Top Ten ‘Glee’ Performances
#1 – ‘Don’t Stop Believin” – Glee Cast
Today’s clip comes from the final scene of the Glee pilot, and in many ways it’s the moment that launched the show into the pop culture stratosphere. This performance, the first taste of what the ragtag New Directions glee club was capable of, was the only morsel new fans had to savor during the long summer before the show returned.
It became an iTunes hit, ultimately selling more than 500,000 copies, and heightened expectations for the show’s first season.
I love how this scene sets up the dynamic of the whole show. You have the kids inspiring Mr. Shu through their dedication and talent, as they would repeatedly through Glee‘s first season. In this case, he was about to quit his job but changed his mind following this performance (and it’s never-give-up message).
In the stands you have Sue Sylvester realizing what she’s up against in her quest for the Cheerios to dominate McKinley High’s extracurricular landscape. With her are two Cheerios who will eventually join New Directions. And watching from the back of the auditorium is Puck, giving us the first indication that he’ll prove to be a bigger player in this story than we thought.
I haven’t picked any of Finn’s solo performances through this countdown because, let’s face it, Cory Monteith is the weak link of the group when it comes to vocals. But he’s also in many ways the heart and soul of the show and the choir. He’s the guy who doesn’t have to do this… while everybody in the original group is an outcast, he’s the popular quarterback. It’s touching to see the joy he finds in breaking out of his comfort zone in this performance.
And finally, Rachel looks really hot in her red shirt.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this countdown to episode one of Season Two of Glee. Be sure to tune in tonight (Fox slipped me a small fortune for that plug). If all goes well, I’ll revisit the show in a couple of months and highlight the wonderful performances we’re about to see.
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Goin’ anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train
Goin’ anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’, somewhere in the night
Workin’ hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win
Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’, somewhere in the night
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’
Streetlights, people
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Meet Me In Montauk 
Perhaps this is a predictable choice for the number 1 song on your countdown, but I applaud it enthusiastically for the reasons you stated–the performance is electrifying, emotional and foreshadows all of the joy and angst to come.
This song also highlights some truly inspired arrangement. Having a chorus harmonize what was originally instrumentation (specifically piano, bass and guitar) may not be groundbreaking in and of itself, but this particular interpretation is just so fresh, crisp and energized, reflecting that both the song and the show deserve to be a hit.
Great choice for number one! Thank you for the wonderful week of Glee moments. Maybe when the Sopranos ended with this song, someone had Glee in mind 🙂
I had a feeling yesterday that this would be your pick. I can’t argue with your choice and for all the good reasons you mention (apart from Rachel in her red shirt…). 🙂 That said, there were several songs I would have included in the countdown that didn’t make your cut. Three of them that jump the front of my mind were all ensemble pieces – “Imagine” sung together with the kids from the school for the deaf, “Like A Virgin” from the Power of Madonna episode, and “To Sir With Love” in the finale episode.
I know that “Imagine” smacks of sentimentality, but boy did it do a number on me! I don’t have anything especially smart to say about it, but I thought it was a fantastic moment in the show.
“Like a Virgin” was my favorite number in the Madonna tribute show. The sexual tension between each of the couples showcased in that number was palpable and the song was a perfect vehicle for each pair. I was literally glued to the screen during that number and even though the song has never been a particular favorite of mine, it was a standout in that episode. (I also loved the “Borderline/Open Your Heart” mash-up that Rachel and Finn had in that episode, but it wasn’t as pivotal for the story as “Like a Virgin.”)
And finally, “To Sir With Love” in the finale. What can I say? I sobbed my way through it the first half dozen times I watched it. Now I just cry like a normal person. I mean, come on, even Sue Sylvester had tears in her eyes seeing the kids perform for their teacher/mentor/friend Mr. Shu when they thought the Glee club had come to an end. It was a perfect song and a perfect moment in the show.
There are plenty of other songs I loved from Season 1, but mostly I am in agreement with your top 10. Thanks for showcasing my favorite show on TV and for getting me more excited than ever for Season 2!!! 🙂
In addition to the five favorites I share with you (“Safety Dance,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Dream On,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” and, of course, “Defying Gravity”), my list would also include the following songs/performances:
Poker Face
-which appeared in a comment on an earlier blog post, so I won’t add it here again.
Rehab
http://tvpot.daum.net/clip/ClipView.do?cateid=3&clipid=21699337
-This is actually the scene that hooked me entirely on Glee.
Express Yourself
http://en.vidivodo.com/383105/glee-_-express-yourself
– The girls expressing themselves. My favorite Madonna moment by a mile.
Take a Bow
– I had no idea what this song could be until I heard it sung by Lea Michele
My Life Would Suck Without You
http://ma-tvideo.france2.fr/video/iLyROoafv5DD.html
– all of the cheesy goodness that is Glee wrapped into one perfect song/scene. This is the equivalent of the “Don’t Stop Believing” number in that it once again reminded Shu of what was important to him.
Love this countdown. Thanks for letting us share our picks, too!
While i’m not sure exactly how I would order these, I was the most impressed by these songs… for alot of different reasons, but i just wanted to post a list for now.
1.Defying Gravity
2.Dream on
3.Jump
4.Don’t Stop Believing
5.Sweet Caroline
6.Don’t Rain on My Parade
7.Total Eclipse of the heart
8.Single Ladies
9.Poker Face
10.Halo/walking on Sunshine
I’m sure I missed a bunch of my favorite songs, but these are atlease a representation of what i liked the most.