Music Review: Josh Groban - Awake
Published November 03, 2006
One thing is certain about Josh Groban — his fans are more than ready for this new offering. They are numerous and fiercely dedicated, especially for an artist who is relatively new to stardom. And although in his younger years he did a few things that didn't get a lot of notice (including filling in as a rehearsal singer for Andrea Bocelli, a move that might have foreshadowed his future), he seemed to almost come from nowhere when his debut album, Josh Groban, appeared just five years ago. The album went double-platinum and he became a star, complete with his own PBS special. And he followed up in 2003 with his second album, Closer, which made it all the way to the top spot on the Billboard album charts.
Fans have eagerly but impatiently waited for his next album, and it's now about to become a reality. Due to be released November 7 on Reprise Records, Awake is sure to hit the charts strong and make a big impact. The album won't disappoint any of his many fans or potential new converts, who might already be enjoying the sound of similar singers, such as Bocelli or Russell Watson. It's skillfully put together with a rich and varied mix of songs, including some in English, Italian, and Spanish. Says Groban, "I learned from touring that my fans are really open-minded, musical, intelligent people and I feel like they want to come on this new journey with me."
Joining Groban on many of the songs (some of which he wrote) are talented artists ranging from Herbie Hancock to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Other contributors include Dave Matthews, Glen Ballard, Eric Mouquet, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting), Marius DeVries, David Foster, and Imogen Heap.
Every cut on the album is a good listen, but some deserve special notice. "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" is also being released as a single, and this inspirational ballad is sure to get some attention. I liked "Un Dia Llegara", which opens with an outstanding guitar flourish that sets the mood for Groban's voice, and "February Song" features Josh himself putting in some strong work on the keyboard. The two songs he performs with Ladysmith Black Mambazo were inspired by his visit to South Africa, where he met Nelson Mandela, and the second of the two, "Weeping", was actually brought back by him after hearing it performed there.
I also enjoyed "Un Giorno Per Noi" (which is better known as the love theme from Romeo And Juliet) and the full, rich orchestral accompaniment enhanced my enjoyment of the song. The final tune, "Machine," with Herbie Hancock, is also very nice, with a pounding rhythm that shows another side to Groban's talent.
An outstanding new album from Josh Groban and well worth the wait for all his fans.
1. Mai
2. You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)
3. Un Dia Llegara
4. February Song
5. L'Ultima Notte
6. So She Dances
7. In Her Eyes
8. Solo Por Ti
9. Now Or Never
10. Un Giorno Per Noi (from Romeo & Juliet)
11. Lullaby — w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo
12. Weeping — w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Vusi Mahlasela
13. Machine — w/ Herbie Hancock
The Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. You can read more of his faux pearls of wisdom at the Geezer Music Club.
- Music Review: Josh Groban - Awake
- Published: November 03, 2006
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Classical, Music: International/World, Music: Popular and Standards
- Writer: Big Geez
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Comments on this articleComments
Yeah, the songs you mention were good too - like I said in the article, every song on the album is a good listen.
Thanks for the comment - glad you enjoyed the review.
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
Josh is the best young singer of the time, he has a amazing voice, brillant, he is a gifted artist, thank you Josh, Mary Forman
Great blog, his album is amazing, and I love his work. I am an aspiring singer, and hope to be able to work with amazing people as he has, to produce great music. I would love for anyone to come view my page at myspace.com, I have my music up, along with a few covers. take care,
-Ryan
AWAKE sounds great, all the way around! well done Josh and a great group of talent behind the scenes as well...see you on tour JG
I'm a dedicated Groban fan but Awake is his weakest album to date. His voice quality is as rich and texured as ever but the album suffers from weak songwriting. There is not one outstanding cut on the disc. A lot of the melodies and especially some of the lyrics are derivative and amateurish. I hope Josh does not follow the same path as another super talented vocalist: k.d. Lang - recording mediocre material that does not match their amazing God given voices.
I have to say that I was tremendously disappointed in Josh's latest album. He still has a great voice, but it seems he has discovered his falsetto, and uses it too much throughout the album. At other times, he seems to be reaching for his top notes, which is something that was not evident in his earlier albums. The music itself is just plain average, and does nothing to showcase his talent. There is not a single hit on the entire album. The mood of this album is completely depressed. I know that artists must share their innermost soul, to feel that they are being true to themselves, but, I would prefer that he sing music that is more uplifting, like his earlier albums. After listening to "Awake" you just want to slit your wrists and end it all!!
Great album!!!! =)
I am trying to to find the name of the violinist that is on his awake tour... Can anyone help???
Kevin,
Her name is Lucia Micarelli and you can google her to find out more. I think she has a myspace page as well
I am a BIG Josh Groban fan but AWAKE was a HUGE disappointment. None of the melodies are stand-out and the lyrics is a bunch of derivative, schmaltzy kitch! What a perfect waste of a beautiful voice. I hope he takes better care with his future song selections.
I had huge expectations from this album, but I too find it a disappointing album. Maybe Josh wanted to record something a little more modern and poplike compared to his previous recordings, but these songs certainly don't do any credit to his beautiful voice. He is not using it to the best of his abilities.
Well, I am not a big fan of Josh Groban; however, I feel that this album is a stepping stone into something different for him as a musical professional. I think change is the major factor here...he can be more than classically oriented in his musical style. He does not need to limit himself to a specific genre...I think that would be mediocre and not allow for different professional experience and growth. He is in the process of experimenting; expect trial and error here...that is a part of the process. He had the support of great musical artists and has a wonderful professional team behind him...if they felt the album, songs or words would not do him justice or promote his vocal ability, this album would not have come to light. He shouldn't remain limited to just what we expect or desire from his musical talent...he should explore and try out what is best for him as both a person and professional. That is absolutely all that matters when it comes to the album AWAKE. I believe that is why it is named AWAKE, because it awakens something new, different and challenging in the way of musical presentation and beauty.
'Awake' is my favorite album that's been released so far, though 'Closer' and 'Josh Groban' are excellent also. I disagree that he used too much falsetto. He uses it tastefully and he rarely cracks a note. This album is definitely a stepping stone; he collaborated with many different artists, and did what many artists have never done before. Just go to a concert- and you will experience what keeps fans coming back for more.
I'm a huge Josh Groban fan (grobanite) I think Awake was the best of the three, even tho I love all his cd's. I don't think I've ever had a cd that I loved every single track on it, but I do on Awake! His voice is richer and more mature on this cd...and I LOVE the falsetto! I've been to 6 concerts on this tour...they never get old..he just keep getting better and better!!
I .Josh have to say I think Josh gets better with each album.His albums have grown with him . Awake is fantastic as have the other.He was young when he released his first so we have to expect a little more maturity with each new album
Love love love Josh Groban, and "Awake" is exceptionally good. "So She Dances" is like an escape, and though I never thought I could have a favorite Josh Groban song, I was corrected by "L'Ultima Notte". "Lullaby" is so going to be just that for my own child, and "Un Giorno Per Noi" conveys such emotion. "In Her Eyes" and "February Song" most certainly also deserve mention.
Oh, and seeing him in concert is absolutely amazing.
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Good blog...but man...I can't believe "In Her Eyes" didn't get mentioned. Or "Now or Never." LOVE those songs...
Tiffiny