I confess: I bought Josh Groban’s All That Echoes CD because “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” is on it. I’m a big fan of Jim Webb’s classic song (and it’s one of Robert Heinlein’s best novels, too). Some people love Josh Groban (mostly women) and many people dislike Groban’s bombastic singing. I’m on the fence. I like some of Groban’s songs, and quickly skip over others like “Un Alma Mas” and “E Ti Prometterò.” Since I bought the “deluxe” version of All That Echoes at TARGET, I got four “Bonus Tracks” not include on the CD if you buy it elsewhere. Of the Bonus Tracks, “Satellite” is my favorite. GRADE: B+
TRACK LIST:
1 Brave (3:59)
2 False Alarms (4:33)
3 Falling Slowly (4:20)
4 She Moved Through the Fair (4:55)
5 Below the Line (3:28)
6 E Ti Prometterò (3:56)
7 The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (3:45)
8 Un Alma Mas (4:10)
9 Happy In My Heartache (3:08)
10 Hollow Talk (5:34)
11 Sincera (3:35)
12 I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) (5:58)
BONUS TRACKS:
1. Changing Colors
2. Satellite
3. Grazie
4. Play Me
I have Linda Ronstadt’s version of “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress” but then, what hasn’t she covered?
I have Linda Ronstadt’s version of “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress,” too, Jeff. It’s just one of those songs that begs to be covered.
CSI: New York had Groban singing over the end of the Valentine’s episode as the various characters hooked up with their significant others, intercutting him at piano with the scenes. They even mentioned an album of his on sale, likely this one.
Nice CSI: NY touch, Randy. I may have to watch that episode ON DEMAND.
The only Josh Groban song I have heard so far is YOU RAISE ME UP and I loved it. I must listen to his other songs as well.
If you loved YOU RAISE ME UP, you’re going to love the songs on ALL THAT ECHOES, Prashant!
I’m one of the not-so-much-a-fan group. He has done a few classical/operatic things that have been nice, but when he ventured more into pop and heartstring pullers he left me behind.
Josh Groban reminds me of Sarah Brightman, Rick. Classically trained singers who try to appeal to classical and pop music fans.
I wonder if all these TV reality shows on singing encourage this sort of Broadway approach to every song. Sell it, really says it.
You’re probably right, Patti. It seems like so many songs today require singers both female and male to “belt it out.” It becomes a musical cliche.