Josh Groban
“Closer”
By Leslie Branton, Revelry Writer
Josh Groban’s second album, “Closer,” picks up where his self-titled debut left off. The 13-track album contains Groban’s traditional classical/Broadway musical styling with a pop appeal in several languages.
The New York Times dubbed Groban the “new boy wonder of the voice” and indeed, his talent potential is unquestionable. He is a multi-platinum international artist whose appearance at the closing ceremonies of the Olympics garnered more than 1 billion viewers.
Groban is the classical equivalent of John Mayer. Both are young, talented men with a large female fan base who also happen to have depth in their lyrics.
Groban’s voice truly is phenomenal with its deep resonance and tone, which puts Clay Aiken to shame.
British singers Sarah Brightman and Charlotte Church have created popularity for classical pop, and Groban seems to fill the male void.
“Closer” seems to hint at a vocal and musical growth, with Groban writing three of the tracks. But the album spends too much time on the tried – and – true formula that made “You’re Still You” and “To Where You Are” adult contemporary hits.
The first single, “You Raise Me Up,” recently was used in the previews of the Jessica Lynch television movie. The song is inspirational in nature and has a broad appeal, but at almost 5 minutes in length the song contains one verse and a repetitive chorus accompanied by a gospel choir and key changes.
Groban appears attracted to the sad and somber melodies on this album, much like Sarah McLachlan’s latest release. But this style seems to suit his vocal and intonation abilities on songs like “Broken Vow” and the Italian “Per Te.” The album contains songs in Spanish, Italian and English. Though his pronunciation is excellent, he clearly is American, which endears him to American audiences, but leaves room for foreign critics.
Despite different languages, several tracks on the album blend together because they are so similar. Other songs, however, showcase an emerging versatility in Groban’s musical selections and chosen accompanists, such as “Mi Mancherai” featuring violinist Joshua Bell and “Never Let Go” featuring French duo Deep Forest.
“Closer” is something unique for the American pop music scene, soon to be saturated by a lesser quality album by Louisiana’s own pop princess. Much of this album is great for background studying music or for something to cry or dream with because it offers an array of emotions in the songs (once they are translanted).
“Closer” offers wonderful vocals and melodies, though much of it sounds alike, and is an excellent diversion from the limited popular music scene.
B+
P.O.D.
“Payable on Death”
By Matt Grady, Revelry Writer
After the huge success of their previous album “Satellite,” the energetic Christian rock band P.O.D. returned to the studio and has released their self-titled album “Payable on Death.”
Hailing from San Ysidro, California, P.O.D. lends a sound with touches of hip-hop, hard rock and reggae. Hits from “Satellite,” such as “Alive,” “Youth of the Nation” and “Boom,” have brought them to the top of the charts. They also contributed to the recent “The Matrix: Reloaded” soundtrack with “Sleeping Awake.”
In their latest release, P.O.D. ventures slightly away from their usual high-intensity sound best exemplified with hits like “Boom” and “Sleeping Awake.”
The album shows the band in a more mature light with tracks like their new single “Will You,” and also a tribute to their reggae influences in the song “Execute the Sounds.”
In the wake of “Satellite” comes a new album with the same promise and incredible sounds and rhythm. “Payable on Death” promises to be a treat for the ears and a huge leap for P.O.D.
A
Duran Duran
“Greatest” DVD
By Mark F. Bonner, Revelry Writer
The ’80s may be over, but Duran Duran is not. Coinciding with a string of U.S. tour dates, the newly reformed group is releasing a best of collection – but it won’t be the typical fanfare.
“Greatest” is a double disc DVD spanning some of the most memorable moments in pop video history. From a band that arguably was the first to garner success from being on MTV, the format chosen is quite fitting.
The anthology contains classic Duran Duran videos such as “Hungry like the Wolf,” “Rio” and “A View to a Kill,” but the inclusion of provocative fully nude versions of “Girls on Film” and “Come Undone” surely will please hardcore fans.
The downside is that the DVD’s overall aesthetic feels like it was made in the ’80s. From the cheesy purple highlighted menu bar to the impossible to locate special features function, the DVD is annoying to navigate through.
Supposedly old band interviews and computer downloads are all part of the DVD’s extras, but none of them could be located.
However, nothing can take away from the music. “Greatest” symbolizes a major pillar in music, fashion and history from a band that glorified the 1980s. It is a journey through the styles and sounds of the time.
Although the overall digital construction of the DVD is lacking, it is hard to say a bad word about a group that contributed so much to the world of music.
B