On The Download: 'Glee: The Music, Vol. 1'

On The Download: 'Glee: The Music, Vol. 1' Columbia RecordsAccess Hollywood

By Jeremy Blacklow

BURBANK, Calif. -- It's hard to go anywhere nowadays and escape the "Glee" hype. And why would you want to? It's arguably the most refreshing new scripted series on television since "30 Rock" debuted three years ago.

The happy-go-lucky cast of social misfits and high school queen bees is endearing and sympathetic - and (most of them) have killer voices to go along with their bodacious bods and witty banter.

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In today's multi-media platform society though, one track of income a successful business venture does not make. "Glee" isn't surviving only on iTunes, Hulu ... and oh yeah, its original FOX broadcast. Today, the first volume of songs is available for purchase as well, courtesy of Columbia Records. And nothing could be more fun for reliving the moments associated with the songs in the show.

The album kicks off with nearly ubiquitous cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," which premiered on the show's pilot last May. Even now, after numerous plays, the song brings pure joy listen-upon-listen.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Glorious Cast Of 'Glee'!

Highlights from the rest of the album include Lea Michele's covers of Rihanna's "Take A Bow" and Jordin Sparks' Chris Brown duet, "No Air." Matthew Morrison busts the white boy hip-hop in Kanye West's "Gold Digger" and Young MC's "Bust A Move." Diva Amber Riley shines in Jazmine Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows" and Jill Scott's "Hate On Me." And guest star Kristin Chenoweth's covers of Heart's "Alone" and "Maybe This Time" from the "Chicago" soundtrack are priceless.

Moreover, fans of the show will get a preview of the upcoming stellar November 11 episode (FOX has already sent screeners of this Emmy-worthy episode to media!), which features the cast's cover of Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" and Lea's ode to her Broadway roots, covering "Wicked's" very popular end of Act One number, "Defying Gravity."

Moreover, "Glee: The Music, Vol. 2," isn't far away. It's already been announced that the follow up will debut only a month for now, on December 8, previewing songs from the back-end 13 episodes of the show's first season.

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Showrunner Ryan Murphy and his creative team, haven't just created a TV show, they've created an entire world of music, story and karaoke-fantasy. And fortunately, it's a world very worth visiting... and re-visiting.

The tracklisting for "Glee: The Music Vol. 1":

"Don't Stop Believin'"
"Can't Fight This Feeling"
"Gold Digger"
"Take a Bow"
"Bust Your Windows"
"Taking Chances"
"Alone"
"Maybe This Time"
"Somebody to Love"
"Hate On Me"
"No Air"
"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
"Keep Holding On"
"Bust a Move"
"Sweet Caroline"
"Dancing with Myself"
"Defying Gravity"

The tracklisting for "Glee: The Music Vol. 2":

"Proud Mary"
"Endless Love"
"I'll Stand By You"
"Don't Stand So Close To Me"/"Young Girl"
"Crush"
"(You're) Having My Baby"
"Lean On Me"
"Don't Make Me Over"
"Imagine"
"True Colors"
"Jump"
"Smile" (Lily Allen cover)
"Smile" (Charlie Chaplin cover)
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"
"Don't Rain On My Parade"
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
"My Life Would Suck Without You"

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: On The Download - Music - Glee - Broadway - Pop