Josh Groban - Closer
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Free Music Notes for Closer
Free Music Review: Josh Groban's "Closer" is "Per Te"
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard Josh sining "To Where You Are", he took my breath away. He has a way of touching the listener with his voice that no other singer can. I instantly became a fan, and found this CD in my Dad's collection at work (How he had managed to hide the singer who would one day become my NUMBER ONE FAVORITE is beyond me) It is, without a doubt, the best CD I own. My most played, my most loved, my most cherished. If you've never experienced Josh, than this is the album for you (better, in my opinion, than the first, though both are wonderful. This one doesn't get "old", for lack of a better word, as fast).
If you're looking for someone who's more than just a talented singer, this album shows a bit more of Josh's personal side (hense the title "Closer") He co-wrote the music and lyrics to three of the songs with a group called "Deep Forest", and in one of those three, "Remember When It Rained", he plays the melody on the piano. If you've seen his "Live at the Greek" DVD concert, you'll know that he not only plays more of the piano with the live songs, but he also spices up "Canto Alla Vita" with a drum solo. And if you've been able to see him in concert? Let me tell you, it's a night (or nights!) you'll NEVER forget. The best two concerts of my life.
In the 12 tracks, he sings in 4 different languages (Italian, English, Spanish, and French). With many artists of this genere, some of the songs can almost blend together with how similar they sound. This isn't the case with "Closer". Each song has it's own mood and feel, and leaves no desire unsatisfied.
In short, I really can't suggest a better CD than this. Period. Out of every CD on Amazon. I've heard a lot of singers, and am a fan of many, but Josh Groban? Josh tops them all. And "Closer" is his best album yet.
Free Music Review: Architecture and Josh are Relative
Hit: 5 Stars
If you haven't heard of Josh Groban, then this is the perfect time. "Closer" is a wonderful place to start. It's a great introduction to a new type of pop music by someone with a classically trained voice. It has a different sound, but it's refreshing. If you have an open mind then this will be a rewarding experience.I once thought that pop music had to be a collection of catchy slick tunes, just as I thought a staircase's purpose was to only serve my feet. But architecture school changed the latter view. I now know that a staircase can stand alone as its own piece of architecture. But I had to see it in photos and do a staircase project in school in order to believe it. I never would have thought otherwise. It's the same with Josh's music and voice. If you've never listened to it in its entirety, then it's easy to form a sour opinion. If you play his CD only willing to accept Justin Timberlake as the outcome, then it will be a great disappointment. "Closer" does represent contemporary pop music, just not in the form that most are used to. But it's no less valid because it's in a different package or contains an unfamiliar sound.
I traditionally buy R&B first, but that doesn't mean that those CDs are the favorites in my collection. It doesn't guarantee a particular status over another style or genre. I watch MTV all the time, and I have Justin Timberlake's CD. Therefore, I am capable of liking his interpretation of pop music and Josh's. I'm glad there are recording artists willing to take us down a more traditional path, and others that will take us on a journey that we never expected.
Architecture school freed my mind and so has Josh's music. Even though I have altered my career path, the experience was priceless. Once you listen to Josh, your universe will never be the same shape again.
Free Music Review: No contest
Hit: 5 Stars
This is an amazing album, but that's no surprise, as Josh Groban is an AMAZING singer! When I first saw him on Ally McBeal, (The Wedding) my jaw was hanging and I was choking up through his whole song. Sadly, I missed his second appearance on the show. Time passed, and one day my boss came in and started telling me about a singer she saw on PBS the night before, and sent me out looking for his CD. When I realized who he was, I had to have his music for myself! I was thrilled when Closer came out-more Josh is a great thing, after all.He blows me away! I was irate by a review of this album in a major magazine (starts with a "P") saying his songs are maudlin and that he should stick to Italian and Spanish songs. What a load of BS! His love songs are moving and beautiful, and Josh could sing ANYTHING and still sound great.
He is young and yet by no means a "cocky teenager" type unlike some other young singers these days, who sing songs about being an invisible stalker. I don't care how you cut it, and I'm aware of the metaphoric aspect, but the lyrics are just plain creepy. Does anyone like the idea of being watched by an invisible person in their room? Eek! Yuk! That review compared Josh to aforementioned cocky singer. Laughable! His voice is good enough (nothing super special) but I'd like to hear that kid sing what Josh sings.
Also, Josh was discovered purely on talent, and didn't need to be an exhibitionist and go on national TV hopping around and being flashy to be discovered. He was discovered first, then ended up on TV in a beautiful, sedate special. Josh feels his music, he doesn't just belt it out.
I love this CD, and plan to play several songs from it at my wedding. "When You Say You Love Me" will be our first dance.
Free Music Review: Josh's new album is even Closer to perfection
Hit: 5 Stars
From the moment I hit "play" with this album in the stereo, I knew I'd never listen to music the same way.Every measure, every note, and every word brings us infinitely closer to musical perfection.Josh's melliflous voice transports you to a world of beauty and art; a comfort zone of incredible harmony and unbelievable range.I was surprised that this album was even better than the first, yet upon more listening it seems natural.Josh has grown as an artist and songwriter,and his voice shows new dynamics on this sophmore effort.He seems to find that spot in the heart that causes your whole body to shiver; he crawls into your spirit and teaches you things about life and love.It's more than a cd; it is a soul-searching experience and a new level of self-actualization.
I was particularly impressed with the track "You Raise Me Up."Backup vocals by a full gospel choir, this song WILL raise you up.It's spirituality is impossible to describe.This track is reminiscent of "To Where You Are" on the debut album.And like it's predecessor, "You Raise Me Up" will give you goosebumps everytime.
The first English track on this cd is "My Confession", and if no other track on Closer moves you, this one certainly will.It's powerful lyrics are merely a backdrop for Josh's exquiste voice.The song will keep you breathless from beginning to end; you'll hit the repeat button at least three times before you're satisfied to leave "My Confession" behind.
The subtle nuances and bufferings in the cd give it polish and pizazz; but without the raw emotion of Groban's vocal acrobatics we would never truly understand the meaning of the word "Music."
"Closer" gives us a glimpse into ourselves and the surrounding world. Indeed, it's one step Closer to heaven on earth.
Free Music Review: Better Than Ever
Hit: 5 Stars
I've adored Josh Groban's rich tenor voice from the first time I heard it a few years back. I was floored by his first record, and on "Closer", the singer is back - and better than ever. It's obvious that Josh has matured over the last few years, and the inclusion of so many Italian - language pieces are a testament to his growth. Hearing the beautifully - pronounced lyrics only adds richness to the deepness found on English - language songs.
Every track on this record is amazing, but some simply deserve spotlight recognition. In no particular order:
'All Improvviso Amore': This is easily my favorite piece on the album. It is both fiesty and uplifting, and brings to mind images of ships on the high seas. There is a vitality and rawness to the song, yet it is still gentle.
'My Confession': Reminiscent of a Spanish love song, 'My Confession' is heartfelt, passionate, and even sensual in its lyrics and message. Josh's tender vocals only add to the emotion.
'Oceano': The first track on the record, 'Oceano' makes Josh's maturity immediately recognizable. His comfort and fluency with the Italian language is evident here, as is the power his voice has.
'Remember When It Rained': Written by Josh, it is a heart - breaking song of love lost. This one may well be his next big hit, as it is tender, soft, and so beautiful it's nearly painful.
'You Raise Me Up': His current radio hit, 'You Raise Me Up' is a beautiful cross between southern gospel and Irish mysticism. It is a warm song detailing the greatest of all relationships.
As amazing as his debut album was, Josh Groban has outdone himself with "Closer". It is a record that will go down as one of the best ever made, full of beauty, passion, and a tremendous voice.