My name is Kristine, and I am a Gleek

Although publicized as an hour comedy, Glee integrates dramatic and heart-felt moments woven into some of the best comedic performances seamlessly…you won’t find another show that can utilize all mediums of performance better than Glee. As much as I have rhapsodized about the show itself, I have said nothing about the music. So far, only 3 individuals (Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk & Ryan Murphy) have been slated to write each episode of Glee, which is PHENOMENAL given the amount of work it takes penning each episode and thinking of which songs fit perfectly with each scene. Cast members state Ryan Murphy’s head is like an ongoing Ipod library, which makes sense given the wide range of songs selected thus far. No time period is out of context, from soft-rock “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” (originally performed by REO Speedwagon) to Liza Minelli’s “Maybe This Time”…no song is predictable or out of reach for this show.

What is more amazing is that this show can revitalize songs in such a way that you can’t even remember the original singer of the selected songs…case in point, Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On.” I would have never imagined this song being chosen for a revamping ensemble musical performance, but silly me because surprises and novelty are inherent in the makeup of Glee. I can't take back previous musical preferences, so I will admit that there was a time I supported Lavigne’s hit songs when she first started making waves onto the pop chart scene. But I have no recollection of her singing “Keep Holding On” nor do I even want to remember how she originally performed it. Glee sings this song in such a way you will think Ryan Murphy wrote the song specifically to be performed for the amazing episode and scene it is used for. It is one of the most poignant performances and one of my favorites, not just for the song itself, but for those facial nuances that Quinn, Finn, and Rachel have mastered perfectly while enmeshed in a love triangle (now a love square) for the books.

Glee creators scored big finding the perfect Rachel Berry for their ensemble. Lea Michele started in the early 90’s on Broadway’s Les Misérables and subsequently gained notoriety for the leading role in Spring Awakening. Lea’s time on Broadway led her to meeting fellow Broadway alums and current cast mates, Jenna Ushkowitz aka Tina (whom she has known since she was 7) and Matthew Morrison who nails the role of the endearing Mr. Schuester. The brilliant Matthew Morrison had acting and theatre written all over him from an early age which led to an education at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and roles on Broadway’s Footloose, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hairspray, and the Light in the Piazza which would garner Morrison a Tony Award nomination.

My favorite facet of Mr. Schuester is his ability to balance the genuine compassion his character elicits towards his students and oh, Emma, while maintaining the ability to break it down and sing Kanye’s Goldigger and Sisquo’s Thong Song…who else could pull off singing those songs? I would be hard-pressed to find someone who questions Emma's infatuation with him. Amber Riley’s (aka Mercedes) show stopping numbers ala Jennifer Hudson have also contributed to Glee’s musical success…just listen to one song and I can guarantee chills. American Idol producers were certifiably insane to turn her down, but luckily they did so that we can savor Riley's versions of “Hate on Me” and “Bust Your Windows.”

I can’t wait to see the other musical numbers Glee has in store. If "Like a Prayer" and a certain Annie Lennox number, ok I'll say it, "Broken Glass" are performed, I will buy all my favorite friends massive amounts of drinks and do the worm. Glee Volume 2’s tracks have recently been announced and if this is an auspice of what’s to come, I hope to have a collection of at least 50 volumes of Glee songs at some point…

1. "Proud Mary" by CCR

2. "Endless Love" by Dianna Ross & Lionel Richie

3. "I’ll Stand By You" by The Pretenders

4. "Don’t Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl" by The Police

5. "Crush" by Jennifer Paige

6. "(You’re) Having My Baby" by Paul Anka

7. "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers

8. "Don’t Make Me Over" by Dionne Warwick

9. "Imagine" by John Lennon

10. "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper

11. "Jump" by Van Halen

12. "Smile" by Lily Allen

13. "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin

14. "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going" by Jennifer Holliday

15. "Don’t Rain On My Parade" by Barbara Streisand

16. "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones

17. "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson