Glee: The Music, Volume 1

Fans of Fox's irreverent musical comedy "Glee" will love the soundtrack, "Glee: The Music, Volume 1" (Columbia, A), which includes 17 songs from the show about a high school glee club performed by its talented cast.

Cute teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) pop-locks as he raps on Kanye West's "Gold Digger." Self-centered star Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) shares her heartache as she sings into a hairbrush on Rihanna's "Take a Bow." There's also a peppy routine led by cheer captain Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) to the Supremes' "Keep Me Hanging On."

Though the vocal performances are top-notch, those unfamiliar with "Glee" may prefer the originals to these cover versions. But the album's eclectic mix has its own appeal: Where else would you find a mix tape that includes tracks from Neil Diamond, Young MC, REO Speedwagon and "Cabaret"?

Non-Gleeks can also appreciate the innovative choral arrangements on Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' " and the girls' background harmonies on the 1989 rap hit "Bust A Move."

A second volume of "Glee" music is set to hit stores next month.

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