I am a Josh Groban fan.
There. I said it. While I certainly don't have the fervor of the 14 year-old girls (and their mothers), I've been listening to the Grobester soon after he arrived on the music scene. On Tuesday, Josh dropped his latest album Illuminations onto an anxiously awaiting fan base. As one of his fans, I took it upon myself to see if I could objectively give my opinion on his latest release.
Can't even shave for an album cover. The definition of "cool."
After the more "mysterious" (for lack of a better word) album that was Awake, I was looking forward to seeing Groban trend further in that direction. Instead, Illuminations has the feel and sound of an Americana-style sampling with songs like "War at Home" and "Bells of New York City." Simply from a musical composition perspective, the chords used in some of these tracks (like in "Hidden Away," which has no patriotic context) are similar those found in more "national pride" type of pieces. It's not a bad thing per se, but it can deliver a different feeling than some of Groban's more pop-like releases.
As with every Groban release, you can expect a mix of freshly written tunes as well as foreign classics. Though of the disc's thirteen tracks, only three are of sans-English, so don't be afraid. Still, Groban is undoubtedly at his best when he's expounding upon love, and there are no shortage of those songs to be found on Illuminations. "Hidden Away" and "Love Only Knows" are two of the best tracks on the album and it's because you can clearly hear Josh's own emotions behind his lyrics.
My Favorite Tracks:
"Bells of New York City," "Hidden Away," "Love Only Knows."
Oddest Track:
"Galileo (Someone Like You)"
I have NO idea where this track comes from. It's a decent enough song and I understand the concept, but seriously Josh? A love song involving Galileo? Way to pull the odd reference.
The Verdict:
If you're a Grobanite, then you already have this album and have already fallen in love with Groban's vocal styling. If you're not, I'd steer clear of Illuminations... for now. If you're desperate to try him on for size (I said it), I'd go for Awake first. If you've been with him for some time, you'll have no qualms with his newest. Go get it and clutch it close to you at night while you're sleeping...sicko. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to let Josh lull me to sleep.
