Josh Groban

Josh Groban (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 20, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reprise / Wea
• ASIN: B00005RGNI
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,069 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #999 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > Pop > Vocal Pop > Classic
  • #19 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Traditional Pop
  • #22 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Traditional Vocal Pop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

GROBAN JOSH JOSH GROBAN

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the year!, January 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Josh Groban (Audio CD)

I must admit, this is probably the first classical record I've bought in many a year- I usually listen to alternative rock. Like many others, I first heard Josh Groban sing on 'Ally McBeal', and was completely stunned by his voice. Once in a very great while a voice like his comes along... his range, his depth of emotion, and just the sheer beauty of his voice are far beyond his years. I agree with others who've reviewed this that 'The Prayer' would be much better if he'd done it without Charlotte Church- although it was probably a smart move by the record company and got him greater exposure. I could also live without The Corrs on 'Canto All Vita'- great song until they come in! Josh could sing 'Happy Birthday' and it would move me to tears. I literally cannot listen to this album all the way through without crying ('To Where You Are' gets me every time!).

I look forward to many more beautiful records- someone give this kid a Grammy!

118 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional, January 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Josh Groban (Audio CD)

Is he singing about ravioli? I wouldn't know, I don't speak Italian. I wouldn't care if he was, his Italian songs are so beautiful and romantic as well as those in English and Spanish. This is an extremely talented young man with an exceptional gift. A voice beyond his years and beyond belief. I don't know if it's possible to wear out a CD, but if so, I'm well on my way.
I have played this CD over and over and I truly never tire of it.
Josh sings with such maturity and such feeling it filters thru your ears and into the soul. If you really love a beautiful voice, treat yourself to this CD. . The only track I can criticize is The Prayer with Charlotte Church, I feel her voice is too weak to blend with Josh's. It would have been better for him to go solo. I can't recommend this CD highly enough.

88 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who's that singing????, January 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Josh Groban (Audio CD)

I don't watch "Allie McBeal. First heard this gentleman when I was in a bookstore and heard a familiar Cirque de Soleil song from the show "Quidam". Song is "Let Me Fall". "Who is that??" I asked the clerk. "Josh Groban." Same question, "Who is that??" Same answer, "Josh Groban", and a finger pointed at his CD. Bought it, loved it, recommend it to anyone blown away by a beautiful voice. His voice is angelic.
I agree with the other reviewers who feel he is mismatched with Charlotte Church; Sarah Brightman would be a better choice.
One small quibble; I think his voice is too powerful and too strong to sing Don McClean's song, "Vincent". This song, probably my unsophisticated choice for most beautiful song ever written, has been a favorite for thirty years. It seems better suited to Don McClean's fragile tenor.