11 Worst Glee Songs: Glee’s Missteps

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, your go-to DJ and curator of all things melodious at Level Tunes. Today, I’m taking a slightly different turn.

We all know and love ‘Glee’ for its heartwarming covers and show-stopping performances. But let’s be honest, not every song was a chart-topper.

So, why am I diving into the 11 worst ‘Glee’ songs? Simple – it’s to appreciate the art of music in all its forms. From the slightly off-key to the not-so-groovy, each song tells a story.

So, let’s embark on this playful journey together, exploring those tunes that made us cringe a bit but still kept us watching. After all, there’s something to learn and enjoy in every note and lyric!

Here are the Worst Glee songs that you can check out:

List Of Worst Glee Songs

Worst Glee songs in a list format:

1. “Gangnam Style” by Psy

Album: Glee: The Music, Season 4, Volume 1 (2012, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: When ‘Glee’ took on Psy’s viral sensation “Gangnam Style,” it was a miss. The song’s original charm was lost in translation, lacking the infectious energy Psy brought to it. Moreover, the attempt to blend Korean lyrics with the show’s style felt forced and inauthentic. The performance by Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina) was commendable, but it couldn’t capture the song’s original magic.

2. “What Does the Fox Say?” by Ylvis

Album: Glee: The Music, Celebrating 100 Episodes (2014, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “What Does the Fox Say?” was a quirky Internet hit, but Glee’s rendition didn’t quite hit the mark. The song’s novelty wore off quickly, and the Glee version, featuring Lea Michele (Rachel) and Naya Rivera (Santana), couldn’t revive the charm. It felt more like a forced attempt to stay current rather than a genuine musical performance.

3. “Friday” by Rebecca Black

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 6 (2011, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “Friday,” infamously known for its reception online, was covered in Glee’s prom episode. Despite the fun performance by Kevin McHale (Artie), Chord Overstreet (Sam), and Mark Salling (Puck), the song’s simplistic lyrics and repetitive nature couldn’t escape the original’s notoriety. It was a playful take, but not one that showcased the best of Glee’s musical abilities.

4. “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot

Album: Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Four (2013, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: Glee’s version of “Baby Got Back” faced controversy for its similarity to Jonathan Coulton’s unique arrangement. Adam Lambert’s vocals were a highlight, but the cover was overshadowed by the controversy, and it lacked the original song’s cheeky charm.

5. “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke

Album: Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Five (2013, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “Blurred Lines” was a controversial choice due to its lyrical content. Glee’s version, led by Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester), didn’t do much to alleviate the discomfort around the song’s message, and it felt out of place in the show’s usually more sensitive repertoire.

6. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

Album: Glee: The Music, Celebrating 100 Episodes (2014, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: U2’s classic hit is iconic, but Glee’s rendition, while heartfelt, fell flat. The emotional depth and soaring instrumentals of the original were difficult to replicate, and the cover felt lackluster in comparison.

7. “Run Joey Run” by David Geddes

Album: Glee: The Music, The Complete Season One (2010, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “Run Joey Run” was an overdramatic and campy performance in Glee. While it was entertaining, it deviated significantly from the show’s usual standard of musical quality. The theatricality of Rachel (Lea Michele), Puck (Mark Salling), Finn (Cory Monteith), and Jesse (Jonathan Groff) was amusing but not musically impressive.

8. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

Album: Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Five (2013, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” is a beloved classic, but Glee’s cover didn’t capture its emotional resonance. While Chord Overstreet (Sam) gave a respectable performance, the song requires a certain depth that was missing in this rendition.

9. “Thong Song” by Sisqo

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 2 (2009, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “Thong Song” was an awkward choice for Glee. Matthew Morrison’s (Will Schuester) performance had energy, but the song’s risqué content felt out of place in the show’s context, making it more cringeworthy than entertaining.

10. “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice

Album: Glee: The Music, The Complete Season One (2010, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “Ice Ice Baby” was a fun, nostalgic trip, but Glee’s version, led by Matthew Morrison (Will), lacked the original’s catchy charm. It felt more like a parody than a homage, losing the cool factor that made Vanilla Ice’s version a hit.

11. “You’re Having My Baby” by Paul Anka

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 2 (2009, Columbia Records)

Why it’s on the list: “You’re Having My Baby,” performed by Cory Monteith (Finn), was an odd choice for the show. The song’s dated lyrics and simplistic melody didn’t translate well to the modern setting of Glee, making it feel out of touch with the series’ usually more contemporary selections.

Fun Facts: Worst Glee Songs

“Gangnam Style” by Psy

Fun Fact: “Gangnam Style” was a global phenomenon, becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. When Glee covered it, they made sure to include the iconic horse-riding dance, adding a touch of authenticity to the performance. It was a challenging song for the cast, especially mastering the Korean lyrics and the energetic choreography.

“What Does the Fox Say?” by Ylvis

Fun Fact: Originally created as a comedic production by the Norwegian duo Ylvis, “What Does the Fox Say?” became an unexpected viral hit. When Glee covered this song, it was a nod to its viral status, showcasing the show’s ability to stay current with internet trends. The song’s bizarre lyrics and catchy tune made it a quirky yet memorable performance on the show.

“Friday” by Rebecca Black

Fun Fact: Rebecca Black’s “Friday” gained notoriety as a viral song due to its simplistic lyrics and auto-tuned vocals. When Glee decided to cover it, they transformed it into a fun, group performance, turning a widely criticized song into a light-hearted, enjoyable prom number. This cover showed Glee’s ability to take a less-than-stellar song and make it entertaining.

“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot

Fun Fact: Glee’s version of “Baby Got Back” stirred controversy due to its striking similarity to an arrangement by Jonathan Coulton, who also included the melody from “Super Mario Brothers” in his version. This incident sparked discussions about artistic integrity and copyright in the age of digital music.

“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke

Fun Fact: “Blurred Lines” was controversial for its suggestive lyrics, but Glee’s cover tried to present it in a more light-hearted, school-friendly manner. Despite the attempt, it still raised eyebrows, proving that even a TV show known for pushing boundaries has its limits.

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

Fun Fact: U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” is an iconic song with deep, soul-searching lyrics. When Glee covered it, they used it as a backdrop for a poignant moment, reflecting the inner struggles of the characters. The song, while challenging to cover, was used effectively to convey emotions in the storyline.

“Run Joey Run” by David Geddes

Fun Fact: “Run Joey Run” was originally a 1970s one-hit wonder by David Geddes. Glee’s rendition turned it into a dramatic, over-the-top musical number, complete with a faux movie trailer style. This performance highlighted Glee’s flair for theatrics and its ability to turn any song into a dramatic showpiece.

“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

Fun Fact: Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” is a tribute to Marilyn Monroe and later re-written in memory of Princess Diana. Glee’s version was a more subdued performance, showcasing the show’s ability to handle songs with deep emotional resonance, even if this particular rendition didn’t reach the heights of the original.

“Thong Song” by Sisqo

Fun Fact: The “Thong Song” is known for its catchy beat and risqué lyrics. Glee’s rendition, featuring a dance number with Matthew Morrison, added a humorous twist to the song, making it a memorable, if somewhat controversial, performance.

“Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice

Fun Fact: Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” is known for its iconic bassline, which was sampled from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” Glee’s cover, featuring a rap performance by Matthew Morrison, turned this classic hip-hop song into a playful, school-friendly number, showcasing the show’s diverse musical range.

“You’re Having My Baby” by Paul Anka

Fun Fact: “You’re Having My Baby” is a classic song from the 1970s, and when Glee covered it, they brought a modern twist to this old favorite. The song, performed in a heartfelt manner by Cory Monteith, was used to explore the complex emotions surrounding teen pregnancy in the show, adding depth to the storyline.

And there you have it, Gleeks and music lovers! From the quirky to the controversial, we’ve journeyed through some of Glee’s most memorable musical missteps. It’s a reminder that even in imperfection, there’s a rhythm and a story worth telling. Keep listening, keep critiquing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the music!

Thanks for reading.

TBone