Pros: Beautifully crafted music that will bless your holidays.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: Josh Groban's first Christmas album will delight you with beautiful music, inspiring choirs, and make you thankful for everything around you.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a faithful follower of Josh Groban, otherwise known as a “Grobanite.” Perhaps it’s because we in Northern Michigan embrace Josh Groban as one of our own given that he attended the Interlochen Academy of the Arts during the summers of 1997 and 1998 as a musical theater major, and it was at that time that Josh was revealed to master producer David Foster. Perhaps it’s the way that Josh Groban is as deeply devoted to his fans as his fans are to him.
I’m confident it’s because of all of the reasons stated above, and more, that I am loyal to this very talented, charming artist who possesses a work ethic that is focused and passionate. The warm resonance of his voice and how he arranges his songs in a way that draws the listener in makes them feel like they’re in an intimate setting, and Josh is singing just for them. Combining a classical/pop sound, he has a way of moving his listener to a place that is very special, and, at least for me, there has never been an occasion where I wasn’t moved to tears many times listening to his messages of love, loss, celebration and hope through his gift of music. His song “To Where You Are” holds a very unique and sacred place in the hearts of my family and me when we lost a beloved member of our family. Even now, when I hear that song, I feel as if our dear one is standing right here beside us.
Josh came back to Interlochen in the summer of 2004 to grace us with a concert that stands out in my mind as one of the most splendid and marvelous concerts I have ever seen. It was as if our prodigal son had returned and we welcomed him home with wide open arms with hearts full of pride and smiles. It was our sincere hope that summer evening that Josh felt the warmth of those who have adopted him as one of our own and, yes, we’d love for him to come back to us very, very soon.
Three years have passed and with each tour he has accomplished, it is apparent how much he’s grown and how he has taken what he’s learned and, with that work ethic, he’s succeeded in becoming one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. He has participated in many projects, including lending his singing talent to movie soundtracks such as “The Polar Express”, “AI: Artificial Intelligence”, “Troy”, and who can forget his role in television’s “Ally Mcbeal” when he sang “You’re Still You.” He’s performed with artists such as Celine Dion, Charlotte Church, Lara Fabian, Sara Brightman and many, many others.
It was in November of 2001 that Josh’s first self-titled album, “Josh Groban” was released and, from that moment on, his career has flown on the very wings of the heavenly angel who touches his remarkable voice. His other works include “Closer” (2003), “Awake” (2006), and live concerts, “Josh Groban In Concert” (2002), and “Josh Groban: Live at the Greek” (2004) that are a joy to listen to. And, yes you guessed it; I’ve played and replayed the DVD’s of those concerts countless times. Once the DVD of the live concert from his “Awake” tour comes out in early 2008, I’ll be right back in line, buying up another Josh Groban masterpiece.
Josh Groban --- NOEL
When I heard that Josh Groban was making his very first Christmas album of his career, NOEL, I knew that I’d be happy to shell out my nearly $20 to add it to my collection. I was hoping that the Christmas songs that he’d chosen would be traditional mixed with some modern selections, and I wasn’t disappointed. Once again, produced and arranged by his friend and mentor, David Foster, Josh’s inspirational Christmas CD hit the shelves on October 9, 2007.
The CD comes with a liner that showcases the songs included, but there are no lyrics. It simply describes the basics of the songs – writers, producers, some musicians and the masters who have orchestrated their amazing music – and it also has Josh’s personal “thank you” to those whom he wishes to bring to light, such as Brian McNight and Faith Hill, who sang duets with Josh on his album.
Josh states in his liner notes that he wanted to make a Christmas album “at the right time” and it’s very clear the thoughtfulness and care that he put into each and every song. Nothing feels rushed or incomplete; it’s classic Josh Groban magic that is characteristic to every album that he has released to date.
Simply put: It was very much worth the long wait.
The songs that follow will be sure to warm your heart and add to your holiday delight. They have been masterfully arranged to bring smiles to your heart and a tingle to your spine during the holidays and any time of the year. I hope that you will find these offerings as breathtaking as I did…
01. Silent Night 4:11
This traditional song is sung with reverence and respect, with an orchestra that is masterfully directed by Bill Ross. The Magdelen College Choir , Oxford, is presented in Silent Night in one, clear, beautiful voice. I love the violins and the occasional use of bells in this song.
02. Little Drummer Boy 4:20
(Featuring guitarist Andy McKee) “Little Drummer Boy” has long been a favorite of mine. I was so happy to see that it is on this album, and thankfully you can clearly hear the “pa-rum-pa-pum-pum” of the drum in this song. Guitarist Andy McKee honors this song with his gentle stings and it has a Celtic feel to it as well.
03. I’ll Be Home for Christmas 4:15
If you can get through this song without crying, then, wow… you are very strong or very stubborn. The song starts out with real messages from members of our military, sending messages home to their families and friends. The messages are interspersed throughout the song, and it’s very easy for your heart to be moved by this song. Josh lovingly sings this song, and the messages only make it more sentimental. The longing that Josh portrays while singing this song truly portrays how our families feel when we are away from them at the holidays. God bless those who will be away from their families during the holidays, especially those who serve our country.
04. Ave Maria 5:17
Once again, the Magdelen College Choir, Oxford, is showcased in “Ave Maria,” and their sweet sounds are accompanied by piano and violins. This prayer, translated to song, is so beloved by millions, and it is simply done so that the song is respectful and solemn. It can very easily bring tears to your eyes.
05. Angels We Have Heard on High 3:32
(Duet with Brian McKnight) “Gloria, in excelsis Deo…” To me, this is the song that I feel the happiest singing at Christmastime. I was delighted to see that Josh Groban had chosen Brian McKnight to sing with him on his album, and they really did this song justice. Their voices blend beautifully and it’s arranged in a very unique way to highlight both of their ranges. It’s a very soothing arrangement and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
06. Thankful 4:50
What a breathtaking and welcomed song that “Thankful” is! You can’t go wrong with a song that is written by David Foster, Carol Bayer Sager and Richard Page. I knew that this song was going to be special and I can’t get enough of it. I love how utterly beautiful the message is, and the grace in which Josh presents it is incredible. The song is accompanied by an acoustic guitar and strings so that it doesn’t compete with the sweet feeling of the song. To me, if “Thankful” is the only reason you buy this CD, then I say go now – run, don’t walk – because you will understand how thankful you should be for everything that is in your life now, and for everything that you should look forward to in the future. I swear, I can hear a catch in Josh's voice at the very end of this song. I absolutely adore this song beyond description. And yeah… it’ll make you cry!
07. The Christmas Song 3:54
“The Christmas Song”, written by the late Mel Torme and Robert Wells is another classic that brings warmth to the heart. I love how this song is arranged because I can just imagine Mothers and Dads playing this song for their children just as they’re going to sleep, to help them fall asleep and wait for Santa to come to their house. It’s sweetly done with violins that lull you into a dream. It’s absolutely lovely.
08. What Child Is This? 3:53
This song will have you swaying gently back and forth as the words wash over you. I love that Josh’s band member and friend, the very talented Lucia Micarelli, plays the violin solo. Dean Parks plays the acoustic guitar masterfully. The arrangement of this song is amazing and I’m guilty of playing it many, many times in a row!
09. The First Noel 4:34
(Duet with Faith Hill) When my husband heard that Faith Hill would be singing a duet with Josh Groban, he was sold. Yes – he has a crush on Faith Hill! She does a wonderful job with this classic of a song, and she and Josh support one another beautifully throughout. Also, a magnificent choir of 12 soars in the background; it gives me the chills to listen to this song. It builds into something amazing and David Foster did a wonderful job arranging it.
10. Petit Papa Noel 4:05
This sweet French song is a delight to listen to. For anyone who knows this song, it tells of the little French children awaiting Petit Papa Noel's arrival, and they kneel down in the snow to pray for him and to ask him to not forget their stockings, but also don’t forget to dress warmly because he will be so cold. Oh, how I wish that I could put the English lyrics into my review for you because it’s the sweetest little French Christmas Carol ever written. Josh sings the song beautifully, telling this story in a very loving way with violins and piano lifting his voice. I love this song and always will.
11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 4:13
Josh plays the acoustic piano in the traditional “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and it’s done in a way that feels very modern yet respectful. You can also make out some Christmassy jingle bells that are softly playing in the background. And once again, Josh makes use of an inspirational choir that is out of this world. You will be singing along and feeling a warm tug at your heart. This is a very beautiful arrangement.
12. Panis Angelicus 4:19
This Latin song brings back memories for me, as we sang this song in our high school choir many years ago. It’s another adored song of many and it is to be sung in a worshipful manner, which Josh has done beautifully and with class. The crescendos are amazing and I will always have a special memory of this song.
13. O Come All Ye Faithful 4:38
(With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) Out of all of the songs on this album, “O Come All Ye Faithful” is the one that truly feels the most spiritual, perhaps it’s because of the pipe organ that accompanies a lot of the song. Once again, Josh sings this song with much respect and when you hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it brings chills. It’s so beautifully done, and I’m very glad that this was the final song on the album because it makes you feel so grateful. I love that it ends with “Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!” on a lovely, flourishing high note.
Final Thoughts…
Josh Groban’s NOEL is the long-awaited, beautifully arranged, lovingly-sung Christmas offering that will bring so much love and light into your home. Each and every song has a meaning and it is conveyed in a voice that is unique and much-loved. It's so clear why Josh waited as long as he did to make this album: He wanted it to be perfect and, guess what? It is.
I’m so glad that I have this CD; I will be playing it at Thanksgiving as well when my home is full of the people that I love most in the world. Some of us won’t be able to be together at Christmas, so I believe that Thanksgiving will be extra special and I plan to have this CD playing (probably looping!) in the background for our entire visit.
Go get this CD today… it truly is magnificent.
Thank you for reading, and lovely holidays to all…
Bringing together traditional, contemporary, and original songs, Josh Grobans holiday album sparkles with the joy of the season! Gather the family rou...More at Christianbook.com
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