Hooray for Glee First Listen Friday! The hype around this week’s episode, titled “The First Time” has focused mostly on the virginity storyline–two very popular couples Kurt and Blaine/Rachel and Finn have sex with their respective partners for the first time.
Glee Season 3 Spoilers – Episode 5 – “The First Time”
But the episode is also about the kids mounting the musical West Side Story–a fact that also deserves some hype! Sure, I’m looking forward to my favorite couples finally consummating their loooove. But I can’t WAIT to see and hear these classic numbers performed. Four of this week’s 5 tunes are from the musical. Also part of the mix–Blaine (Darren Criss) reunites with the Warblers to sing Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”.
Speaking of which…did you know 2011 is the 5oth anniversary of the legendary movie musical? West Side Story is scheduled to run at my local indie movie theater the Monday after Glee airs. I suspect it will be running in theaters across the country in the next couple of weeks.
I’ve listened to all 5 tunes, and I have to say, I will absolutely be downloading these tracks from iTunes when they become available on Tuesday! Glee pop covers sell the most downloads, but the only tracks from the show I have on my iPod are songs from the Warblers and showtunes. So yeah, I’m totally in heaven this week.
Listen to the tracks at Glee the Music.
I’ll post tubeys as soon as they become available! Also, at the very bottom, listen to full streams of songs from the upcoming Glee Christmas album, including the Lea Michele/Darren Criss duet, “‘Extraordinary Merry Christmas” and Naya Rivera’s sultry take on “Santa Baby”
Listen to “Do They Know It’s Christmas”
Listen to the Darren Criss/Chris Colfer duet “Let it Snow”
A Boy Like That – Lea Michele (Rachel as Maria), Naya Rivera (Santana as Anita)
The part of Maria is written for a soprano. Although Lea is clearly has an Alto voice, she does have the range to sing the higher notes–a little thin on the very highest notes–she has a very pretty upper register. Naya is the perfect Maria
America featuring – Santana, Puck, Brittany, Quinn, Mike, Tina and Rory.
I can’t wait to see how this song is staged. My expectations are VERY HIGH. They fake accents are a little wonky (lulzy)
One Hand One Heart – Lea Michele (Rachel as Maria) and Darren Criss (Blaine as Tony)
Ohhhh. So romantic and pretty.
Tonight – Lea Michele (Rachel as Maria) and Darren Criss (Blaine as Tony)
I was hoping “Tonight” would be the reprise version, featuring the entire cast getting ready for “Tonight”. It’s good though. This duet is beautiful, and I’m still expecting it to figure into the virginity plotline somehow.
Uptown Girl – Darren Criss and the Warblers
Blaine reunites with the Warblers. HOORAY. Totally not Blaine singing lead, however.
Bonus Christmas Tunes:
Lea Michele and Darren Criss – “Extraordinary Merry Christmas”
Ugh. Auto-tune much? A barely recognized Darren and Rachel’s voices here. Too sticky sweet for me. Hand me the insulin.
Santa Baby – Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera is sultry smooth and sexy.
