The album features hits from the television show's first and second seasons, as performed by 14 main characters in Glee Live! In Concert! in New Jersey. It will appeal most to hard-core fans, or so-called Gleeks.
The Glee cast is undeniably talented. Self-empowerment is the theme from the start, with the now-overplayed Don't Stop Believin'. Amber Riley (Mercedes) belts her way through Ain't No Way and River Deep, Mountain High. Lea Michele (Rachel) also shines, on the challenging Don't Rain On My Parade and original number Loser Like Me.
The youth of the cast can be its downfall though. The songs can be over-sung or weak. For example, Dog Days Are Over does not match the depth of the Florence Welch original. Also, this is a concert soundtrack, so the cheering can get annoying.
At least there is none of the auto-tuning that can be painfully obvious on other Glee recordings. Lucky by Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Dianna Agron (Quinn) deserves replaying. Another highlight is Chris Colfer's (Kurt) soulful reworking of the Beatles classic I Want to Hold Your Hand.
This may be another moneymaking rehash of Glee songs, but the album is worth a listen for non-Gleeks, too.