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Josh Groban — ëƵAll That EchoesëƵ

By Clint Rhodes 3 min read
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Josh Groban -- "All That Echoes"
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Rhodes

Josh GrobanëƵs sixth studio album offers a pleasing crossover collection of pop and classical styles elegantly crafted to highlight a diverse musical set of memorable arrangements that inspire and impress.

GrobanëƵs majestically stunning voice brought my mother-in-law to tears during a performance in Pittsburgh a few years ago. For his latest album, Groban replaces Rick Rubin, who produced 2010ëƵs ëƵIlluminations,ëƵ with Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Kid Rock) hoping to infuse a slight rock tone into the angelic tenorëƵs signature style. Groban co-wrote seven of the albumëƵs 12 tracks and also performs five covers. The most notable of the covers includes the moving piano ballad ëƵThe Moon Is a Harsh MistressëƵ by Jimmy Webb and Stevie WonderëƵs ëƵI Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever).ëƵ

The latter arrangement is a striking spectacular with sprawling orchestral strings and gospel choir accenting the beautifully radiant lyrics. This song has always been a personal favorite of mine ever since I heard Art Garfunkel perform it on his classic 1975 album ëƵBreakaway.ëƵ While GarfunkelëƵs version evokes a haunting and surreal innocence of searching for true love, Groban offers a Broadway performance version that is spirited to heavenly heights through the powerful performance of a backing choir and show-stopping dramatic closing. Groban enlists a little help from his friends on a few momentous selections.

Legendary trumpeter Arturo Sandoval lends his talents to the silky smooth Spanish number ëƵUn Alma Mas,ëƵ while Italian vocalist Laura Pausini performs a passionate duet with Groban on ëƵE Ti Promettero.ëƵ While I love many of Andrea BocelliëƵs albums, his new release lacks the fire and passion found on the pieces offered by Groban, especially the stirring ëƵSincera.ëƵ

By branching out and remaining open to a new producer and different styles, GrobanëƵs flawless sound is fresh, vibrant and appealing to the music masses.

The album opener, ëƵBrave,ëƵ is perfect for a movie soundtrack or Broadway show with its upbeat and uplifting lyrics and soaring accompanying musical score. The evocative feel of ëƵFalse AlarmsëƵ possesses the contemporary sound of Coldplay, Keane, Snow Patrol or Travis as Groban skillfully navigates the pop aspects of his vocal abilities.

As I prepare to send a copy of ëƵAll That EchoesëƵ to my mother-in-law in Ohio, I am well aware that there will once again be a shedding of tears as the talented tenor melts away the frigid chill of winter in Cleveland.

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