Spring Break
Groban's 'Noel' Is An Early Holiday Present
CD Review
Elizabeth Connelly
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Focus
With summer coming to a close and the weather getting colder, no one wants to think about snow coming our way or even dare to imagine the frigid walks to class we will have to take. However, along with the unbearable conditions that winter brings, it also brings the holidays and it looks like Christmas has come early for all the Josh Groban fans in the world. His new holiday album, "Noel," takes classic Christmas songs to a whole new level.
The critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated voice of Josh Groban lives up to it's reputation with songs such as "Silent Night" and "Little Drummer Boy" being sung with such an intensity it would send chills down anyone's back.
"Noel" is performed with flare, balancing the pop standards while showcasing some of Groban's more operatic material really shows his roots. His rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" surprises listeners with service men and women, stationed in Iraq, sending their holiday messages to their families over the music. It is a heart wrenching twist that is sure to bring out tears in many of his listeners.
The album is full of popular holiday songs such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "What Child Is This." It also covers the classic songs that are not as well known, such as "Petit Papa Noel," and "Panis Angelicus." Groban puts his all into each and every one of them.
If Groban's voice wasn't enough, he duets with successful country artist Faith Hill on the track, "The First Noel." The tremendous harmonies between the two artists are given even more intensity when a choir, under the direction of gospel legend Kirk Franklin, chimes in.
All of the artists blend together for a fantastic rendition of the classic song. He also collaborates with Grammy-nominated recording artist Brian McKnight on the track, "Angels We Have Heard on High." The two very different voices accompany each other to give the song a new and brilliant sound. Recording part of the album in London, gave Groban the chance to have many of the songs accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This added touch gives the album a warm and homelike feel to it.
The adult-contemporary classical pop artist has proved himself time and time again with his first three albums, and has impressed again with his newest holiday CD, "Noel."
Contact Elizabeth Connelly
at Elizabeth.Connelly
@UConn.edu.
The critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated voice of Josh Groban lives up to it's reputation with songs such as "Silent Night" and "Little Drummer Boy" being sung with such an intensity it would send chills down anyone's back.
"Noel" is performed with flare, balancing the pop standards while showcasing some of Groban's more operatic material really shows his roots. His rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" surprises listeners with service men and women, stationed in Iraq, sending their holiday messages to their families over the music. It is a heart wrenching twist that is sure to bring out tears in many of his listeners.
The album is full of popular holiday songs such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "What Child Is This." It also covers the classic songs that are not as well known, such as "Petit Papa Noel," and "Panis Angelicus." Groban puts his all into each and every one of them.
If Groban's voice wasn't enough, he duets with successful country artist Faith Hill on the track, "The First Noel." The tremendous harmonies between the two artists are given even more intensity when a choir, under the direction of gospel legend Kirk Franklin, chimes in.
All of the artists blend together for a fantastic rendition of the classic song. He also collaborates with Grammy-nominated recording artist Brian McKnight on the track, "Angels We Have Heard on High." The two very different voices accompany each other to give the song a new and brilliant sound. Recording part of the album in London, gave Groban the chance to have many of the songs accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This added touch gives the album a warm and homelike feel to it.
The adult-contemporary classical pop artist has proved himself time and time again with his first three albums, and has impressed again with his newest holiday CD, "Noel."
Contact Elizabeth Connelly
at Elizabeth.Connelly
@UConn.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Nancy Petrone
posted 10/17/07 @ 9:54 AM EST
Elizabeth,
Being a UConn grad, AND a 'grobanite', I was especially interested in your review of 'Noel'. You have captured the essence of the album brilliantly and echo ALL our thoughts and feelings about it -- kudos!!!! Thanks for being aware of Josh's amazing talent and for sharing your insight on yet ANOTHER beautiful and successful recording. (Continued…)
Marilyn sorsen
posted 10/17/07 @ 1:26 PM EST
Thank you for the wonderful write up! Noel was everything all of us Grobanites expected and more!! Ave Maria brought me to tears and It Came Upon A Midnight Clear not only did the same for me, but it brought tears to my husband's eyes too! Thanks again for the excellent write up. (Continued…)
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