Greatest Hits

After seeing so many “Top 10 Glee Performances” lists on the internets, I decided to make my own Top 20 for the whole first season.

20. “Safety Dance”

Episode: Dream On
Performed by: Artie Abrams

I love dream sequence performances, and this one might be the best. Plus bonus points for Kevin McHale’s dance moves.

19. “Push It”

Episode: Showmance
Performed by: New Directions

One of New Directions’ funniest performances.

18. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”

Episode: Preggers
Performed by: McKinley High football team

Also wondrously hilarious.

17. “Somebody to Love”

Episode: Rhodes Not Taken
Performed by: New Directions

A beautiful group performance with Rachel returning to New Directions at Invitationals after a brief hiatus.

16. “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)”

Episode: Funk
Performed by: New Directions

Probably the best funk song ever and although New Directions didn’t do anything super inventive with it, it was still awesome to hear them perform it. Plus, the outfits and expressions on the Vocal Adrenaline drones’ faces while they watched made it even better.

15. “True Colors”

Episode: Hairography
Performed by: New Directions

One of my favorite songs of all time. It’s also a great moment when Mr. Schue realizes New Directions doesn’t need gimmicks, just their voices.

14. “Dancing with Myself”

Episode: Wheels
Performed by: Artie Abrams

Subtle, moving and the first time I became fully aware of how lovely Kevin McHale’s voice is.

13. “4 Minutes”

Episode: The Power of Madonna
Performed by: Kurt Hummel, Mercedes Jones and the McKinley High Cheerios

This was the one Madonna song I wasn’t really familiar with. I loved that the performance showcased Amber Riley and Chris Colfer’s voices so well. The marching band and Cheerios dance moves made this performance over-the-top, in a good way. One of the most visually fun performances of the season.

12. “Loser”

Episode: Funk
Performed by: Noah Puckerman, Finn Hudson and the employees and customers of Sheets-N-Things

Despite not being a “funky” song this performance still fits into the theme of being in a “funk.” Plus it was hilarious seeing everyone in the store join in; especially Terri, Howard and Sandy.

11. “Bad Romance”

Episode: Theatricality
Performed by: The ladies of New Directions and Kurt Hummel

The outfits and song alone make this performance amazing, although vocally this might be one of the most copycat versions of a song Glee has done.

10. “Keep Holding On”

Episode: Throwdown
Performed by: New Directions

Quinn realizes that the whole school is about to find out she’s pregnant and the group transforms this sub-par Avril Lavigne song into an emotional journey.

9. “Run Joey Run”

Episode: Bad Reputation
Performed by: Rachel Berry, Jesse St. James, Finn Hudson, Noah Puckerman

I had never even heard of this song before, but Rachel’s video interpretation is pure genius. The fact that Rachel secretly had Finn, Jesse AND Puck all star in the leading role, without any of them knowing, is brilliant. But not as brilliant as Sandy’s portrayal of Rachel’s angry father.

8. “Dream On”

Episode: Dream On
Performed by: Will Schuester and Bryan Ryan

We all know Neil Patrick Harris is a rock star.

7. “Like a Virgin”

Episode: The Power of Madonna
Performed by: Rachel Berry, Jesse St. James, Finn Hudson, Santana Lopez, Will Schuester, Emma Pillsbury

Wonderfully choreographed and a really beautiful way to tell the story.

6. “Bust Your Windows”

Episode: Acafellas
Performed by: Mercedes Jones

I think Amber Riley just may be my hero.

5. “Rose’s Turn”

Episode: Laryngitis
Performed by: Kurt Hummel

In one of my least favorite episodes of the whole season, Chris Colfer stole the show with this goosebumps-inducing performance.

4. “Defying Gravity”

Episode: Wheels
Performed by: Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel

Can we have more diva-offs please? I say Rachel v. Mercedes next.

3. “Take a Bow”

Episode: Showmance
Performed by: Rachel Berry

This is the song that officially made me a fan. I enjoy Rihanna’s version, but Rachel’s moving performance and re-interpretation of the lyrics pulled at my heartstrings.

2. “Don’t Stop Believin'”

Episode: Pilot
Performed by: New Directions

1. “Faithfully / Any Way You Want It / Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ / Don’t Stop Believin'”

Episode: Journey
Performed by: New Directions

Honorable Mention:

“What it Feels Like for a Girl”

Episode: The Power of Madonna
Performed by: The men of New Directions

Probably my favorite Glee song to listen to on my iPod. The only reason it’s not on the list is because the truncated version sung around the piano was almost a throwaway, forgettable moment in an episode full of over the top numbers. Still, it’s one of the most beautiful songs they’ve done.