It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can't deny that Glee has been a huge success - both as a television show and in the charts, let alone making mash-ups popular.
Now it's the turn of Lea Michele to get in on the action as a solo singer. Cannonball is an uplifting ballad clearly inspired by the death of co-star and boyfriend Cory Monteith. "And now I will start living today... I got this new beginning and I will fly like a cannonball", she belts out in the undeniably catchy chorus above drum-heavy production. Yes, it's the cheese-fest you'd expect from Glee with all the subtlety of...well...a cannonball, something that works in the context of the show but less so as a stand-alone pop track.
On the one hand, Michele's powerful and emotive voice proves that musical theatre performers can make it as popstars. On the other hand, there's a distinct lack of dynamic range and musicality. Instead we have three and a half minutes of relentless belting, bludgeoning you to make better life decisions.
You could argue that Cannonball is a cynical cash-in on the show's success. More likely, Michele has been inspired to seize the day and embark on the pop career she's always wanted. It's not quite her Firework moment à la Katy Perry, but it's a decent enough start.
3/5
Listen: Cannonball will feature on Michele's debut album 'Louder' released on 3rd March.
