As soon as a “Glee” album releases, I’m one of the first in line to buy it (unless it’s a “theme” EP.) Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album is a mix of Christmas songs with a B12 shot of cheer.
Lea Michele, who plays diva Rachel Berry on the show, carries the album with her big incredible, voice performing both solo renditions of Karen Carpenter’s “Merry Christmas, Baby” and the traditional “O, Holy Night.” Michele’s performance is chilling, beautiful, and well controlled. The hilarious thing part is this—her character on “Glee” is Jewish. Then again so is Mark Sailing’s character, but that doesn’t stop him from mixing it up with the guys on their big band version of “Jingle Bells.”
The cast songs are undoubtedly the best, but a few soloists such as Amber Riley (Mercedes) and Matthew Morris (Will) do stand out. But I really hate the “Glee” version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Call me intolerant, but two guys (Kurt/Blaine) singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” weirds me out, plus I’ve never been a big fan of Chris Colfer’s high tenor voice. Also, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” featuring k.d. lang is just strange. Do we really need Matthew Morrison reading from Dr. Seuss’s original text? The answer is a resounding, “No!”
Overall, the album is a great tribute to the season of glee, er make that, joy. Gleeks everywhere will happily lap it up…and really, 10 good songs out of 12 ain’t bad.
She is Beloved 