Comments on: Noël, Josh Groban

By: Roberta

Roberta — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:16:00 +0000

OK. I feel the need to comment here even though I just usually just lurk.
I agree with both Darth and Ryan’s comments. Believe it or not, I own the CD. It was the third Christmas album I listened to this year, after Chanticleer and The Cambridge singers. I have to tell you that the reason I bought it is “The Voice.” I think sentimental can be overdone but this album has just the right amount that we expect from a Christmas recording. There are many others that are so sentimental they make me cry – and I don’t mean that in a good way! I have to admit, I always skip the track Josh sings with Faith Hill. That is simply painful for me to listen to. His voice, singing familiar songs makes this a must for my Christmas listening.

By: Darth_Harbison

Darth_Harbison — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:32:00 +0000

I don't have enough musical knowledge to take issue with most of what you said, but I feel the need to jump to Groban's defense because (while I don't personally own any of his CDs) I greatly enjoy his music. I shall therefore refrain from taking issue with any of the musical issues and focus on the Christmas CD . . .

You criticize it as being "unoriginal" in "the most overdone genre of music in contemporary history." This may be true, but I think that part of the charm of Christmas music is that it's always pretty much the same. I love it as much as the next person when someone does something really new and creative without really changing anything (ala Mannheim Steamroller or Trans-Siberian Orchestra), but I think a lot of traditional Christmas music could be ruined in the name of "originality." Of course, this might just be me, since as you know I'm big on tradition.

You also criticized it for sappy sentimentalism . . . And while generally I agree that it's not a good thing (although I like "You Raise Me Up" a fair amount), I think that, again, it can be forgiven in Christmas music—in fact, I think it's part of the point. There are, of course, some Christmas songs with enough actual depth that sappy sentimentalism seems almost irreverent (e.g. Joy to the World, perhaps the most brutalized-by-overuse song of all time), but I don't think that indulging ourselves in enjoying sappy sentimentalism at Christmas is necessarily be a bad thing. The way I see it, as long as we keep in mind (for lack of a less cheesy phrase) the true meaning of Christmas, there's really no harm in enjoying it as a secular holiday, as well.

And I'm happy that you think Little Drummer Boy is so good, because this CD basically made it one of my favorite Christmas songs.

By: ryan fleming

ryan fleming — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:04:00 +0000

I can see how a musician with a college degree in composition can find the arangement of most of Josh’s songs unoriginal or even cheesy; but while it may be unoriginal it still sounds good (in my opinion). I especially love the “inspirational” whole step key changes that you mentioned, especially when there is a break in the music right before hand. And I always find those sappy strings to be such a beautiful addition to any classical/pop music. I think these type of musical additions may be overused, but this is so because of the great impact it can have on a song. I do believe that they add a lot of power and feeling to a song.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:15:00 +0000

I always think it’s interesting that Josh’s voice still is trying to be forced into the classical category, when that’s not what he considers himself. While classicaly trained – which continues to this day – his love of music leads him in many directions.

His fans have always joked about his being able to sing the phone book and make it sound amazing. I think he proves that everytime he sings at a charitable event with some other artist, to his Emmy performance – highlight of the show – to his “Life Is A Masquerage” on Ben Folds’ new album, and beyond.

You might want to check out his duets with Placido Domingo and Charles Azvanour, the French artist, who have both just released new albums.

And when they let him loose across the pond he just shines. Here’s a clip from Never Mind the Buzzcock’s, a somewhat irreverant show making fun of pop music – he was a guest a couple of days ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3blK5laPQ8

The Christmas album was done at the urging of his fans who’ve wanted one for a few years now. It was fast – but turned out to be brutal to other artists in the record industry proving that Josh’s talent is not to be laughed at.

There are too many facets to this young man to hold him down to one genre, thank goodness. And still, he’s in his own lane.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:20:00 +0000

The boy soprano on the “Little Drummer Boy” track is actually a girl! More specifically, David Foster’s daughter!