Awake by Josh Groban
Captain’s Log, Supplemental
ChristianFictionQueen generously gave me her extra copy of this CD to listen to. I’ve listened to it a few times now, so that I can give an honest opinion of it.
The songs in Italian or Spanish or whatever language he’s singing in are absolutely beautiful. The first song, “Mai,” is gorgeous. Of course, I have no idea what the songs are about, but they’re pretty.
The songs in English are nice musically but I have even less idea what the songs are about. That’s why I had to listen to this CD a few times. I still have no idea what some of the songs mean. I think I’ve given up trying to figure it out.
Am I just a music Neanderthal or something? I’ve listened to “February Song” a dozen times and I have no idea what it’s about. The music is beautiful, but the words stump me. The other songs are sweet, but I listen to the lyrics and go, “Whaaaaaaaat?” I get only a fuzzy idea what he’s singing about.
I didn’t like the last song at all. It’s this retro funk 80’s sound that doesn’t appeal to me.
Overall, I’d give this CD a 3.5 out of 5. Not that I’m a music connoisseur, but since I’m a writer, the English lyrics kind of killed those songs for me since they’re just vague and make very little sense to me. I imported the CD into my iTunes, and I only play the non-English songs when I play the album.
Hey Camy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...I think about a 3.5 is a goood rating for this CD. It is SO not his best work. I like "February Song" -- I think that's the best English cut (I heard a rumor online that it was about his breakup with former girlfriend, actress January Jones). And the last song is HORRIBLE. His own writing is a real hit or miss deal. The foreign language cuts are the strongest...probably the most enjoyable 'cause I don't know what he's saying, LOL!!!
Ruth
http://www.xanga.com/christianfictionqueen
His older stuff is much better, and the English lyrics make more sense. But the best thing about the songs for me, I don't pay attention to them and sing along when I'm writing. Guess that's why I have a lot of instrumental stuff to use when I need music as I write, and the songs with lyrics are used during revisions or when I'm really into my writing and oblivious.
ReplyDeleteAm I weird or what?! LOL!
Okay, I'm an admitted Joshaholic. My dad, sis and I even went to see him in concert this past February. I love his voice and his look. He has a poet's soul that comes out in his lyrics.
ReplyDeleteBut "Awake" was not my fave album. I do have some fave songs on it, but I would rank it 3rd of his 3 releases.
"February Song", however, speaks to me because it makes me think of what depression feels like. February is that month that's not the end of winter yet and there's no hope of Spring. Josh sings about colors fading into shades of gray and he wonders how did he slip into this life. Oh yeah. Been there. Depression isn't something that happens in one day. It's not a disappearing act, here one day gone the next. It's a gradual slipping away until you look around at your life and wonder how you got there. This song describes that so well. But he does offer hope: he'll be back one day.
So yeah, I like this song. Like I said, it speaks to me.
I agree. I love Josh, but his earlier CDs are better and his in concert DVD is excellent. I'm also a Michael Buble fan and if you go to my myspace site there is a youtube video of Josh Groban surprising Michael at one of his concerts.
ReplyDeleteTina
http://www.myspace.com/tinamrusso
Hi Camy,
ReplyDeleteI've discovered a new artist you might like -- Daniel Kirkley. His debut LET LOVE WIN releases 5/22 but you can hear samples on his website (www.danielkirkley.com) or his MySpace page (www.myspace.com/danielkirkley). He is VERY Josh Groban-esque a little more on the "pop" side...but fantastic range. The whole CD's terrific...it was produced by Mark Hammond who worked with Josh on his CLOSER CD (the track "When You Say You Love Me" -- one of my favorites!). I just wanted to share!
Ruth
www.xanga.com/christianfictionqueen