Is "Closer" for better or for worse?

[garlon]

I am very disappointed in "Closer". Groban's voice is magnificent as always. But the 13 new songs just don't deliver, except for "You Raise Me Up", and possibly one or two others. Maybe his producers are pushing too hard too quickly. These songs are not worthy of Josh Groban's talent. His first album was the best by far. The songs in "Closer" sound almost "experimental", and lack continuity and melody lines that stick with you. There is nothing here to even vaguely compare to "To Where You Are" or "Cinema Paradiso" or "The Prayer". Nothing. I hope that his next album will have songs worthy of his talent. What do you think of him singing songs previously written and done by other artists? I'd like to hear some of those. If they're going to grind out new songs for every CD he releases, it is going to ruin his career. Somebody is pushing too heavily for the sheer classical. Let's face it -- not everyone (including me) is into classical that much. The way he wove some of its elements, however, in songs of the fist album was genius, and beautiful. But that is lacking in "Closer". "Closer" is pretty hard-lined classical for the most part. Most people (MOST people...) do not like pure classical. Groban has the ability to take those classical elements and embellish them with his unique and gorgeous style, but, again, this was rarely (if at all) heard in "Closer". He is so young, has such magnificent talent, and it would be a shame for his career to take a wrong turn now. Let's hope that his next album will have songs (old or new) that will do justice to his talent.

[Andie]

(This is just mai opinion so please don't take this the wrong way)

I'm so into classical music it's not even funny. (And you're probably thinking 'what does that have to do with anything') And I think that Josh is prefectly capable of doing both classical and "pop". Yes I will admit that the first cd is a little better, but just because he changes his music a little bit doesn't mean that "he's to young for it" or that "it's his producer's fault". Anybody can sing classical. Anybody can sing pop. It's as simple as that. If he wants to sing classical, then I think that he should. If he wants to sing pop, that's ok too. But at least there's still someone with common sense. Think about it. He's in his twenties and producing a beautiful, clean album. While other rappers (who are probably in their twenties too, and possibly thirties) and producing all this crap (cussing, talking bout nasty stuff, etc). He's taking a risk of being rejected. And instead of being rejected he's being accepted. I know that you're probably thinking,'Gosh take a chill pill. I was only expressing mai opinion.' And i'm sorry if i got you all mad, but I just don't think that it's right of us to go and judge him, saying how his album has gone too "classical" or too "pop". I think that he's doing a wonderful job and can't wait to see what he's got in store for us in the future.

Sorry if I've upset you, I'm just expressing mai opinion like you were.
Andie

[azballerina]

I loved "Closer" I really like classical, but pop is awesome too. I havn't heard Josh's other albums though, I only own "Closer" which I think is beautiful and perfect (for me anyway). I can't wait to get the other ones... but I think "Closer" rocks!