Josh Groban - Closer
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Free Music Notes for Closer
Free Music Review: Josh Groban Brings Fans "Closer"
Hit: 5 Stars
Josh Groban once again hits it big with the hot single "You Raise Me Up". This time around, Josh is going to get creative on his own terms.
First order of business is "Mi Mancherai (Il Postino)", of which he once again performs with a violin soloist, Joshua Bell. This song is a beautiful remake of an Italian opera song, which is Josh's speciality. But yet no one would truly think him as a songwriter until they heard his deeply beautiful "Remember When it Rained" of which he played piano and sang back-up vocals, creating for himself a "Paul Simon"-esque position for himself in the music industry now.
The CD introduces his voice in the traditional "Oceano" of which he begins "Piove su'll oceano" (It rained on the ocean) in such a tender voice, it would shock you in the chorus that his voice carries its own weight of emotion that he pulls in any song he does.
This album also introduces Josh's curiosity in synthesizers and different sounds, as in the song "Never Let Go", which I think is very similiar to Massive Attack with Josh's ability to make those Latino octaves fly all over the place.
While remembering his Italian roots, "Closer" also premieres five new (and some classic) English-sung songs that can not dish the supreme stardom "You're Still You" or "To Where You Are" brought. Michael Jackson's many timed re-done "She's Out of My Life" concludes the album with a broken heart and Groban's ability to jerk tears from any woman's eyes.
My personal favorite English songs are "When You Say You Love Me" with some of the most beautiful lines contained "At times I can't move/At times I can hardly breathe", "Remember When it Rained" ["Felt the ground and looked up high and called your name"] and already released [on Josh Groban's Live Concert CD & DVD] "Broken Vow" (I'll give away my soul to hold you once again/And never let this promise end"].
Snagging Andrea Boccelli's "Caruso" [of which he gives a power-house performance that would give Boccelli shivers!] and even siging the new "All'Improvviso Amore" makes this the Latin-licked "Canto Alla Vita" of this album. English or Italian, Spanish or simply Josh's creations, Josh is beginning to get more personal and "Closer" by the minute!
Free Music Review: I'm Getting "Closer" to Josh Groban
Hit: 5 Stars
It's sad to see people trash such a talented artist. If you're not here to review the CD then don't waste my time with your opinion. Amazon.com is not a message board and shouldn't be used as one. Those spamming with one-star reviews should be embarrassed. You have absolutely NO credibility!!! No one should have to give adults this kind of lecture. Anyways..."Closer" is such a well crafted CD. Every time I listen to it, it truly moves me. He's so young, but his voice reveals none of its youth. It's grand and mature, better than I expected. Each song is a true gift to the listener. When I play Josh's CD it brightens my day. I'm 29 years old, so you're never too young or too old to love Josh Groban.
Josh sticks to the basics on this recording and that's why it's refreshing. He's trying to blow you away, but not completely turn you off. The perfect example is "Broken Vow." He paints it with extravagance only when it's necessary. He's learning. And the more he measures his talent and treats it like how an artist would use color, he will get even better. His voice is a great instrument and he's just learning how to play it, so it's exciting to watch him this early in his career. Most artists with the size and grandeur of Josh's voice would have made listening to "Broken Vow" a chore. But his subtle brilliance reminds me of why he is so infectious.
On songs like "Oceano," "Mi Mancherai," "Per Te," and "Caruso" his potential is stated definitively. Josh makes it look so easy. I don't speak Spanish, French, or Italian, but his voice breaks so many barriers that you won't miss the English translations. 6 out of the 13 songs are in English, so you really can't complain. This also showcases Josh's versatility.
But I want to be clear, this is POP music. So those of you that might be intimidated by the term "classical" shouldn't be. These songs are for everyone. This is something that the entire family can enjoy and love for a lifetime. Buy with confidence. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Note: I'm praying that "Broken Vow" is his next single. Josh I hope you're listening. Now I'm revealing my youth. Oh, well. I tried. :-)
Free Music Review: Josh's sophomore album well worth the wait...
Hit: 5 Stars
On "Closer," Josh Groban's second album, the young singer had much more influence over the final product, including songwriting collaboration (Per Te, Remember When It Rains). His surprisingly quick rise to stardom was aided by multiple guest appearances on now-defunct Ally McBeal, several primetime interviews, and performing at the Winter Olympics. Far from a one hit wonder, Josh's talent continues to mature. "Closer," like his eponymous debut, has managed to top the Billboard Charts. None too shabby for a 22-year old who's still a senior at his performing arts school (Josh also attended two summer sessions at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan).The thirteen tracks on "Closer" again showcase Josh's mature
tenor on the variety of songs he performs best: Italian film music (Mi Mancherai, from Il Postino, with musical guest Joshua Bell on violin), lush Italian ballads (All'Improvviso Amore, Caruso, Per Te), a Spanish ballad (Si volvieras a mi), a cover of an Edith Piaf classic (Hymne à l'amour), and a beautiful cover of Brian Kennedy's (with Secret Garden) "You Raise Me Up."
There are markedly more English-language songs this time around, including a collaboration with the French Deep Forest (Never Let Go). Again produced with the help of legendary Canadian producer David Foster (Lara Fabian, Roch Voisine, Céline Dion, Michael Bublé), the orchestrations enhance without overwhelming, creating a dreamy, romantically charged soundscape.
The limited edition features two exclusive songs, Mi Morena and She's Out Of My Life, along with a DVD featuring the EPK (Electronic Press Kit) and a behind-the-scenes look at Closer. Mi Morena is one of my favourite songs on the album, and the extra songs and bonus DVD pay for themselves. Josh fans will want to buy the limited edition (there is also an Internet edition with two exclusive songs, My December and You're The Only Place, available from Josh's official website).
A wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates classical crossover, a touch of romance, or for the Grobanites in your family who've been waiting impatiently for Josh's new album :-)
Free Music Review: Just plainly and amazing compilation of hard work and talent
Hit: 5 Stars
I absolutely adore Josh because of his style, his voice, and his honesty. The passion he pours into his songs are so touching, and even without knowing a lot of Italian, Spanish, or French, the emotion is translated through his voice, the instrumentation, and the overall composition of the song. Listening to Mi Mancherai is such an experience. The violin duet with Joshua Bell is such a great match. The two amazing talents make such an incredible duet. The violin alone moved me to tears. To add Josh's voice to that, made Mi Mancherai (translated, I will miss you) my favourite song on the album. Seeing Lucia perform this on stage with Josh is an experience in itself. It's just amazing.
Remember When It Rained is a very eerie but interesting song. The piano solo (of course performed by Josh himself) in the middle kind of caught me off guard, but I grew to like it much more with another listen. Overall, this song is just great!
You Raise Me Up is another favourite. The versatility of the song made it such a great hit with the general public, and is probably the driving force for people to buy the CD. It's such an inspirational piece that made me cry quite a few times, thinking of what the song meant to me. This song really relates to everyone who is loved and loves another.
Oceano is another haunting song. This was my immediate favourite, because of the tempo, the rhythms, and the overall feel of the whole vibe it brings. It's relaxing, and it's driving all at once. I really enjoy this one.
Overall, this CD is a staple in my collection. It's different from his first album, but in a good way. "Closer" does bring us closer to Josh's musical tastes, and it adds different flavours in different places, which is very refreshing from albums that are so consistantly repeating almost the same song over and over again. Buy Closer, Internet Version if you want four extra songs (Mi Morena, She's Out of My Life, You're the Only Place, and My December) and the DVD that comes with the other version they put out with the two extra songs... You won't regret it! I love this man, and I love this album!!!
Free Music Review: A voice like this only comes around once in a lifetime...
Hit: 5 Stars
I'M SO GLAD IT'S DURING MY LIFETIME! Josh Groban's voice is similar to the addiction of chocolate. While reading the other reviews, people complained that he was "opera" and very bad at it, or too depressing. Well, okay, sorry but have you listened to the CD? Did you even pay attention to the lyrics of "Never Let Go"? Lyrics that say: "You don't have to close your eyes
There is room for love again
Ease the pain to realize
All that love can be
Forced apart by time and sand
Take a step and take my hand
And don't let it go
Never let go"
Yep, that's depressing. Sure, some of the songs are depressing but if you knew anything about the artist you would know that depressing songs are the song he loves to sing the most. So why wouldn't he sing them? He said himself that he doesn't feel comfortable singing happy songs.
As for the "opera" title Josh himself said that he wouldn't be touching any of that material for many, many years. He said his voice hasn't developed yet.
And, now, on to my review of "Closer." This is the first CD that I have actually counted down the days to its release. Josh's voice is perfect, in my opinion. And, although I am not a trained singer or fluent in Italian, Spanish, or French, when I listen to Josh sing, it doesn't matter if he doesn't pronounce the words right (although that I highly doubt that he sings any of it wrong.). It's Josh's voice that keeps me mesmorized, not the nit-picky things. If you love good music, an amazing voice, and swoon-worthy lyrics, "Closer" is perfect for you! Although it is impossible for me to pick a single song that is my favorite, I will try: "Oceano" is an amazing Italian song, a great way to start the CD. "Remember When It Rained" is all Josh. He wrote it, he sings it, he plays the piano. I guess I love it so much because I feel as if it's one step closer to who Josh is a person and what's going on in his mind and a look into his soul. "Remember When It Rained" is Josh.