow me). Also I'm pretty sure "Defying Gravity" is going to be on that list. I heard the preview and Kurt is MIND-BLOWING!

[Susan]

Holy crap - I missed Bust Your Windows the first time around - if my husband saw those cheerleaders, he would not be so quick to dismiss this show as an outlet for washed up 30 somethings desperate to relive their high school choir, marching band and theatre days. Not that that describes me, or anything...

I can't believe you didn't include All the Single Ladies... I mean okay, it's the football team and not the glee club, but still... so funny!

Oh, and Sweet Caroline? YUM-O.

[heidi]

Gold Digger is my absolute favorite. And I downloaded them one by one as they were released because I apparently am a bigger geek than even the average Gleek. I know, I'm sad. And I can't wait for Artie's Dancing with Myself.

[brandi]

I am so with you on Somebody To Love! I got a little choked up just looking at the still on that video. Then I watched it fifteen times. So great.

[JZMom]

I'm totally with you, except for the Confessions/It's My Life. I completely love that mash up, and think the performance is fine. The guy who got up and did the solo dance has inspired my son to sign up for hip hop dance lessons - something I've been working on for 3 years!

[lizneust]

But when does Kurt get to sing? We've seen him dance, but there hasn't been a solo yet. I keep hoping....

[Karen Sugarpants]

So I know I'm dead to you and all, Snarky Amber, BUT I'm with you on Sweet Caroline & Keep Holdin' On, all the way. Those two songs are reasons why I keep watching.

An aside: I went to put the garbage out tonight and I noticed YOU BUST THE WINDOWS OUT MAH CAR.

It's on S.A... It's SO on.

[Snarky Amber]

@Karen *sings* "you should feel lucky that that's all I did..."

[Snarky Amber]

@liz I could be wrong, believe Kurt will get a solo in Episode 10 "Ballads."

[Shelley]

Totes agree with this list. Just sat here and teared up over "Keep Holding On" all over again.

[mommymae]

see, i like the "thong song" b/c it was just so ridiculous & "single ladies" was pretty good, too, but your top 5 were all gold.

[michele]

you are so right about artie needing more solos.

glee love!

[Jill]

I really can't pick a favorite.... I love them ALL! I have to say, though, that I get the giggles every time I watch Mr Shu sing "bust a move." It's too adorable!

[After Words]

Sweet Caroline didn't do it for me. Can't say why. I'd put Gold Digger in its place. Otherwise, I completely agree with your lists.

[Tracy H.]

Snarky Amber, I'm sure you saw the Glee cast perform the National Anthem at the World Series and none other than Mercedes got the starring role. She is awesome.