Glee: The Music, Volume 1
by Various Artists
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 3, 2009
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. BBC Music
    70
    No-one will be disappointed by a Glee album which includes "Don’t Stop Believin’"--their chart-eating cover of the Petra Haden arrangement of the Journey song; or "Alone," or "Gold Digger." But it’s a shame there wasn’t room for their Winehouse-approved upgrade of "Rehab;" or the stripped-back swing at Bel Biv Devoe’s "Poison," as performed by the show’s all-male vocal group Acafellas. These would probably have lifted the second half of the CD, which loses some of the sparkle and joy once the barn-storming "Somebody to Love" has finished.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    40
    It’ll no doubt be lapped up by impressionable 14 year old girls the world over, but for a show that has so much more to offer this just smacks of studio exec. cash-in.
  3. Billboard.com
    85
    And as on "Idol," that aesthetic is most appealingly expressed here in the material that seems the least suited for it-i.e., mushy heartland rock ballads.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    Not all Glee members are created equal--Cory Monteith (the show's hunky football captain) and Dianna Agron (the alternately caustic and vulnerable head cheerleader) can't sing nearly as well as their co-stars--but this soundtrack has enough star power to keep things trucking along, especially when powerhouse alto Lea Michele takes the wheel.
  6. The Guardian
    60
    In fairness, not all the album's ­highlights require the listener to ­temporarily imagine that they're ­listening to a high-school choir....More often, though, if you're prepared to buy into the ­conceit, Glee: the Soundtrack almost lives up to its title.
  7. Rolling Stone
    50
    Star Matthew Morrison couldn't rap his way out of a 98° rehearsal. But Amber "Mercedes" Riley crushes Jazmine Sullivan's 'Bust Your Windows,' and the Gleeks' 'Don't Stop Believin'' is a triumphal moment against which resistance is futile.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    In context, it all has a giddy sort of ''let's put on a show'' charm; ?on record, it's basically fancy (albeit fun) karaoke.
  9. PopMatters
    40
    In the end, there’s nothing completely surprising or revolutionary about anything on the soundtrack.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 10 out of 32
  1. MegWhiteley
    Feb 25, 2012
    10
    What? I love Glee, and this soundtrack is really fantastic. The covers are really great, the voice of Lea Michelle is uff wow, incredible, isWhat? I love Glee, and this soundtrack is really fantastic. The covers are really great, the voice of Lea Michelle is uff wow, incredible, is a great album.… Full Review »
  2. amir_manraj
    Jun 13, 2011
    5
    Even though I am a Gleek, I have to admit that the cover versions on this album are simply hit-and-miss. Most of the songs are tooEven though I am a Gleek, I have to admit that the cover versions on this album are simply hit-and-miss. Most of the songs are too karaoke-esque. The show's signature song, Journey's "Don't Stop Believing", is the only true highlight of this album. I also enjoyed the cover of Wicked's "Defying Gravity" and like how the show is trying to bring show tunes to a wider audience.… Full Review »
  3. MovieMadness
    Jun 1, 2011
    10
    A musical mash-up that will have you singing along in the car and singing along! Amazing show and the CD has not slipped! Astounding, butA musical mash-up that will have you singing along in the car and singing along! Amazing show and the CD has not slipped! Astounding, but there is a bit of juice missing, Glee looks fit to bring us more and we are sure that they will in the very near future!… Full Review »
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