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What we thought:
Remember when Josh Groban used to be the poster boy for all things cheesy and naff? With that smooth croon, cherubic face and uber-earnest songs about being raised up (not by wolves, apparently) and similar tunes that sound more appropriate being played at weddings and funerals and other church-related activities, J.Gro is not what anyone under the age of 45 would call "cool".
All That Echoes doesn't mess with the granny-friendly Groban formula – it's elegantly composed, beautifully sung and as inoffensive as anything he has ever released in his illustrious career.
As is the adult contemporary mandate, there are some stunning ballads (False Alarms in particular), two Italian arias, a sexy Spanish track with Cuban jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, and a couple of more upbeat tracks to point out that Groban himself is still a young guy. And, of course, some cover songs.
But not just any old covers - the majestic Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglove from one of the loveliest movies of all time, Once, and Stevie Wonder's I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever). Swoon.
Best track:
False Alarms – I'm a sucker for a soaring, full-bodied melody that hits all the right emotional touchstones. It's slightly darker that what we're used to hearing from Josh and would not have sounded out of place in the Kelly Clarkson songbook or even someone with more contemporary edge like Rihanna.
Worst Track:
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress – A Christmas song dressed up as a forlorn ballad. I see through you Josh Groban. Right through you.
Sounds like:
It's a little bit of everything and that's exactly what anyone who has ever purchased a Josh Groban album would expect. It's great to hear that his collaborations with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on his Awake album has left a lasting impression. Below The Line has a definite African influence, even though it could also serve as the opening jingle to a family-based TV drama about a good, spiritual man trying to do good by his wife and 12 children.
Josh might not have Michael Buble's infectious swag and may never get over the cheesy tag, but this is the sound of a pro at work.
Listen to the full album here.
Remember when Josh Groban used to be the poster boy for all things cheesy and naff? With that smooth croon, cherubic face and uber-earnest songs about being raised up (not by wolves, apparently) and similar tunes that sound more appropriate being played at weddings and funerals and other church-related activities, J.Gro is not what anyone under the age of 45 would call "cool".
All That Echoes doesn't mess with the granny-friendly Groban formula – it's elegantly composed, beautifully sung and as inoffensive as anything he has ever released in his illustrious career.
As is the adult contemporary mandate, there are some stunning ballads (False Alarms in particular), two Italian arias, a sexy Spanish track with Cuban jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, and a couple of more upbeat tracks to point out that Groban himself is still a young guy. And, of course, some cover songs.
But not just any old covers - the majestic Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglove from one of the loveliest movies of all time, Once, and Stevie Wonder's I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever). Swoon.
Best track:
False Alarms – I'm a sucker for a soaring, full-bodied melody that hits all the right emotional touchstones. It's slightly darker that what we're used to hearing from Josh and would not have sounded out of place in the Kelly Clarkson songbook or even someone with more contemporary edge like Rihanna.
Worst Track:
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress – A Christmas song dressed up as a forlorn ballad. I see through you Josh Groban. Right through you.
Sounds like:
It's a little bit of everything and that's exactly what anyone who has ever purchased a Josh Groban album would expect. It's great to hear that his collaborations with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on his Awake album has left a lasting impression. Below The Line has a definite African influence, even though it could also serve as the opening jingle to a family-based TV drama about a good, spiritual man trying to do good by his wife and 12 children.
Josh might not have Michael Buble's infectious swag and may never get over the cheesy tag, but this is the sound of a pro at work.
Listen to the full album here.
