''Matthew Morrison'' is the self-titled debut album of ''

Glee Glee means delight, a form of happiness. Glee may also refer to: * Glee (music), a type of English choral music * ''Glee'' (TV series), an American musical comedy-drama TV series, and related media created by Ryan Murphy * ''Glee'' (Bran Van 30 ...

'' star

Matthew Morrison Matthew James Morrison (born October 30, 1978) is an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter, best known for his role as Will Schuester on the Fox television show '' Glee'' (2009–2015). He has starred in multiple Broadway and Off-Broadw ...

released on May 10, 2011. The song " Still Got Tonight", co-written by

Kris Allen Kristopher Neil Allen (born June 21, 1985) is an American singer and songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, and the winner of the eighth season of ''American Idol''. Prior to ''Idol'', he self-released a 2007 album, ''Brand New Shoes''. Allen's ' ...

, was first released as a

promo single A promotional recording, or promo, or plug copy, is an audio or video recording distributed free, usually in order to promote a recording that is or soon will be commercially available. Promos are normally sent directly to broadcasters, such as ...

for digital stores as a

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to the album release along with the tracks " Over the Rainbow" (with Gwyneth Paltrow) and "

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin, and performed by John. It was released on the 1972 album ''Honky Château''. The lyrics conveyed Taupin's take on New York City after h ...

/ Rocket Man" (with Elton John), and a month later performed at a

Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

stage by Matthew himself on the season finale of ''Glee'' (co-starred by Matthew as

Will Schuester William Michael Schuester, often referred to as Mr. Schue, is a fictional teacher character and one of the two main Protagonist, protagonists from the Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox musical film, musical comedy-drama series ''Glee (TV series), Gl ...

), " New York" (season 2, episode 22). "Arms of a Woman" is a cover of the

Amos Lee Amos Lee (born Ryan Anthony Massaro, June 20, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter whose musical style encompasses folk, rock, and soul. He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Engli ...

song. As of March 21, 2013, the album has sold 55,000 copies in the US.

Critical reception

Reviews for the album were mixed.

AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databa ...

editor Heather Phares gave it three out of five stars, praising some of the songs like his duet with Gwyneth Paltrow for its melody for giving his voice "more to do than most of the by-the-numbers contemporary pop here" and "It's Over" for being "one of the truest expressions of his talent," but felt that the best moments - his duets with Sting and Elton John - feels like "it gives the impression that he can't carry a song without someone else." She concluded that "Ultimately, ''Matthew Morrison'' is more scattered and less fresh-feeling than the fare he sings week in and week out on ''Glee''. Though it has plenty of appealing moments, it just doesn't capitalize on Morrison's star and vocal power." ''

Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first known for its ...

''s

Jody Rosen Jody Rosen (born June 21, 1969 in New York City) is an American journalist and author. He is a contributing writer for ''The New York Times Magazine''. Career Journalism Rosen served as critic-at-large for '' T: The New York Times Style Magaz ...

said of the record: "Verdict: a mildly charming, sometimes gawky LP that will please Gleeks and befuddle everyone else. Prediction: It'll be a huge hit." Slant Magazine writer Jonathan Keefe gave criticism to the producer-driven songs for being "the most middlebrow and indistinct brand of pop that is never less than competent, but is never even the slightest bit innovative or noteworthy" and the original tracks for being "just as unmemorable," but gave positive insight on his singing voice saying " isn't that Morrison's a poor singer: He actually has a pure, pleasant tenor that's as limber and expressive as that of any seasoned stage performer."

Track listing

Chart performance

Album

Singles

Personnel

*Vocals:

, Elton John, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting *Producer:

Rob Mathes Rob or ROB may refer to: Places * Rob, Velike Lašče, a settlement in Slovenia * Roberts International Airport (IATA code ROB), in Monrovia, Liberia People * Rob (given name), a given name or nickname, e.g., for Robert(o), Robin/Robyn * Rob ( ...

Matt Squire Matt Squire (born May 7, 1976) is an American record producer, audio engineer, mixing engineer, and songwriter. His production, songwriting, and mixing credits include Underoath, Panic! at the Disco, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Kes ...

Marc Shaiman Marc Shaiman (; born October 22, 1959) is an American composer and lyricist for films, television, and theatre, best known for his collaborations with lyricist and director Scott Wittman. He wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics for the Broa ...

Kristian Lundin Kristian Lundin (born 7 May 1973) is a Swedish composer, music producer and songwriter. Biography Kristian's worked on the song " Quit Playing Games (with My Heart)" which he co-produced with Max Martin for the Backstreet Boys. He co-wrote & pro ...

Steve Kipner Stephen Alan Kipner (born 1950) is an American-born Australian songwriter and record producer, with hits spanning a 40-year period, including chart-topping songs such as Olivia Newton-John's "Physical", Natasha Bedingfield's "These Words", an ...

, Andrew Frampton

References

{{Authority control 2011 debut albums Matthew Morrison albums Mercury Records albums Albums produced by Kristian Lundin Albums produced by Rob Mathes Albums produced by Matt Squire