Josh Groban - Noel (CD)

Groban Joins the Yuletide Bandwagon

By Eric Halcon  Oct 27, 2007 | 1 out of 1 found this Noel review helpful

Pros: Sweeping melodies, A Unique Take on Classics

Cons: Melodramatic at Times

Just like any forthcoming Yuletide season, recording artists, left and right, would bank on the windfall of income of record buyers as they release their novelty albums fit for the season (a.k.a. Christmas albums). 2007 shall witness Josh Groban fol...lowing suit with his latest offering called Noel. Produced and arranged by Canadian music guru David Foster, Noel is bound to sell like hotcakes this Yuletide season. With the London Symphony Orchestra providing the sweeping melodies and guest vocalists such as Brian McKnight and Faith Hill lending their vocal prowess, what else could the record buying public ask for? The album opens with the Christmas standard "Silent Night" and the concludes with the classic "O Come All Ye Faithful" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir under the direction of Craig Jessop. Among the standards, his take on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" captures the longing for home by people who can't be with their loved ones this time of the year. With snippets of phone messages from different people as an introduction, one can not help but feel nostalgic every Christmas. Among the 13 tracks in this opus, it is the original "Thankful" that stands out. This personal favorite of mine is written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager and Richard Page. This fitting track persuades its listeners to look at the brighter side of life since "there's so much to be thankful for", a perfect thought to match the spiritual essence of the season. "Noel" could be a money making scheme but let's give Groban and his production team the credit they deserve. Honestly, this CD would make a perfect Christmas gift to anyone. Advance Happy Holidays! Read more Less