Music Review: Glee: The Music, Vol. 2
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that when they stand on their own, the songs on the GLEE: THE MUSIC, VOLUME 2 soundtrack are largely inoffensive, with lyrics that lack graphic language, sexual descriptions, and other adult content. But put in context of some of the show's themes (i.e., Quinn's pregnancy), a couple of the songs take on more mature meanings. Still, this is pretty tame stuff, especially compared to most pop music.
- Families can talk about how songs like the ones here can be interpreted differently depending on the context. For example, the lyrics of "(You're) Having My Baby" were originally written by a married man out of love for his pregnant wife, yet are used here as an allusion to a teen pregnancy.
- What is the purpose of this soundtrack? Does it make you want to watch the show? Would you be interested in these songs if you didn't watch the show?
Fans of the smash TV hit Glee have another reason to celebrate: the second compilation of cover tunes from the show has been released. GLEE: THE MUSIC, VOLUME 2 includes 17 songs (two more than on the first album), which run the gamut of musical styles. The eclectic collection features everything from classic soul ("Lean On Me" by Bill Withers), to '80s glam rock ("Jump" by Van Halen), to show tunes ("Don't Rain on My Parade" by Barbara Streisand). Once again, most of the tracks are pretty tame, with the exception of a couple suggestive songs. For instance, "(You're) Having My Baby" from '70s singer-songwriter Paul Anka is a nod to the show's storyline about Quinn's pregnancy, and "Don't Stand So Close to Me" by the Police is about a Lolita-like scenario in which an older man is sexually tempted by a teenage girl.
Overall, the performances on this second compilation from Glee seem slightly less inspired than those on the first record. Many of the covers -- "Endless Love" (Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie), "My Life Would Suck Without You" (Kelly Clarkson), "True Colors" (Cyndi Lauper) -- sound more like rote renditions than fresh takes. However, some highlights do exist, including Mercedes' (Amber Riley's) powerful version of Dionne Warwick's "Don't Make Me Over" and the nice harmonies on John Lennon's classic "Imagine."
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