Josh Groban
Album: Stages
Label: Josh Groban Music
Tracks: 15
Website: http://www.joshgroban.com/

I fist heard Josh Groban some years ago on BBC's "Terry Wogan Show" singing the theme tune from "The Polar Express." I was driving at the time and stopped the car to find out who was singing with this wonderful stirring and powerful voice. It was just one of those magical musical moments.

Since that time, Josh has become a major international star and currently this album is at No 1 in the commercial album charts. Described as a "Popera" or "Crossover" singer with his vocal range and ability to sing almost any type of music, he has gained millions of fans of which I am just one. Over the years I have bought all his albums and seen him perform live at the Hammersmith Apollo. He is a supreme entertainer and judging from his many TV interviews, a very nice man too.

Whether singing in English, Italian or French, his diction is superb and his vocal range is immense. His version of Richard Marx's "To Where You Are" is now one of the most requested songs for a funeral. Such is the emotion of the song and the singer.

The latest album is, as you might guess from the title, an album of songs from both stage and film musicals.

The first track is the enchanting "Pure Imagination" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The third track and one of my favourite songs of all time is the truly wonderful "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables. This version is instrumentally stripped bare to a single piano accompaniment allowing Josh's voice to soar and climb. This is in my opinion the best version of the song that I have heard.

There is a very surprising and beautiful duet with Kelly Clarkson on "All I ask of you" from Phantom of the Opera." To be fair to Kelly I did not realise she had such a good soprano voice, but she has. Not just a pop princess! The version of "Try to Remember" from "The Fantasticks" should be listened to accompanied by a good Merlot and some Stilton. It is one of those songs that is immediately recognisable but I have to admit I would not have known from where it came without the sleeve notes. I do however still recall the delightful version by Nana Mouskouri in the 1970's. A real late night song.

A fabulous version of "Over the Rainbow" follows but this has been sung by so many people now that it rarely stands out from the crowd. Josh however does it proud. Liverpool FC fans will be thrilled to hear their adopted anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" sung with such gusto here and I find myself with arms aloft whilst listening to it despite being a Manchester United fan.

There is one more duet on the album, "If I loved you" again from "Carousel" this one sung with American singer and actress Audra McDonald. The final track is "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" again from Les Mis. This one may not have the passion that emanates from the stage show but it is still a beautiful and moving version of one of the greatest musicals of modern times.

There is not a bad track amongst the fifteen songs on this wonderful rousing album which is a real tribute to the quality of music and lyrics that come from the stage. Not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely mine. If you are fan of musicals, give this a try. You will love it!

Rory Stanbridge