This Journey song was already a bit over the top in the 70’s, but this particular cover just cracks me up. I used it in my Monday morning class as comic relief (and physical relief) after a 20 minute AT climb. I have been teaching this time slot for years, so the class and I know each other well. As we were recovering, I said, “for recovery back to T1 (low zone 3) and a good laugh, here is the cast of Glee with their version of “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Oh goodness…talk about over orchestrated and over sung. But good for a few laughs just the same. You know how sometimes something is so bad; it almost swings the pendulum to good? The tune is 3:19 and 68 bpm, so we took our climb workload back down towards T1 and laughed and talked amongst ourselves- just for 3:19!
Kind of a bonding moment. Hope you enjoy it and get a good chuckle. I found this little gem on the Grammy Nominees 2011 CD. Next week it’s back to serious business. J
Here's the Spotify link to Glee Cast — Don't Stop Believin'
And here is a free download – instrumental version.
Glee Cast – Don't Stop Believin' (Instrumental) by Greatest Nights
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This is too funny! My little sister (who is in high school) listens to this version ALL the time. Not sure I can come up with the nerve to play it in class 🙂
Well, that doesn’t leave much room for debate. Grammy nominated, ‘good for a laugh’?
I must say that I’m a bit shocked at my reaction to this post. I did not think this song (or any song) was that important to me that it would cause me to sit and type. But my fingers are tapping, though I have not pushed ‘submit comment’ yet, if you are reading this then you know how that decision turned out.
Let’s not forget that this Classic Journey tune launched Glee to network success. That is the power of a great tune, remade.
Read this: When Glee aired its first episode in May 2009, the TV show only attracted a fraction of the viewers who tuned in for American Idol, which was shown on the same channel just one hour prior. The numbers looked bleak, but Billboard’s music charts told a different story the following week, when the Glee version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” became a Top Five hit. Performed during the pilot by the castmates themselves, the song eventually sold over 700,000 downloads and paved the way for Glee’s success – not only as a television show, but also as a chart-topping recording entity.
While I’m a classic rock guy through and through (ask Cycling Fusion Marin) this remake of Journey’s smash hit is a staple in my playlists. It has a good solid climb beat and a more vibrant pulse than the original. During the chorus it just makes you want to get out of the saddle, add gear and go. Don’t stop believing!
I cannot even imagine using it to cool down.
That said, we’ve had some good laughs at the hyperbolic nature of the remake.
However, when it comes to keeping your class fresh don’t overlook this version. It is a great three minute climb even if the purists cringe. Indeed I’ve replaced the Glee version with the original on more than one occasion and found It lacks the driving energy of this very popular remake.
And that’s how I see it. From the left coast, can’t wait to see you all in Boston. Ciao.
Unfortunately,
the song that downloads is not that seen in the video and hard to listen to,.. I see why you class laughed!
Jody I posted the wrong link – I’ve changed to the instrumental version that I intended (the actual song is not available for free)
Chuck,
I am so sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier. John sometimes puts this post up under his name (accidentally) as he did on this one, so I don’t get notice of the comments. I am glad you hit send.
I agree with you that the Glee cover does grab you…just how it grabs each of us is different! 🙂 Having said that, I am glad it helped propel the show forward, although I am not a huge viewer of the show, it is better than most shows on the tube these days.
I just thinks this goes to show that we, as cycle instructors, have such girth in which to express our individuality in our music while teaching.
I am SO looking forward to presenting and teaching with you in Boston my man!
Jennifer…as to having the nerve…I don’t know, just go for it with gusto and have a good time. Everybody loves to have a good time!
When you have pushed a class for weeks on end and they are in need of a free ride…….I created a Glee vs Original artist playlist. It was a huge hit and while we still worked it was lots of fun.
That is a great idea Terry! I agree, we need to give them a “free ride” sometimes. We all need one once in awhile!Amy