I wasn't best pleased with 'Glee: The Music, Volume 4'. It was decent (and when you use that word for Glee, in general, it means rather good) and easy to listen to but it didn't really have that sense of wonder that you sometimes get at a Glee album, mainly due - I felt - to some perhaps ill-judged song choices.
I felt though - this time - the producers or whoever chose the songs, really hit the nail on the head.
The (few) weaknesses - I feel - of the album (because they have to be mentioned!)
'She's Not There' - The Zombies
Although a decent song, I didn't feel it was all that unique or plot-worthy in the actual story and not very forceful vocally either; so not my favourite!
'Afternoon Delight'
As a substitute of the negatively reviewed 'Do You Wanna Touch Me' (Oh Yeah), it is serviceable and good because because it showcases Emma's vocal's - Jayma Mays having a lovely voice. However, it doesn't really surivive more than a few listenings because it's not particularly interesting. There have been lots of other songs in this period that would have been far more appropriate, I felt (maybe something from "Blame It On The ALcohol"?) but this is probably due to having needed to substitute a song from 'Sexy' itself.
The true highlights of this album (and there are many!):
"Firework", "Take Me or Leave Me", and "Don't You Want Me" all heavily feature Lea Michele on vocals, and are a welcome return. The first shows just how much better a singer of Katy Perry she can be, as well as being wonderful in the show itself; the second, a duet of diva proportions, and Amber Riley certainly holds her own; and the delightful duet with Darren Criss is hilarious on-screen and wonderful when listening.
"Sing" and "Thriller/Heads WilL Roll" are the group performances of the album and whilst I prefer the first, they are both wonderful, interesting capable performances.
"Landslide" deserves a category unto itself! Although I think it would have been better had Naya Rivera sang more than just her tiny verse, Gwyneth Paltrow carries the song very well and it is beautiful on screen and off.
"Get It Right" and "Loser Like Me" are the two original songs and are FANTASTIC. The first is a typical Rachel solo but even better than normal due it being tailored specifically to her and the second is very HSM, very 'bubble-gum pop' but it is so Gleeky and unifying that you'd be an old grouch to even care.
There were also some good but not amazing songs that carry the album.
So in short: although it's easy to pick faults, I'd rather just listen to what could quite possibly be the best Glee album yet! :)