I wish it weren't the case but, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Awake. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Awake is a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.
This CD literally grabs your attention right from the start with the very first track and does not let up until the very last note of the very last track, Machine. Which by the way is a very nice track done with long time superstar Herbie Hancock.
The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Pop isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
I give Awake my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.
While this entire album is really very good a few of my favorites are track 2 - You Are Loved, track 6 - So She Dances and track 7 - In Her Eyes.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, February Song. This is a great track!
Awake Release Notes:
Josh Groban originally released Awake on Nov 07, 2006 on the Reprise label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Mai 2. You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) 3. Un Dia Llegara 4. February Song 5. L'Ultima Notte 6. So She Dances 7. In Her Eyes 8. Solo Por Ti 9. Now Or Never 10. Un Giorno Per Noi 11. Lullaby - (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) 12. Weeping - (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) 13. Machine - (with Herbie Hancock)
Personnel include: Josh Groban; Michael Thompson , Tim Pierce (guitar); Sean Hurley (keyboards); Nathan East (bass guitar); Matt Chamberlain, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Marius De Vries (programming); Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Recording information: 2006.
