Customer Reviews

Closer

5 star:		(296)
4 star:		(43)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(37)

 

 

I first heard Josh Groban on his album JOSH GROBAN, and decided, hey, I should check this other one out. CLOSER is incredible! His voice is incredible. Josh Groban can SING. Holayyy. And it isn't even just the strength of his voice; it's his range, and his tone. He's probably the best tenor of recent years.

Although I absolutely love Josh Groban's voice, I have to say that most of the songs on this CD are extremely boring, and sound very much the same. It is really too bad, because given the right songs, Josh can really amaze (eg. have you heard him sing O Holy Night - just astounding !).

If you are just going to buy one Josh Groban CD, buy the first one.

I just saw Josh Groban in concert, here in Vancouver, and I felt compelled to support him in any way possible. His performance was incredible, actually I don't think I can find the word to describe it exactly. Believe it or not his voice is better LIVE!!!! And I'm not saying that he sounds bad on CD, he sounds amazing in this CD but his vocals are so strong that at the concert you sense the power vibrate within you. It was like he was right beside me, amazing! This CD is fantastic, I've listened to it non-stop in preparation for the concert tonight, and I never got sick of it. His next single, and my favorite song "Remember when it rained" (co-wrote by Groban himself) is such a moving song, all his songs are, but this one touches a special place in my heart. Also, this CD, as well as new songs, is filled with the favorites, such as the Italian love song "Caruso". Let me tell you, one of the best of the many, many who have sung it. You cannot be a romantic and not love this song. It was neat because at the concert he translated the words to the verses, and it just re-enforced what masterpiece that song really is. Many people find him bland for singing stereotypical operatic songs, but these people fail to hear the words or the fabulous talented ensemble Groban has put together. His sound is fresh, because it's not just violin, it's fantastic drumming, percussion, piano, guitar and bass. There are many who can appreciate this such beautiful artistic compellation. Besides many of the songs are new songs. What an unforgettable experience, now to be revisited every time I reach for this CD.

I expected to see some variety in Josh Groban's second solo album, but I was disappointed. Even with French and Irish tunes exploited, still they were arranged in the same style and therefore sound very much the same, plus the over producing, in the end it is Josh Groban debut all over again. Some tracks, had they been produced simpler, could retain more individuality and the beauty that comes with it. Having said this, I think Josh Groban has obviously put more of himself into the singing, and we now hear more of his high register. His "Caruso" is good, although really not in the same league as Andrea Bocelli.

OK, I just want to say that as a singer, Josh Groban is definitely someone to look up. I love all of his songs and his voice. I can listen to him all day long!

After begging and begging for months, I finally received Josh's album "Closer" for my birthday. I was not disappointed. In fact, his cd hasn't left my cd player since I first put it in. Right away, I knew I was in for a treat. The first track, "Oceano" took my breath away and made me cry. It is sung with such passion, such emotion, and through the depths of his rich baritone chords comes a longing not capable of being expressed by any other than Josh Groban's voice. He is rich, enchanting, melodic, and romantic in the songs "Mi Mancherai," "Si Volvieras a Mi," and "Remember When it Rained". I honestly can't choose a favorite, because they are all sung with such feeling and passion. I have never heard a voice like this, and I have listened to many an "artist" who thinks they can sing. None surpasses the gloriousness and passion of this man's voice. It truly does feel like heaven on earth.

If you can, I highly recommend getting the Limited Edition version of the "Closer" cd. It has two bonus tracks (4 if you buy the Internet Only version) that are well worth the extra money, as well as a 20 minute "behind the scenes" DVD showing footage of different photo shoots and some questions and interviews. It also lets you see a little more into Josh's charming personality and proves that he is not a fake or pop star clone. This guy is original, one-of-a-kind, and I know he will be in the music scene for many years to come.

I am forever a Grobanite and I love you Josh!!!

I became a Josh Groban fan after I saw his PBS concert special. His voice just takes my breath away. He has such a mature voice despite his young age. I wasted no time getting his second album. I have no regrets purchasing "Closer". Often artists change their musical formula either too much or the other main complaint is lack of variety and not evolving enough musically. I think Josh's cd has an excellent balance between the two. His first album was sung mostly in italian and english. Closer has a variety of songs sung in italian, english, spanish, and french. Definitely a good move in a positive way because I can appreciate his voice in that many more languages. His voice is beautiful and he has a powerful range. "Remember when it rained" is a very slow and tender ballad which is wonderful to listen to. I didn't know he wrote the lyrics until I saw it in the cd cover. It is one of my favorite songs. "You Raise Me Up" is also a good song- very patriotic sounding. "My Confession" is also great- the texture and rhythms make it sound incredible. I enjoyed the opening track "Oceano", Si Volvieras a Mi, All Improvisio Amore, and Mi Mancherai (with the beautiful violin accompaniment). Overall, I was very impressed with Josh's second album. Although I have absolutely no understanding of what he is saying in the foreign songs, he still sounds great. Get "Closer" to Josh and you won't be disappointed.

I had heard a lot about Josh Groban in the news and in magazines before and couldn't understand the hype, but never gave his music a chance. Then, when I saw and heard a tv commercial for this CD, I had to order it. This is an excellent collection of songs from an artist that can actually sing - which is very refreshing!!! My favorite track is "You Raise Me Up" which has been a very inspirational song for me personally.
I hope that buyers wont let the fact that not all the songs are in english prevent them from ordering this CD. Sure, I can't understand what Josh is singing about, but it doesn't matter because the music is so beautiful it's like listening to art filled with passion and real emotion.
I can't recommend this CD enough, it's one of my favorite CDs out right now along with mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession" CD.
It doesn't get much better than this.

This is one of the best CDs out now, along with mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession". The reason why this album is so good is that it's nice to hear someone that can actually sing. The pop would is cluttered with acts and artist that either scream or rap to us. The talent factor is low with these acts. Take away their slick production values, creative beats and a multi-million dollar record label push and you or I could be behind the mic. Not so with Josh. This cat can sing! Emotional and powerful music and vocals will explode from your stereo speakers when you drop this one. Plus, I've heard him sing live, he's the real deal. No need for FX or studio tricks to get a good sound from his voice.
If you're in the mood to hear someone actually sing, and not scream or rhyme at you, pick up this CD today!!!!!!

The man has a good voice but the recording is awful! It sounds like he is lost somewhere in the orchrestra. Having listened to many recordings of well known artists I feel that whoever was in charge of this recording should go back to kindergarten and start all over. Anybody want to hear how it should be done I suggest that they buy a Russel Watson album. Now there are real fine recordings.