Awake [CD/DVD] (2006)

Longtime fans of Josh Groban will be pleased to know that the vocalist's third studio album Awake features more of the polished, well-crafted and emotionally grand classical crossover pop he has become known for. In fact, the album is perhaps his most appealing and deviates little from his previous outings. Here we get a mix of original songs -- some co-written by Groban -- that trade between more classical/opera-oriented songs sung in Italian, and more pop-oriented songs in English. Interestingly, the tracks co-penned by ... Read More

Longtime fans of Josh Groban will be pleased to know that the vocalist's third studio album Awake features more of the polished, well-crafted and emotionally grand classical crossover pop he has become known for. In fact, the album is perhaps his most appealing and deviates little from his previous outings. Here we get a mix of original songs -- some co-written by Groban -- that trade between more classical/opera-oriented songs sung in Italian, and more pop-oriented songs in English. Interestingly, the tracks co-penned by Groban are some of the most compelling and showcase his knack for a kind of '60s Scott Walker baroque pop-meets-'80s Diane Warren adult contemporary vibe. This, however, brings up the only problem with Awake: as Groban's music has moved closer and closer to pop, the necessity of utilizing Italian becomes increasingly nebulous. Truthfully, barring any awkward translations, most of these songs would sound fine sung in English but generally come off as very good Italian pop songs. So despite being quite listenable from a mainstream pop point of view, the use of Italian is great for lending the album a sheen of pan-European classical regality, but in some ways limits the emotional impact of the songs to only those who understand Italian. None of this really matters, though, Groban's fans, who justifiably respond to his superb technique, silky tone and bedroom eyes. It doesn't hurt either that he's brought along some unexpected guests this time around in the African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who appear here on two tracks, as well as legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who shows up on the angular and half-funky "Machine." It's also great to hear Groban dig into an adaptation of "Un Giorno per Noi," Nino Rota's theme to Franco Zeffirelli's classic 1968 film Romeo and Juliet. The song, as Awake itself, is a grand collision of pop culture and co-opted classical themes from then and now, and perfectly embodies everything that has made Groban so successful. [The "special edition" CD/DVD version of Awake, Rovi Read Less

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• CD, New 2006, Reprise UPC: 093624443629 See Item Details ▾

  Bestcdhead BEST Milwaukee, WI, USA

  $6.97 $28.86 Add to Cart Add this copy of Awake (Special Edition, Cd/Dvd) to cart. $6.97, new condition, Sold by Bestcdhead rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Reprise.

  	Edition: 2006, Reprise CD, New Available Copies: 5	Details: UPC: 093624443629 Discs: 2 Release: CD Label: Reprise Released: 11/07/2006 Alibris ID: 17660191727	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $4.99 Trackable Expedited: $9.19 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
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2006, Reprise UPC: 093624443629 CD See All from $2.50