Keep Holding On and Paradise by the Dashboard Light
SON OF A BITCH THESE ARE DIFFICULT I JUST REALLY LOVE GLEE OK
Alright, let's start with the first one. "Keep Holding On" is great because it's a big, unifying moment for the group where they all come together in support of Quinn. Quinn was hardly the most pleasant character throughout season one, but I don't think anyone's holding grudges over the past. That being said, at the time she was pretty vicious to Rachel, lying to Finn, and not yet friendly with most of the others (excluding the jocks and Cheerios). The entire episode was about Sue's attempts at dividing the club.
Then thisĀ thingĀ happens and any little thing that might have mattered days ago doesn't register anymore. In this moment, for "Keep Holding On" solidarity is established. They're in uniform colors and moving together well, which contrasts with "Ride Wit Me" in the same episode where they're bonding but it's wholly informal, scattered bits that don't yet know where they fit in the bigger picture. Then the whole school turns their attention and derision on Quinn, who has already been feeling overwhelmed but now must feel like the ground has finally given out beneath her. But it hasn't, she has support. She has glee club. And "Keep Holding On" encapsulates all of that. So it's a really precious moment of club taking its first step toward family.
Then we have "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" which I'm sure has made my neighbors hate me because that's a major shower song for me. So... Anyway, this is a major moment for them all as a club as well. Not every member was there when they started, not every member who was there when they started remains. But the gel has set and they're family. And they act like it. The machine is well-oiled and runs like a dream.Ā This is a show choir performance that makes me believe Will Schuester is capable of running Vocal Adrenaline. Everyone sounds amazing, everyone is utilized, there's no swaying in the background while Finn and Rachel get the spotlight (which I'll admit occasionally has its merits but in this performance would have ruined them). There is something absolutely magical about New Directions doing this number.Ā
Based on which one I'd prefer listening to more: "Paradise"
Based on which one gets me right in the feels: "Keep Holding On"