12.04.2007

Change of Heart (or, Eating my Words)

I've heard many, many people raving about Josh Groban and waxing eloquent about how much they love his voice. So a while back, I took a listen to him and I have to admit that I was a little under-whelmed. I mean, I liked him fine. What's not to like? He has a nice voice. But I didn't love him. (and in our family, that phrase 'liked him fine' is sort of the kiss of death. To us it means we don't like something well enough to even give it much thought.) I thought his voice was fine but that his vibrato was a little too fast for my taste. So I really haven't given him much consideration since then. I liked him fine.

But now it's Christmas time and Christmas music is very important to me. I'm looking for a new Christmas CD (I do it every year) and I have been told(repeatedly, I might add) that Josh Groban's Christmas album is the one to get. I've heard it everywhere and from people whose taste I totally trust. Natalie received a copy as an early Christmas gift and after listening, told me that she thought I'd like it a lot. Her taste is a lot like my own, and she is someone who really knows what I like. So I decided to borrow it and give it a try.

(Now comes the words-eating part). I loved it. I flat-out loved it. I'm like Natie -- I don't much like people messing around with my traditional Christmas music but his versions are just enough different to really be fun to listen to. And his voice? The one that I thought was nice? Well, at least when he sings Christmas music, it's glorious. It really is.

Buy it. You'll love it. Really.

Sidenote: I have always loathed "The Little Drummer Boy", but this rendition has changed my mind. It's amazingly beautiful. Who knew?

17 comments:

hoLLy said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to check it out!

Jamie Harker said...

First of all - underwhelmed by Josh!?!?! I've been in love from the start! Glad you've come around! haha.

Emily John said...

I guess I'll have to give him a try.

Nat Lud said...

I bought it too! I've been a Josh fan for awhile. Conditionally, though. I've enjoyed some songs a lot and other not so much. But I too really enjoyed this album. I especially love #3 where they have the people talking about how they'll miss being home. Brings tears to my eyes every time!

Mia said...

Just bought it yesterday. Love it!

tara said...

K. I'm totally with you on the vibrato thing. Sometimes it just gets a wee bit out of control. Especially when he is singing live. WOWZERS...
BUUUUUTTTT....when he is ON...he is so darned awesome. I absolutely love "Ave Maria" on that album. He is still so blasted young. I think he'll be unmatchable in about 5-8 yrs. when age mellows out the vibrato a teensy bit.

Unknown said...

i agree, good stuff. happy to have it in my collection.

Natalie Scott said...

This is SO funny, because Ryan always says the EXACT same thing about Josh G, and told me just last week how he's always hated "Drummer Boy" (he hates the whole rum bum bum bum, thing. He always sings it rum bum bum bum, me and my bumb. Nice.

I told him to listen to this CD and Josh's version of Little Drummer Boy. He really loved it, but still doesn't like the "dorky" words.

Christina said...

I am excited for this recommendation. Addie is a lover of Little Drummer Boy, so I'm sure she'd be in heaven if we could listen to it multiple times in a row instead of randomly on the radio.

Kristi said...

I do like Josh Groban, although I haven't heard this album yet, but I have been hearing lots of good things baout it, so I need to asap!

Holly O. said...

I am bucking for this album too. And you didn't like Little Drummer Boy??? Why not?

Maren said...

I need to get this album. I like him... definitely can tolerate him... lol I'll have to check it out somehow. :)

Jori said...

I love this one too! It's been a nice addition this year.

Hacking it up said...

I too have this album and I like it fine. :) I'm with you Jan...I think the whole Josh Groban thing is totally over sold,..but before I get a bunch of hate mail...I do like his Christmas album...

Maren said...

I downloaded it. (can't afford a dang thing right now...) It's not bad. I feel the exact same way you do about little drummer boy. I don't even like the David Bowie version. lol This one though, is cool. It's almost irish? Not sure... But I like it! YAY!

Darleen said...

this sounds like something I need to pick up. his voice would be perfect for Christmas music.

Mel said...

I'll have to try this one out. I always am in the market for a new Christmas CD. Thanks for the recommendation.