CD Review: Josh Groban's Noel

By Mack Rawden: 2007-11-27 22:17:52

Before I start into this CD review, I need to get a few things out in the open. I love football. I drink beer on at least a semi-frequent basis, and I think boobs are a pretty good time. Now that you’re aware of the aforementioned details, I’d just like to say Josh Groban’s voice has the most soothing, angelic tone I have ever heard. I wish the calming timbre just followed me around on a loud speaker, whispering sweet nothings into my ears. Whenever I picture the Garden Of Eden, I see Adam, Eve, that damn snake, and Gabriel, plucking away on his harp, his voice channeling Josh Groban’s rangeless beauty.

Covering a laundry list of Christmas favorites, Josh Groban follows in the legendary footsteps of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, treads over the same ground as above average performers like Mariah Carey, Chris Issac, and Vanessa Williams. Lending originality to songs which have been covered thousands of times is never an easy chore, and while Noel does occasionally stumble into that repetitive trap, Groban’s pitch-perfect voice buries those concerns under mounds of baby Jesus pleasing notes.

Unlike most blasphemers, I flagrantly ignore the ‘No Christmas Music Before Thanksgiving’ mantra, blasting a well-crafted fifty song mix on loop starting November 1st. Ordinarily, I refuse to tamper with the playlist after its been assembled, but I’ve already added Groban’s covers of “Silent Night”, “Angels We Have Heard On High”, and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Nothing against his other renditions, I just need room for Cyndi Lauper and Bruce Springsteen.

Is Noel the greatest ode to Christmas ever sung? No, that would be the shepherd’s crooning right after Jesus was born, you idiots! But I’d like to think El Shaddai would be more than pleased with this effort. If you’re unsure of what to get your mother on the 25th, buy her this CD. I’ve never met a woman (maybe not even an honest man) who isn’t infatuated with Josh Groban. She won’t be disappointed.

RELATED: christmas, josh groban, cd review

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Al
December 10, 2007 at 23:32

I couldn't agree more. I love all those things too (football, beer, etc) that is. But Josh does have this angelic voice that you would have to be deaf to not feel anything. I remember the first time I heard him sing during the closing ceremonies of Salt Lake City Oympics..I just stood still in awe at his unique voice. I can't get enough of his music and if you get a chance to go see him in concert, you will not be disappointed. He is very entertaining too. This guy will be a phenominal success..even bigger than he already is. I have been listenging to NOEL since the day it came out. It's the only CD in my car at the moment. Great review.

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Sarah
December 4, 2007 at 22:50

Thanks for a pitch perfect review. You nailed it! "Thankful" is my favorite track with â€œAngels We Have Heard On Highâ€ a close second. After listening to the cd nonstop for days, I was ready for some variety so turned to WASH FM in DC, our round-the-clock Christmas music station, but much to my chagrin only "Silent Night" has just, finally, been added to their play list. So I'd appreciate it if anyone reading this would HELP and give them a call and ask, plead, for more. I've talked to 3 DJs and the program director to no avail.
1-866-WASHFM1. thanks. :)

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Josh
November 28, 2007 at 20:23

Josh is very very talented. Beautiful voice and good looking too! Glad you like Cyndi's Christmas album too!

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mary
November 28, 2007 at 17:46

hi!i was so happy that you loved josh grobans noel!i have been a grobanite for 5 years now.he is so amazing!and what i believe will be the biggest talent this world will ever see!not only does josh have the most beautiful voice i have ever heard but he is one ofthe kindest also!never to busy to stop and sign autographs or take pictures with his fans!he truly is a wonderful person!and i must also say gorgeous!josh groban is a perfect 10!it is nice to see someone else that gets this truly amazing talent!mary

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Janette
November 28, 2007 at 16:22

Loved your style and your turn of a phrase. What a fun review! So, next time ya have the guys over for beer and football (and cheerleader oogling) I hope you introduce them to Josh Groban. ;-) (who I understand shares those interests as well.)

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Nancy
November 28, 2007 at 12:15

Dear Mack "you rawk" Rawden -- A great tribute to a talent I've loved for 4 years now! His voice is truly one of a kind and nothing has ever touched me like it does. I agree that it's his special sound that is truly mesmerizing, soothing AND uplifting. It's wonderful to hear that his 'audience' is growing -- everyone should know this guy's voice!!

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Karen
November 28, 2007 at 03:21

Cyndi Lauper's "Merry Christmas Have a nice Life" is my all time favorite!

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Alice
November 28, 2007 at 03:21

Nice review! It's been Christmas in my car CD player since Noel came out on Oct. 9. My favorite, though, is actually "Thankful", written by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster. Carole has a nice photoessay linked from u-tube, with Thankful playing on her website.

If you like Josh you might also be interested in the work the Josh Groban Foundation does for children in the US and worldwide.

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CD Review: Josh Groban's Noel

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