Glee: The Music, Volume 1

Rated by Ian Williams, Sunderland, UK on 31st March 2010

Don't buy vol.2 either, or download the MP3s. Don't watch the TV show and definitely do not buy the DVD. They are bad for you and I'm going to tell you why. A few weeks ago I was a normal person who liked their entertainment to have an edge. I love raw Blues (Blind Willie Johnson, Howlin' Wolf) and hard Rock (Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen) and Johnny Cash (I don't like Country otherwise). I like music so raw that if it was steak (and if I wasn't a vegetarian) I'd eat it raw and bloody. I like tough TV. I like Skins and I like True Blood and I like Dexter. And when I heard there was tv series about High School students who sang in a glee club I wanted to throw up. I would make it my mission to exterminate such a vile and inspid and bland thing and eradicate its memory from the collective human consciousness. So of course I had to watch at least one episode to make sure it was as sickening as I expected. And another. And another. And another, until I began to weep. It had snared me in its insidious clutches and my destroyed my credibility in my own eyes. I enjoyed the stories and the characters, but my exposure of their particular horrors shall wait until I've watched the DVD and all the extras. Twice. I enjoyed the music -me who likes his music raw and bleeding. I loved the range of the strong voices, leads and harmonies. I loved the mix and the arrangements of the blend of pop songs and shown tunes and, yes, rock. I loved the choreography and colour and bounciness. And so I bought Glee: the Music CD vol 1. And Glee: the Music CD vol 2. (And pre-ordered Glee: Season 1 the DVD.) And, like the show itself, the music made me smile and it made me happy and I couldn't deny it any longer. I loved Glee. Keep away lest this devious piece of skilled wonderfully enjoyable delightful entertainment ensnare you too and destroy all your credibility and illusions. Don't buy this CD!

Rated by Truecolours09, London, UK on 29th October 2009

TV show 'Glee' has yet to be shown on E4 over here but is already a breakout hit for FOX in the US. Created by Ryan Murphy, it's a hugely enjoyable take on the American high school experience. By focusing on a school's 'Glee' club - singing group - the show is able to introduce high impact musical numbers every week. Divorced from its source material, this soundtrack album easily stands up on it's own merits. There are cheesy moments, that goes without saying, but there is also some outstanding music. Most of these come from actress Lea Michele, who interprets every song in interesting and often moving ways. Rihanna's 'Take A Bow' and Queen's 'Somebody To Love' both benefit from Lea's gorgeous vocals that combine Broadway style theatrics with a fragile vulnerability that stops you in your tracks. Matthew Morrison takes on 'Gold Digger' and 'Bust A Move' with surprising success - his genuine real-life love of rnb shines through. He is also excellent on Heart's classic 'Alone', which is a duet with musicals legend Kristen Chenowith. Standout track is the incendiary 'Bust Your Windows', in which Amber Riley takes Jazmine Sullivan's slyly malicious kiss-off to a cheating partner to new heights. The production is terrific and Amber sells the song for all it's worth. This is not an album that will appeal to listeners seeking authenticity or innovation. It's a warm, life-affirming celebration of pop music that offers simple enjoyment and appreciation. Like the show itself, 'Glee' wears its heart on its sleeve and isn't afraid to be emotional.

Rated by R. Game, Surrey, UK on 15th March 2010

Brilliantly rousing album. The arrangements and performances are amazing on the best tracks such as Take A Bow and Somebody To Love. If you want an album for long car journeys that everyone can sing to, then let this be it!

Rated by Elstein, UK on 18th May 2010

I too used to be a normal 30 year old... I would like to make an announcement.... "My name is Bobs and I'm a Glee-aholic." There. I've said it. Watch the series. Buy the DVD boxed set. Buy the soundtrack. And you too can be a Glee-aholic. My partner says I've got a problem. The only problem I've got is that the next series and soundtrack can't come quick enough. Somebody send me some songs so I can hum through the withdrawals...

Rated by Veronica, London, UK on 19th March 2010

I have been playing this non-stop in the car, I think the choice of songs covered is quite diverse and the talent indisputable. Whilst Lea Michelle (Rachel) is the main 'lead' and does of course sing extremely well, I personally prefer Amber Riley's (Mercedes') voice and style; Kevin McHale (Artie) was a revelation too! I've just ordered my Glee Volume 2... All in all a great, fun CD with a good mix of tunes- buy it!

Rated by Deborah Smith on 23rd March 2010

My son absolutely adores this album and has played it every day since it arrived and on some days more than once. A must have for all Glee fans,

Rated by DuncS, UK on 18th March 2010

Glee is an amazing program although if you are one of the few who have watched the first one or decided, without watching it, that you don't like it then you are missing out. Big time. When I purchased this I was loving the CD too. It has accompanied my friends and myself on many a road trip, mainly playing on full volume! The reason for the lack of the fifth star is due to the lack of Mash Ups on this and Glee: The Music, Volume 2 and a few songs that are too awesome to be missed out. Anyway you should buy this because... ...well guess what I'm listening to at the moment? Enjoy!

Rated by Lydia Clare, Winsford England on 16th March 2010

This album is perfect for anyone. If you are a fan of music in general then you will be amazed by the wonderful renditions of all types of songs from a variety of genres. The performances never get boring and having had it on repeat for longer then i'd like to admit you can trust me. A wonderful all round album that is great for all ages.

Rated by CyberGnome, Edinburgh on 15th March 2010

Great tracks, great voices, great feel good vibe. Yes you can tell they have used autotune a bit to get the right tones, but to be honest who cares!

Rated by A. Reynolds on 14th March 2010

The glee songs are great on screen and great on CD. It is a shame though that some of the songs featured aren't on here eg the mash ups and the song Kristin Chenoweth sang with the club. But overall a great CD perfect for in the car!