By Katlyn Moncada
The musical television show “Glee” has acquired many chart-topping songs from remakes based on popular hit songs of artists past and present.
For almost two years, fans of the award-winning television show have crazed over the fancy, harmonized versions of songs from The Beatles to Lady Gaga.
With such a positive reaction, there is question to whether the songs are better than the original artists’ versions.
Stefanie Kerr, junior business management major, said she prefers “Glee” songs.
“Instead of just the main singers, you get the different choir sound,” Kerr said. “(With) more vocals, genders and ranges.”
Kerr owns every song that has been performed on the television show. Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” are two particular “Glee” versions she finds preferable.
Recently, “Glee” broke the Billboard 100 record for amount of hits on the chart with 113 appearances, beating Elvis’ record of 108. With the current rate
of four or more songs per episode, there could be as many as 150 by the end of the current season.
Jordann Staples, junior biology major, said she appreciates “Glee” songs because they are fun to sing along to, but she would choose the original artists’ versions over the covers. Staples said that “Faithfully,” by Journey, is one of her favorite songs, therefore she is much more keen on the original.
“I always think the originals are a lot better,” Staples said. “Because they were first and I was used to that.”
With the cover songs rising to the top of many personal playlists as well as music charts, some may be curious about whether the originals will fall behind. Staples said she believes that since people already listen to the songs of those artists, it should ultimately help them in selling their songs.
Kerr also said that after hearing a cover, some people may want to go back to the originals to find out who really sang them and how they compare.
For the first time ever, “Glee” songs included their own addition of original music and lyrics, which aired on the March 15 episode. Staples said
she would not want to listen to songs she did not know on “Glee,” but fans still wanted them because they like the cast and their voices.
While it is a noble effort to attempt uniqueness, “Glee” may not have a big fan-following with originals and covers will be in-demand once again. However, the show is under contract until spring 2012, so the future is secure for “Glee” until then.
