Music For Life

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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.