JOSH GROBAN : THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD THIS YEAR

December 14, 2007

I love Josh Groban. How completely unoriginal.

The whole package just works, you know? Of course you know. Women fall to pieces over the guy. It’s the hair, right? The hair and the eyes. And the voice. I forgot about the voice for a moment.

The best picture is from the background on his website, so go there and look around.

Now I ask you….

The Noel CD

Josh Groban Noel

It comes with a nice little book with good pictures.

It’s fun to look at.

Oh, yes, and there are songs too. I keep forgetting about the sound somehow.

Of course you’ve heard every song, or almost. Well, I am here to tell you these are the most beautiful renditions you are going to hear. In keeping with his tradition as a classical vocalist, he sings “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Silent Night”. You will not hear “Deck The Halls”.

The selection of carols suit his voice perfectly. You’ll listen to the songs like you’re hearing them for the first time. Mind you, he could sing “Rudolph” and it would become celestial.

As always, his voice is so perfect, you get goose bumps. For me, it’s not just the music but the way he pronounces the words. He takes it to a new level with this music. You have to stop what you’re doing and just listen.

He sings in English for the most part. The Ave Maria is there. There is also a carol sung in French. I like when he sings in other languages because I listen even harder to the pronunciation.

Guest artists and choirs are featured in many of the songs. Musical instruments play a more original role than one often hears, and the expected tempos and rhythms are performed with a modern spin. I love it.

“Thankful”

This was a new song to me. It is not a traditional selection but it is profound. It is the most meaningful of them all because you don’t tune out the words, having heard them a million times. Here are some excerpts from the song.

Look beyond yourself…
There’s so much to be thankful for…
Each of us must find our truth…
We are all connected…
On this day, we hope for what we still can’t see…

At this time, maybe more than any other, what the song says absolutely belongs to a collection of songs for this season. In the modern world, more people will hear a personal message from these words than from “Little Drummer Boy”.

What’s not to like?

I don’t know music terminology so I can’t dissect this CD from any theoretical perspective. Maybe the instrument arrangements are a little complicated (David Foster, you know…), but how do you make these songs different at this point? Josh’s voice can easily match the drama of the music and still shine above.

Who would put Faith Hill with Josh Groban, I can’t imagine. That’s all I’ve got to say about that. Nevermind. “What Child Is This?” will blow you away.

If there’s a song I don’t love, I skip it. Or I pull out the picture book and occupy myself with that. With any CD, you might pass on the odd song… like the one with the soldiers in Iraq sending home Christmas greetings, which doesn’t really appeal to me. Hey, for you, it might be the most moving and timeless selection of the group.

I am certain that you will find something to love in each piece of music.

For every woman on your list over 35

Your mother, aunt, sister-in-law, receptionist, schoolbus driver, childrens’ teacher, hair stylist, veterinarian, …

Easy shopping. Your only worry is if she’s already bought herself 3 copies.

Posted by Christine Scaman | Filed Under Happiness, Outside The Box

Comments

One Response to “JOSH GROBAN : THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD THIS YEAR”

Nathalie Miller on December 14th, 2007 8:46 am

Yes, Christine I couldn’t agree with you more. I listen to cksy in the shop, and when Josh’s songs come on I can’t help but listen intently and even try to sing like him. Thank goodness I’m alone. Merry Christmas and have a great and safe trip. Love, Nat:grin: