Top 10 Hardest Glee Songs to Sing
#10: “Fix You” “Asian F”
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Mr. Schue sings to Emma as she copes with her discriminatory and unsupportive parents’ behavior after they meet him for the first time. This track comes right out of the gate with high notes to hit, and Will doesn’t hold back in singing his heart out, with the rest of the glee club eventually backing him. It’s an emotional display to say the least, and it can’t be achieved unless the vocalist is prepared to completely indulge themself into the grief the number demands. The original song was co-written by Coldplay’s falsetto frontman Chris Martin for his then-partner Gwyneth Paltrow. She was in several episodes of “Glee,” which provides a connection that makes this sorrowful showing even more relevant.
#9: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” “Bad Reputation”
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After the infamous “Run Joey Run” debacle in season one, Rachel has to face the music with Puck, Finn, and especially Jesse. This leads to a stunning rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” that’s primarily helmed by Rachel and ultimately Jesse, though Finn and Puck participate as well. The former two even dance out their angst – kudos to you if you can learn the moves and the vocals at once! To say we have chills watching would be an understatement. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is an impassioned ballad, and isn’t for beginners, especially since you have to match that intense feel. Thankfully, all the vocalists do a remarkable job nailing the ranges needed in this masterpiece.
#8: “Chandelier” "We Built This Glee Club"
The season six iteration of the glee club doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but we need to spotlight the pure skill on display in this number by the girls. Kitty, Jane, and Madison share the spotlight, and all three are able to show off their musical range and performance abilities. Even Spencer swinging on a literal chandelier and Myron recreating the real-life music video in the audience can’t draw attention away from the rendition itself. This is one of Sia’s greatest songs to date, and it demands quite a combination of theatrics and powerful vocals, meaning it is incredibly difficult to master effectively. Hats off to these ladies.
#7: “My Man” “Funeral”
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Let us start by saying this is not your everyday tune. Rachel auditions to be the soloist at Nationals with this song in season two, and she proclaims that it’s the most complex number she’s ever attempted. If Rachel Berry says something is difficult, you know it must be. It’s an emotional number that starts almost as a whisper and transforms into a booming ballad that leaves her in tears, and us in awe. It is, of course, well known for being sung by Barbra Streisand in the “Funny Girl” movie, so it shouldn't be surprising that Rachel slays it. Only the most skilled performers can, after all.
#6: “Defying Gravity” “Wheels” & “100”
“Defying Gravity” sets the tone for every “Diva-Off” in the series. It’s first performed by Rachel and Kurt to determine who should sing it in competition, and a big deal is made about its high F. You don’t need to be a music aficionado to realize just how high a note that is, and how challenging it is to get it right. And that’s saying nothing of how emotional the orchestral show tune is. We hear it again in fifth season, and we’re once again blown away by its intricate, powerful nature. For context, its original performers were Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth – two of the most talented, prolific singers out there – in the musical “Wicked.” In other words, beginners need not apply!
#5: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" “Sectionals”
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Mercedes sings this one in a bid to prove she deserves to be a soloist at the New Directions’ first Sectionals. Unsurprisingly, she leaves both herself and the audience of her fellow glee club members breathless. The track was notably performed by Jennifer Holliday in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” for which she won a Tony, and by Jennifer Hudson in the film, for which she earned an Oscar. So we can only assume that Mercedes would’ve led the New Directions to victory had she been able to perform it in competition. Everything from the lung capacity to the pure fiery passion the ballad demands makes it an absolute beast to conquer. But when it’s done right, there’s little else like it.
#4: “Dream On” "Dream On"
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Neil Patrick Harris guest stars as Will’s old foe Bryan Ryan in this episode, which means we get big vocals! Will and Bryan sing a duet of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” and they’re incredible, despite neither of them sounding like Steven Tyler. They don’t miss a beat, with their voices soaring to heights only pros can achieve. And they do all that without sacrificing the rocker attitude and style that really brings the number to life. Don’t be fooled by how effortless it seems – this is a tricky tune! After all, most of us could only dream of hitting a final note that high, for that long, that perfectly. It’s fitting considering dreams are a big part of the plot in this one.
#3: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" “Bash”
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In yet another spine-tingling performance, Mercedes sings at a carousel in New York while she ponders the fate of her future with Sam. The late great Aretha Franklin was deservedly known as the “Queen of Soul,” meaning you can’t just take on her songs without thorough preparation. Mercedes, of course, isn’t your run-of-the-mill vocalist. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" isn’t her first Aretha cover, but it deserves endless praise as she proves she’s got the vocal chops to be one of the musical greats. It includes some seriously high notes and vocal runs that only someone as gifted as Mercedes could nail, making it perfect for her – and anyone who’s looking for a challenge.
#2: "I Will Always Love You" “Heart”
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We can’t help but notice that some of the most challenging songs featured on the show are sung by Mercedes. This one is no exception, as she reveals her feelings for Sam after breaking things off. We hardly think watching her perform so flawlessly would soften the blow, though. Her vocals are stunning as she belts out the Whitney Houston version of the Dolly Parton original. She has the sweet, trembling voice of Parton mashed with the powerhouse vocals that Houston was known for. Somehow, Mercedes manages to make singing “I Will Always Love You” look like a breeze, despite it having one of the most recognizable and challenging choruses ever. For that, she deserves major props. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Sectionals” & “Frenemies” Whether It’s Rachel or Santana Singing, This Intense Tune Is a Breathtaking Showcase of Vocal Prowess “Take On Me,” “Homecoming” That Chorus Is No Joke “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Tested” A Chill-Inducing Ballad You Need to Invest Your Whole Being Into “Faithfully,” "Journey to Regionals" Rachel & Finn’s Voices Meld Together as They Sing This Difficult Ballad, but Those Notes Aren’t for the Faint of Heart “Listen,” “Audition” Unless You’re a Pro Belter, Beware Before Taking This One On!
#1: "Bohemian Rhapsody" “Journey to Regionals”
One of the most difficult tracks sung in the series also takes place during one of the most memorable and bizarre sequences. During Regionals in the season one finale, Vocal Adrenaline goes all out with a “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover that’s seriously impressive. Jesse leads his glee club to victory with this iconic Queen track, and he nails the expansive vocals with the rest of the members harmonizing and dancing flawlessly. Freddie Mercury had one of the most impressive vocal ranges in musical history, and this eclectic rock number in particular has a lot going on. So it’s no small feat to do it justice. But we can honestly say that Jesse St. James makes everyone proud.
