Customer Reviews

Closer

5 star:		(450)
4 star:		(66)
3 star:		(30)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(53)

 

 

I became a Josh Groban fan after I saw his PBS concert special. His voice just takes my breath away. He has such a mature voice despite his young age. I wasted no time getting his second album. I have no regrets purchasing "Closer". Often artists change their musical formula either too much or the other main complaint is lack of variety and not evolving enough musically. I think Josh's cd has an excellent balance between the two. His first album was sung mostly in italian and english. Closer has a variety of songs sung in italian, english, spanish, and french. Definitely a good move in a positive way because I can appreciate his voice in that many more languages. His voice is beautiful and he has a powerful range. "Remember when it rained" is a very slow and tender ballad which is wonderful to listen to. I didn't know he wrote the lyrics until I saw it in the cd cover. It is one of my favorite songs. "You Raise Me Up" is also a good song- very patriotic sounding. "My Confession" is also great- the texture and rhythms make it sound incredible. I enjoyed the opening track "Oceano", Si Volvieras a Mi, All Improvisio Amore, and Mi Mancherai (with the beautiful violin accompaniment). Overall, I was very impressed with Josh's second album. Although I have absolutely no understanding of what he is saying in the foreign songs, he still sounds great. Get "Closer" to Josh and you won't be disappointed.

I was a reluctant convert to Josh Groban's first CD, which eventually won me over by his extraordinary voice; he stands apart from most singers by the amazing sincerity with which he delivers his songs. 'Closer' has been harder to adjust to -- he is definitely taking steps away from the song choices of his debut CD. Some of the songs are moving on first hearing, but I've found most become much more beautiful on repeat hearings. There is no doubt that he has made enormous strides vocally, and lets loose on his top range, which is far stronger (and higher) than he showed before.

My favorite was 'Remember When It Rained', which I found very different from the rest of the album in structure and maturity - what a surprise to discover that he co-wrote it. I think this album can put to rest the fears that his talents may have been nothing more than music business opportunism. He has lost none of his impeccable phrasing and sincerity, he has moved in a much more mature direction (especially for such a young man), and shows a professionalism and commitment to his talents and to his music. An excellent, excellent cd.

Josh's debut self-titled CD blew me away, and I waited what seems forever for his second. This set of recordings is more masterful and more beautiful than his first if that's possible. Each track takes my breath away and moves me to a higher plane.

Music has always been intertwined with my emotions and I think this album covers them all! As music sooths the savage beast in all of us, "Closer" has the ability to rise goose bumps on our souls and bring tears of joy for a voice that spans generations, for an artist who already should be listed as one of our great voices of all times....Just buy it...DO IT!

The headline of my review for this album says it all very quickly. The moment I heard that this was coming out, I almost literally felt my heart give a jump, and that says a lot. This was well worth the wait. That smooth baritone voice has improved with age (even though he's still just 23). This is every bit as good as his first CD, and I will be bold and say that I actually prefer this one to the first one.

Oceano- Reminiscent (to me) in spirit to "Alla Luce Del Sole". This is carried by lovely piano work with drums in places, buoyed by Josh's exquisite singing. This feels to me like a hymn or song of celebration, almost like a song of honor to the ocean, despite it's relatively quick pace.

My Confession- I LOVE this. It's my favorite piece on the CD in fact. Heavy on beautiful flamenco guitar, with nicely invigorating soft drums and a touch of gorgeous string work. Someone has tried to shut himself off from the power of love, and now must tell the woman he loves that he can no longer escape the power of the pangs for her that he carries in his heart and soul

Mi Mancherai - This is the theme from the movie, Il Postino. I did not see the film, nor do I speak Italian, but I like this song anyway. The combination of Josh's wonderful singing and Joshua Bell's lovely violin work produces a sure-fire winner.

Si Volvieras A Mi- This to me is in the same spirit as "Alejate" from his debut CD, but that's NOT a bad thing. It's great in fact, as I love that song too. I guess it's just that to me this one feels different somehow. I really like the melody in this song, and Josh's singing is, as always, first rate.

When You Say You Love Me- This one took a bit to grow on me, but it's lovely nonetheless. This is a gorgeous song, with a moving melody and a great set of lyrics. For all of us men out there, this is a song that tells the women in our lives just how much they really mean to us all. A great piece.

Per Te - Another beautiful Italian cut. Great job Josh. No matter the language, your voice still touches the heart of all but most jaded of listeners, and you've certainly touched MY heart with this one.

Al Improviso Amore- I LOVE the string work and the piano interplay with Josh's golden voice in this. The faster pace of this song in relation to the previous two cuts makes for a nice change. This melody and Josh's voice is invigorating to me here. Very invigorating.

Broken Vow- Yet another standout. A bitter lament of a love gone sour and the burning need to ask the question "Why?" Mixed in is the wish that the love once shared could be rekindled in all it's glory and the depths the singer would go to to make that happen if they could do it. For all who know the pain of losing someone they love to another, this strikes a chord.

Caruso- I like this song a lot, even though it took awhile to grow on me. That's probably because, in some places, it's sung faster than I've EVER heard Josh sing anything before. Still, it's a great song. The melodies and Josh's voice won me over rather quickly to this piece.

Remember When It Rained- Yet another tale of love remembered fondly after having gone sour for one reason or another. This one features lyrics and music written by Josh Groban himself and is very VERY nice indeed.

Hymne l'Amour - A very lovely French song. See my comment on languages in my listing for Per Te. Josh can touch a heart and soul, no matter what language he happens to be singing in.

You Raise Me Up - I LOVE the emotional feel of this piece. The choir vocals add a great touch. Josh's voice starts gently, as always, and then positively SOARS to reach the heavens. I only WISH this song had more verses to it. Still the melody and feel of the song, to me, make up for its lack of verses. It's still a great piece and it STILL managed to win me over. It does not detract from my love for the rest of this CD.

Never Let Go- A nice closing piece. The appearance of Deep Forest as guests here make this track different, and the most distinct cut on the CD. As always Josh's lovely voice carries it all and makes the piece a gem.

All told, Josh Groban has returned, and this CD packs an even stronger punch than his self-titled debut CD "Josh Groban". I cannot wait to see and hear what the future has in store, both for Josh Groban himself, and for us, all his fans out there. What a GIFT God has given this young man. At 23 years old, he has a dazzlingly bright future, and for all his fans, myself happily and gladly included in their numbers, it promises to be a great, hopefully MANY-year listening experience. Happy listening to all readers of this review, and God bless you and yours, always and forever. Peace.

After walking into a local records shop, I was struck by the beautiful music playing in the background and wondered who on earth the owner of this heavenly voice could be, whereupon I discovered Josh Groban. That record was his debut album, self-titled.
And since then I have thanked the day that I walked into that record shop and to the amusement of the cashier paid for whatever they were playing on the spot. Anyone who is familiar with his music will understand: if not, I will explain.
Josh Groban is one of those artists that seems to hold his own, that doesn't need publicity but carries his work with that indefinable majesty. Every song he sings he seems to know your emotions, seems to connect with them through the tones of his voice. For such a young voice to carry so much emotion is remarkable. Truly Remarkable.
So, after hearing the inspiring, sometimes simply heartbreaking and always BEAUTIFUL debut album, I was rather split. Did I buy the album CLOSER, which I craved just to hear new melodies being commanded by this voice, or did I not buy it and be safe with the debut - would it let the splendour of the first album down? Would his songs sink in to that usually inevitable repetitive genre, that does not inspire, that does not send a shiver up your spine repeatedly and a stirring in your stomach?
It was better than the debut album. That's something hard to beat.
Only a minute in was I to the first track, that I laughed out loud to the delightful feelings of inspiration the natural power and passion of Josh Groban's voice.
If you dear reader are strange to this true talent, then please drop any hesitation you may have. He is not another reeled off singer with an infuriating smirk and shake of the mouth, the only emotions present in the voice being one, of self-satisfaction. Josh Groban is a real vocalist who can play the strings of your emotions as the wonderful string players offering splendid, stunning, 'welling' backgrounds to this PROPER voice of an angel.
I've heard nothing like it.
As one 60 year old friend pointed out on my 16th birthday last night, where we had Josh Groban playing to the black tie garden dinner: "His voice makes me want to cry."
I think that says it all, do you not?

Josh Groban has the best voice I have ever heard in my life!!I listen to all his songs nonstop,but this album is his best one.It far outshines his debut album and I think it's even better than Awake.The English songs are comparable,but the foriegn songs are much better in Closer.I love it so much,I'm gonna go through each song.

Oceano-I love that this is the first song on the CD.It starts with a trickling piano and a quiet Josh and gradually gets louder and more filled with energy.It's perfect to wake up to in the morning.The chorus is amazing.And the words in Italian are beautiful-about the one he loves leaving him shipwrecked.

My Confession-This sounds rather Spanish with the guitar and the tolling bell.Very gripping and expertly written.It's basically him telling his love how wrong he's been about her and how much he really loves her.

Mi Mancherai-This is the most beautiful song I've ever heard.Joshua Bell on the violin is just magical.Paired with the voice of Groban,they're unstopable.Simply gorgeous.

Si Volvieras A Mi-This is my favorite foriegn language song of all time.And I've heard a lot of them.It's the only one in Spanish.The lyrics are breathtakingly heartrending.The music is so singable that I memorized the entire song-in Spanish.The climax is outstanding as they are in all his songs.

When You Say You Love Me-Such a sweet song.Josh gives such effort and talent into this with the many soaring parts that leaves you stricken with amazement.

Per Te-I'm not very taken with this one.There is no really outstanding part to it and the music itself isn't gripping and moving like the rest are.

All'Improvviso Amore-This is a fun song,with a rather bright chorus that probably wasn't what they were going for,judging by the lyrics.Not his greatest,but I still love it.

Broken Vow-Oh this is the sadest breakup song ever.With the piano accompaniment and the tragic message...It's just rips your heart out.

Caruso-This seems more like an Andrea Bocelli song than one for Josh.The words run through like a flood and the music is-again-heartbreaking.

Remember When It Rained-O my gosh,this is THE greatest Groban song ever.Even better than You Raise Me Up-if it's possible.The words(co-written by Josh) are beautiful and compelling.You can feel the emotion in the every word and the climax is the best part any of his songs.Stunning!

Hymne a l'Amore-this song is in French.It's very pretty,but it doesn't seem to work with Josh.It's lacking someting...

You Raise Me Up-Josh's most popular song-and with good reason.He uses a gospel choir which adds so much energy and emotion to the already stellar performance.Josh hits a high B flat which isn't as good as some,but it sounds better than most.A real hit!

Never Let Go-Josh gets kind of off the trail with this one;experimenting,I guess.It took me a while to get used to,but when I did,I loved it.

There also are two bonus tracks;

Mi Morena-It's in English,by the way.This talks about his love and infatuation for this girl.Rather sensual.Not really.Just some lyrics.Very artistic,though.

She's Out Of My Life-Actually,this is probably sader than Broken Vow.Beautiful piano again and heartrending to the fullest.


So this is definately the greatest of his albums.Beautiful foriegn songs,heart rending break up songs,amazing climaxes,and a voice from heaven.I you want some of Josh,this is the best one to get,but you really should get Awake too.

There is something to be said for an artist that essentially defines a musical category. Sure, the title of "Pop Opera" has been around for a while, with the Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli representing this class of music well. Josh brings a youth to this normally staid genre much the same way Tiger Woods does to golf, with experience well beyond their years. Josh is a phenomenal talent that sings with great emotion on a wide variety of incredible pieces.

Among my favorites:

- You Raise Me Up: Easily could be played on any top 40 station. This is the kind of song that could have been done by Bette Middler (a la "Wind Beneath My Wings"), but is bolder in its arrangement with several "take your breath away" moments, whereas the former just seems to ooze.

- Mi Mancherai: Anyone who can listen to this should be able to know what the song is about without having to know the words. Joshua Bell's violin blends so well with Josh's vocals that you feel the sense lost love and the emotional emptiness of the narrator in this flat out gorgeous song.

- When You Say You Love Me: Josh takes you to a place several times in this song that you just don't see coming. Again, could be a great radio tune.

- Oceano: I must look like a complete goober to everyone who sees me driving while this song is on, as I conduct my own personal orchestra and sing along to a language I know nothing about. One of the more up-tempo songs on the album.

- Remember When it Rained: Lots of friends comment to me that they have a lot more respect for musicians that can write and perform their songs, rather than just sing. This song shows that Josh really is a consummate musician. He co-wrote the song, and plays piano... quite well I might add.

While I've only mentioned my favorites here, quite honestly, all the songs are good in that they span an emotional spectrum in an hour. No, it's not everybody's cup of tea, but neither is golf. Josh's gift to us is that he transcends beyond his genre's normal audience. Do not miss this recording!

WOW! This is the first album I have bought by Josh, and I have to say, The young man is nothing short of a blessing from God Himself, What a Voice what passion comes through his songs, even the songs not in english. I really liked the song You raise me up and decided to get this album and I was a bit skeptical about buying the album due to the songs in other languages and I have come a long way from that thought now as my favourite song on this album is Oceano whish is Italian. If you like passionate, beautiful heart felt music, what are you waiting buy this album and buy it now so you won't regret anymore days without it.

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!!!

I first became captivated by this singer when he performed on Ally McBeal a couple of years ago. He is so unlike the typical, crass, loud, brassy singers of today, who perform on those television contests and all sound so alike. I am tired of those wavering voices that wobble all over the place when they sing - it seems to be a fad. I enjoy Josh Groban's pure, clear style MUCH more. He is sensitive, feels the songs, and even when he sings in a foreign language, I can tell what the song is about just by how he delivers the lyrics and the feeling he puts into it.