GROBAN, JOSH

Personnel include: Josh Groban; Michael Thompson , Tim Pierce (guitar); Sean Hurley (keyboards); Nathan East (bass guitar); Matt Chamberlain, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Marius De Vries (programming); Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Recording information: 2006.

Expectations for vocalist Josh Groban's third release ran high, especially given the phenomenal success of his sophomore effort, CLOSER, which reached number one on the Billboard charts. Like Andrea Bocelli, Groban treads the line between classical, operatic singing, and crossover pop. AWAKE manages the synthesis beautifully. With its strong batch of songs, and Groban's voice continuing to develop, the album may even best its predecessor.

Opener "Mai," sung in Italian, sets the tone for the album. Highly romantic, stirring, and couched in tasteful orchestral arrangements, the song is the perfect canvas for Groban's heart-melting delivery. "February Song," which finds the artist accompanied only by piano, is more reserved and plaintive. Other album highlights include "Machine," with a funky, jazzy backdrop provided by Herbie Hancock, and "Lullaby" and "Weeping," which feature the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mombazo.

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