Expectations for vocalist Josh Groban's third release ran high, especially given the phenomenal success of his sophomore effort, CLOSER, which reached number one on the Billboard charts. Like Andrea Bocelli, Groban treads the line between classical, operatic singing, and crossover pop. AWAKE manages the synthesis beautifully. With its strong batch of songs, and Groban's voice continuing to develop, the album may even best its predecessor.
Opener "Mai," sung in Italian, sets the tone for the album. Highly romantic, stirring, and couched in tasteful orchestral arrangements, the song is the perfect canvas for Groban's heart-melting delivery. "February Song," which finds the artist accompanied only by piano, is more reserved and plaintive. Other album highlights include "Machine," with a funky, jazzy backdrop provided by Herbie Hancock, and "Lullaby" and "Weeping," which feature the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mombazo.
Recording information: Angel Studio; Chartmaker Studios; EMM Studio France; Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA; Paramount Scoring Stage; Paramount Studios, LA; Sony Studios, New York, NY; The Hideaway, London, England; The High window, Hollywood, CA; The Refinery, Johannesberg, South Africa; The Salt Room, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The Strongroom, London, England; The Studio At The Sunset Marquis; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, CA; Westlake Studios, LA.
Editor: William Malina.
Photographer: Christian Lantry.
Arrangers: Eric Mouquet; Josh Groban; David Foster; Tawgs Salter; William Ross .
Personnel: Josh Groban (piano, keyboards, drums, background vocals); Josh Groban; Bakithi Kumalo (vocals); Tawgs Salter (guitar, piano, keyboards, programming, keyboard programming); Dean Parks, Roman Stagnaro, Michael Hart Thompson , Joel Shearer, Michael Thompson , Vincent Nguini, Robbie McIntosh (guitar); Chris Elliott (dulcimer, piano); Fiona Hibbert (harp); James Freebarin-Smith (cello); Tower of Power (brass); Greg Adams, Greg Vail, Lee Thornburg, Nick Lane, Tom Scott (horns); Imogen Heap (piano, programming); Walter Afanasieff (piano); Eric Mouquet, Glen Ballard, Sean Hurley, David Foster (keyboards); Jochem van der Saag (synthesizer, programming); Frank Ricotti (vibraphone, percussion); Nathan East (bass guitar); Anton Fig, Ian Thomas (drums); Kaitlyn Barton (tambourine); Blair Sinta (percussion); Jason Boshoff, Alexis Smith (programming); Anna Ross, Vusi Mahlasela, Susie Suh (background vocals); Tim Pierce (guitar); Marius de Vries (piano, keyboards, programming); Matt Chamberlain, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Audio Mixers: Humberto Gatica; Imogen Heap; Andy Bradfield; Alejandro Rodriguez .
Josh Groban - Awake Songs
Awake Music Review
Average Rating: (4.1 out of 5 stars)    List All 27 Reviews So amazing!
Josh Groban takes away my breath in this album. I love all his music, but I listen to this album over and over and never get tired of it!
Submitted by eyeheartfreebies (United States)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  This is the best Josh Album ever!
I've been Josh Groban fan since 2004, and bought evey of his album. It seems that he got better each time. This album he shows more about himself, not dubbing other singers' songs. I'm proud of him. Keep up good work Josh :-)
Submitted by Nana (Thailand)
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My breath is taken away
This was the BEST c.d i TOTALLY enjoyed it.He has a beautiful voice and is talented beyond belief!!
Submitted by musicnutt93 (A place somwhere)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No The Best So Far!!
I absolutely LOVE listening to this CD and do so every chance I get. Josh's voice is beyond description. He HAS to be the most talented vocalist on the face of this earth.
Submitted by A461Wife (New Mexico)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  A bitter disappointment
I have loved Josh's previous albums, have seen him on tour in 2003 in UK, thought he was wonderful, still do. However, after waiting 3 years for the release of Awake, I am so disappointed, I will not be buying it, it is just not Josh as I love him. Sorry Josh.
Submitted by di.mackenzie (London UK)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
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