Closer

The headline of my review for this album says it all very quickly. The moment I heard that this was coming out, I almost literally felt my heart give a jump, and that says a lot. This was well worth the wait. That smooth baritone voice has improved with age (even though he's still just 23). This is every bit as good as his first CD, and I will be bold and say that I actually prefer this one to the first one.

Oceano- Reminiscent (to me) in spirit to "Alla Luce Del Sole". This is carried by lovely piano work with drums in places, buoyed by Josh's exquisite singing. This feels to me like a hymn or song of celebration, almost like a song of honor to the ocean, despite it's relatively quick pace.

My Confession- I LOVE this. It's my favorite piece on the CD in fact. Heavy on beautiful flamenco guitar, with nicely invigorating soft drums and a touch of gorgeous string work. Someone has tried to shut himself off from the power of love, and now must tell the woman he loves that he can no longer escape the power of the pangs for her that he carries in his heart and soul

Mi Mancherai - This is the theme from the movie, Il Postino. I did not see the film, nor do I speak Italian, but I like this song anyway. The combination of Josh's wonderful singing and Joshua Bell's lovely violin work produces a sure-fire winner.

Si Volvieras A Mi- This to me is in the same spirit as "Alejate" from his debut CD, but that's NOT a bad thing. It's great in fact, as I love that song too. I guess it's just that to me this one feels different somehow. I really like the melody in this song, and Josh's singing is, as always, first rate.

When You Say You Love Me- This one took a bit to grow on me, but it's lovely nonetheless. This is a gorgeous song, with a moving melody and a great set of lyrics. For all of us men out there, this is a song that tells the women in our lives just how much they really mean to us all. A great piece.

Per Te - Another beautiful Italian cut. Great job Josh. No matter the language, your voice still touches the heart of all but most jaded of listeners, and you've certainly touched MY heart with this one.

Al Improviso Amore- I LOVE the string work and the piano interplay with Josh's golden voice in this. The faster pace of this song in relation to the previous two cuts makes for a nice change. This melody and Josh's voice is invigorating to me here. Very invigorating.

Broken Vow- Yet another standout. A bitter lament of a love gone sour and the burning need to ask the question "Why?" Mixed in is the wish that the love once shared could be rekindled in all it's glory and the depths the singer would go to to make that happen if they could do it. For all who know the pain of losing someone they love to another, this strikes a chord.

Caruso- I like this song a lot, even though it took awhile to grow on me. That's probably because, in some places, it's sung faster than I've EVER heard Josh sing anything before. Still, it's a great song. The melodies and Josh's voice won me over rather quickly to this piece.

Remember When It Rained- Yet another tale of love remembered fondly after having gone sour for one reason or another. This one features lyrics and music written by Josh Groban himself and is very VERY nice indeed.

Hymne l'Amour - A very lovely French song. See my comment on languages in my listing for Per Te. Josh can touch a heart and soul, no matter what language he happens to be singing in.

You Raise Me Up - I LOVE the emotional feel of this piece. The choir vocals add a great touch. Josh's voice starts gently, as always, and then positively SOARS to reach the heavens. I only WISH this song had more verses to it. Still the melody and feel of the song, to me, make up for its lack of verses. It's still a great piece and it STILL managed to win me over. It does not detract from my love for the rest of this CD.

Never Let Go- A nice closing piece. The appearance of Deep Forest as guests here make this track different, and the most distinct cut on the CD. As always Josh's lovely voice carries it all and makes the piece a gem.

All told, Josh Groban has returned, and this CD packs an even stronger punch than his self-titled debut CD "Josh Groban". I cannot wait to see and hear what the future has in store, both for Josh Groban himself, and for us, all his fans out there. What a GIFT God has given this young man. At 23 years old, he has a dazzlingly bright future, and for all his fans, myself happily and gladly included in their numbers, it promises to be a great, hopefully MANY-year listening experience. Happy listening to all readers of this review, and God bless you and yours, always and forever. Peace.