Winning show choir competitions may be the primary focus for the kids of 'Glee,' but that doesn't mean they can't work some teen angst into their routines. In the episode 'Hell-O,' Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) delivers a bitter, emotionally-charged farewell to longtime crush Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) singing AAR's punchy 2008 kiss-off hit.
09
'Smile'
Charlie Chaplin
McKinley High's musically-talented social outcasts all seem to find themselves drawn to New Directions. Chaplin's classic tune -- originally sung by Nat King Cole in 1954 but performed as a lovely, harmonic cast number in the episode 'Mattress' -- can even cheer up the unpopular folks whose photos are bound to be doodled in the high school yearbook.
The glee club face some challenges when they realize their set list is leaked and their rehearsed songs are stolen. But in the episode 'Sectionals,' they triumphantly take home the winning trophy with a rendition of 1969's album 'Let It Bleed,' led by Finn. Originally written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song's performance brings the audience to its feet.
Growing up is tough, especially when only one parent is around. When cast member Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer)'s dad hits it off with Finn's mom, a new idea of family arises. In the episode 'Home,' Kurt performs a sweet solo of the 1964 Warwick ballad to represent love and loss, while trying to convince Finn to accept their parents' relationship.
The group's interpretation of Madge's 1989 hit may not have the scandal of the original (no burning crosses here), but it does have the pizzazz. Backed by a gospel choir, the finale of the episode 'The Power of Madonna' features multi-cast solos, including contributions from new member Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff), formerly the male lead from competing team Vocal Adrenaline.
Our fifth best 'Glee' song features a brokenhearted Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) shining in a breakout performance of Sullivan's revenge single. The mid-tempo R&B tune, released in 2008, gives her the opportunity to show off some serious vocal ability and attitude in the episode 'Acafellas,' as she literally throws a rock through Kurt's windshield when she finds out he doesn't want to date her.
04
'Defying Gravity'
'Wicked' Cast
Both Rachel and Kurt wow their fellow glee club friends in a diva-off on the episode 'Wheels,' while auditioning to sing this song -- which initially gained popularity in 2003 as the main number from the musical 'Wicked.' Interestingly, Broadway's version of the track was recorded by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, both recurring characters on 'Glee.'
Before 'Glee' tackled an all-Madonna episode, Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) and Noah "Puck" Puckerman (Mark Salling) perform an acoustic 'Papa Don't Preach' in the episode 'Hairography.' The energy of the 1986 dance-pop track is replaced by a low-key sincerity that follows the pregnant cheerleader-turned-glee club member's storyline.
The complex 1976 Freddie Mercury-penned tune gets the choral treatment in the episode 'The Rhodes Not Taken' -- and the 'Glee' kids nail it. The ensemble performance, which brings Rachel back into the club to share lead vocals with Finn after a hiatus, proves that the show must always go on -- and that the group really knows how to rock.
Much of the 'Glee' spotlight often centers on Rachel, Finn and Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison), but in the episode 'Mash-Up,' Puck -- fleetingly trying to impress Rachel -- gets a shot at his first solo with the 1969 pop hit. Story has it that Diamond was hesitant to license the song to the TV show, but loved the end result.
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1. I can't believe Don't Stop Believing isn't on here! (Wordplay intended...) That's probably one of the main reasons Glee was rocketed into the mainstream in the first place.
Posted at 10:36PM on May 11th 2010 by MusicGal