After a lengthy break, Glee‘s second new episode this week gives us a Valentine’s theme.
Mr. Shue issues the group a challenge: Perform what you think is the world’s greatest love song. Oh, the possibilities – Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, The Righteous Brothers, Boyz II Men! What songs will they choose? The suspense is terrible. I hope it lasts.
First up, Puck serenades – and more-than-slightly offends Lauren – with Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls”. The song’s intro strains and fabulous harmonies tempted us until Puck’s odd, twanging voice and off-putting performance pulled us out with a yawn. Remember when Puck tried to seduce Mercedes, even if it was only to reclaim his social status? Well, Lauren doesn’t have her sass or charm, and this chubby-chasing romance leaves us flat.
For their choice, Artie and Mike Chang collaborate on an excellent version of “PYT (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson. Artie’s smooth, soulful voice is perfectly suited to MJ’s material and Mike’s dance moves rock.
On the other side of town, the Warblers invade The Gap to sing “When I Get You Alone” by Robin Thicke. If we didn’t already know, this performance made it clear – Darren Criss is the best male singer on Glee. Great song choice to showcase his voice, and we know that if Blaine surprised us with that serenade, we couldn’t resist him. Though the floppy-haired Gap clerk turned him down, we realize that Blaine, despite his seeming confidence and poise, is just as inexperienced and nervous about love as our Kurt.
Back in class, Tina sings an awkward version of “My Funny Valentine” to Mike. Is that what being overcome with emotion sounds like? Because it sounded more like choking on a ham sandwich. Tina, we love you. But that was awful.
After resolving to get over Finn, Rachel sings the self-esteem anthem “Firework” by Katy Perry. Lea Michelle nails this terrific, catchy pop song. Vocally, we prefer her to Perry any day. Plus, it’s nice to see Rachel singing into her hairbrush in front of the mirror again.
And just when you thought the episode would make it through without covering the title track, the Warblers entertain the Lonely Hearts Club dinner crowd with a rendition of “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney & Wings. As the song so aptly points out, when you’re in it, it isn’t silly at all. And as cheesy as the song is, we kind of loved it.
For the record, my pick would’ve been “The Very Thought of You” (Billie Holiday version), or “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie if I were singing to a certain indie-leaning someone I know. What would you pick as the world’s greatest love song?