Don't Stop Believin'

Photo: Fox

"Don't Stop Believin'"
It was love at first note. When the Glee gang sang the Journey hit at the end of the pilot episode, jaws around the country hit the floor. Within days, the download catapulted to number one spot in iTunes. Now that's some vocal adrenaline. 

Buy the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believin'" on iTunes
Bust Your Windows

Photo: Fox

"Bust Your Windows"
When Mercedes covered this Jazmine song—as a message to Kurt that she doesn't take rejection lightly—it became crystal clear that Rachel Berry wasn't the only game in town. Mercedes' strong vocals and a stellar fantasy dance sequence turned this into a one-woman showstopper. 

Buy the Glee version of "Bust Your Windows" on iTunes
Somebody to Love

Photo: Fox

"Somebody to Love"
A Queen anthem isn't the obvious choice for a glee club cover, but this group number is the stuff goosebumps are made of. After Rachel took a brief glee club respite to take on Cabaret with the theater crowd, she returned with a vengeance proving that no one—not even a floozy in the body of Broadway vet Kristin Chenoweth—can take her place. 

Buy the Glee version of "Somebody to Love" on iTunes
Confessions It's My Life mashup

Photo: Fox

"Confessions/It's My Life" & "Walkin' on Sunshine/Halo" Mashups
These covers (the men channeled Bon Jovi and Usher while the ladies nailed Katrina & The Waves and Beyoncé) were the first in a long line of Glee mashups. The performances were only  heightened by the fact that the students unwittingly took speed administered by—who else?—Teri Schuester (acting as school nurse). In the words of Mr. Schuester, "A mashup is when you take two songs and you mash them together to create an even richer explosion of musical expression." We couldn't have said it better ourselves. 

Buy the "Confessions/It's My Life" mashup on iTunes

By the "Walkin' on Sunshine/Halo" maskup on iTunes
Proud Mary

Photo: Fox

"Proud Mary"
In a very special ode-to-Artie episode, the glee club members put themselves in his wheelchair-bound shoes for a day. The result: a rockin' performance of Tina Turner's classic hit, proving there's plenty of roll in rock 'n' roll. We're on board with any episode that showcases ex-boy-bander Kevin McHale's talents. 

Buy the Glee version of "Proud Mary" on iTunes
Jump

Photo: Fox

"Jump"
New Directions' members get their first big break when they hijack a mattress commercial with their irresistible take on the Van Halen favorite. Watching the gang jump on the beds is a nice reminder that one of the reasons we love this show is that it makes us feel like kids again. 

Buy the Glee version of "Jump" on iTunes
You Can't Always Get What You Want

Photo: Fox

"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
The Rolling Stones cover helped New Directions clinch sectionals, even without Mr. Schue. It gave us chills, it made us smile, it reminded us we can't get enough of Corey Monteith's Finn. 

Buy the Glee version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on iTunes
Don't Rain on My Parade

Photo: Fox

"Don't Rain on My Parade"
Lea Michele did some serious channeling of Barbra Streisand when she took on the Funny Girl anthem at sectionals. It was a breathtaking, get-them-on-their-feet performance, and one that earned Barbra, and Broadway musicals, a new generation of fans. 

Buy the Glee version of "Don't Rain on My Parade" on iTunes
My Life Would Suck Without You

Photo: Fox

"My Life Would Suck Without You"
It was the last musical number before the show went on hiatus, so how fitting that the Kelly Clarkson cover would incorporate dance moves from every previous performance. For Gleeks, it was a walk down memory lane. For Glee newbies, it was just a really awesome tribute to Mr. Schuster. A win-win situation. 

Buy the Glee version of "My Life Would Suck Without You" on iTunes