Illuminations

how touching and magnificent this album is for me....an straight to my heart and i´m happily captured in the beauty of this piece of art ..... Thank you for striving to do your most honest work with all your heart!!!! Womens shoes ll Inspection India

Hello !

I saw above comments and these all are of mix feeling...
I liked the music but as one of our friend told us its always a bad sine to use bad words for God..

But in whole everything is beautiful..
I want to wish u all Happy New Year with these new year quotes

* Family, good health, faith, favor, promotion and provision. A blessed New Year to you and your family!
** One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.. BY: John Burroughs

For Xmas, a guy of mines gave this to me as a gift. I must say, Josh Groban is a musical GENIUS. His song's are all so touching.
christmas quotes || i love you quotes || falling in love quotes

I have and love all his albums but when I heard this one..WHOA!!! It´s so touching.....incredible. <3

My review: like it a lot.

Josh, your new album, Illuminations, is wonderful. The powerful songs and lyrics combined with your fabulous voice speak to my soul. My way of relaxing is to sit quietly, with a glass of wine, and let your voice fill the air. I am so moved by your music...Thank-you for your songs.

I've been a fan of Josh just this year, i bought two of his CD's including this Illuminations album and WOW!! i can't stop myself playing this album...so beautiful, irresistibly romantic and Josh you are so brilliant!!!! Although i don't understand some of the lyrics in this album but still the rhythm was so amazing... You never botched to amaze me Josh. Thank you for the extremely superb music you've been given us. Just like the others said, "wherever your music takes you, we will Follow You!!!

What a poignant and passionate album! Every song is beautiful - most composed by Josh - and sung with tenderness and skill. I love it all, especially the Straight to You, Nick Cave finale (fellow Aussie). Josh, you are inspiring and so talented - keep exploring wherever your music takes you and I will follow!
Thanks barlerbug27 for your great review link below. i enjoyed it!

I couldn't disagree more. Don't get me wrong I love Josh Groban or I wouldn't be on this site but I thought Illuminations was simply horrible! I listened to it in my car and I would have tossed it out the window but I didn't want to litter! All his other stuff is beyond amazing so I'm very disappointed!! : (

For Christmas, a friend of mine gave this to me as a gift. I must say, Josh Groban is a musical GENIUS. His song's are all so touching.

This album, by far, is my favorite. His songs that he sings in Italian are simply beautiful. All of the meanings to these songs are just touching.

Quando estou triste ouço suas canções. Quando estou feliz ouço suas canções... você é meu companheiro nas horas mais íntimas... tristes ou alegres. Sinto como se fossemos próximos um do outro. As vezes sinto até saudade, como hoje estou sentindo... Ouvir Illuminations é uma das minhas alegrias! Te adoro! Você é incrível!
Dolores - Brasília - Brazil

Eu te amo e tudo que você faz é maravilhoso! Espero um dia ir até ai ver o show seu! Te adoro, fique com Deus!

You nailed it Josh! I waited a long time for this, and it was totally worth the wait! Incredibly album! Been listening to it every day since I got it! 10 points!! <3

You have to be very proud of this album, Josh. To have written the majority of the songs must have been one great feat for you. It surpassed all my expectations :) My favorite for today is Voce Existe em Mim...I say today because everyday I might/can be inspired by another song of yours :). because each song has so much to offer. They are all truly wonderful and magical. I always wish you the best in all you do and continue to do. I can't wait to see you in concert :)

I have all your albums, even duplicates of most (you know, in case one gets damaged.) I love each and every one of them. Illuminations is rapdly becoming my favorite. It is so diverse, so personal. It takes me away on musical and lyrical wings...Voce Existe, Lora Dell...and it takes me back,,,If I Walk Away, Love Only Knows..and transports me acros the miles, once again, to NYC. It is truely an album that has something for everyone. I love it, every last word, every last note. An awesome album. Fantastic work, Josh, a real accomplishment.

I thinck as you are so special cause you record in many languages and you write very well, and sing with emotion and love. This album with a song in portuguese 'Você existe em mim' let me know more you and understand more your art and sensibelity (sorry, I dont' know your language very well), with this english so so I thank you for this gift as this album are to me.

Although I've admired Josh's voice for years, I've never considered myself a grobanite or even really a fan, as I'm more of a rock/alternative music person; soaring violins are just not my style. When I heard the live performance of "Voce Existe em Mim" on Jimmy Kimmel, though, it totally blew me away. Now that's music.

I dipped my toe in carefully, buying Voce Existe on iTunes and listening to the snippets of the other songs. I bought a couple of the more obviously appealing ones, loved them, then took the plunge and bought the whole thing. I am so glad I did. It has rapidly become one of my favorite albums. To those who were disappointed by the absence of musical bombast (to which I say good riddance) and full-throated singing (for which I have some sympathy), I can only say keep listening. This is an album that grows on you. There's a sweet naturalness to the voice that slowly filters its way into your heart. There's a depth of feeling in the lyrics that belies their simplicity. And the melodies and gorgeous instrumentation get more beautiful with each listening.

The iTunes album came with a lovely bonus song (Feels Like Home) as well as wonderful commentaries for each piece. Hearing the thought and care that went into every aspect of each selection, including each song's origins, collaborators, recording process, and even placement on the album, was enlightening and increased my appreciation for the music still more.

Josh took a big risk with this work. Even if I thought the result weren't successful I would have been impressed by his courage in making the attempt. As it is, I think he's succeeded on every level--as a musician, as a maturing vocalist, and as a truly gifted songwriter. I hope he keeps innovating, crossing boundaries, and doing his own thing.

I just wanted to say that I love the fact that he tried new things on this album.
If Josh had stayed with the same formula as his previous albums he would have become a vapid artist and people would soon lose intrest in the repetition of his music.
The truth is, the public is fickle and will turn on you like a roaring lion, they forget that change develops an extraordinary essence that is vital to any artist.
I love the simple little risks of melody and how they blend with what appears to be a broken yet hopeful heart in the backdrop.
I find that there is more of Josh as an exploer of sound, a crooner of hearts, and a blossoming songwriter, how could any fan not love that!
Give it a chance and you will see it get under your skin and produce an addiction of the best kind.

Absolutley love this album. Though I don't think the songs all show off Josh's fabulous voice to its best. Having said that, the quality of the vocal on Galileo is quite simply stunning. Love you Josh!

Hi Joshua,

First I wanna say, I love each of your albums, including
all concert DVD`s.
Each one is wonderful and unique and documented the
steps on your musical journey and I`m happy and very
grateful ( as a fan, or maybe a friend, half a world away),
to be a small part of it. I`m very excited, where this way
will lead to.

"ILLUMINATIONS" is your best album to me.
Courageous, honest and very sensitive. I feel your
vulnerability in some of this songs and I`m deeply
touched. It`s brilliant.

"AWAKE" has a special meaning to me because with
this album it all started and it helped me through very
difficult times. "FEBRUARY SONG" is still something
very special to me.

I don`t wanna miss any of your wonderful albums.
At this point thank you again, for this timeless,
unique music.

Thank you, for always being you.

Always yours
Gina :)

Hey all! Check out the blog for my review of this album!

http://musicmaid2189.wordpress.com/

Thanks! And thanks Josh for the amazing music, my words can never truly suffice what I get from "Illuminations". Can't wait for the tour!

While I absolutely love Josh's music, I have to say that his latest album is slightly disappointing. To me, it feels like there are none of those beautifully epic songs, like "awake", "when you say you love me", "remember when it rained" etc. It just feels like somethings missing, the songs need a bit MORE to them!
still love him though! :)

Amazing music! I have never heard a more gorgeous voice! Thank you so much for sharing your songs <3

I got this album the day it was relesed my fave is "Higher Window"

I thoroughly enjoy this entire album. I love the "feel" and rhythm of this one, and think that Mr. Groban's voice has become a long way (and he was good to begin with!). I like the "pushing the envelop" of this mix-- the folksy, the variety of life music and lyrics.

I don't understand why people have made negative comments concerning "Straight to You" (which, if one reads, one will find the music and lyrics were NOT written by Mr. Groban). There are some lyrics that I'm not particularly fond of in this album, which is rare, because normally I care a great deal about lyrics. But this album has such musical depth that the lyrics almost become pointless-- just the beauty of the musical compositions and Josh singing better than ever. Much to love on this.

I recommend this album, along with Josh Groban's "Closer," which are, in my opinion, his best. This one far exceeds his previous work in style and vocals. Give it a listen. :)

Keep up the great work, Mr. Groban.

Dear K4,
Thank you for your prayers. I wanted to try and answer your question if I can. First I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I worked on the cancer floor and I know that is very hard to go through. I also have lost loved ones to cancer.
The words in the song that I can see your point but I can also see another way... "The saints are drunk and howling at the moon" to me will be false saints here not in Heaven. There are many ways to view each song. Mine is just another view and isn't meant to replace anyone else's views or criticize anyone elses views. This is my view and quote...When you love someone give them your heart so no matter where they are your never apart.

As Denise64 says - Every song on it can be viewed or mean many different things. K4Truth, have you ever heard of some one being told to come down from their ivory tower? Your interpretation is not the same as other peoples thus 'The saints are drunk howling at the moon' does not have the harsh meaning that you are interpreting. Get from it what you will but know that what you may find disturbing, others may find enlightening.

Dear Denise64,
I am the one who made the comment about Straight To You. First of all, please know that I will pray for you. Second, would it be OK if I ask you a question? Being a poet, how do you interpret “The saints are drunk howling at the moon”? Someone I care about just died after a hard battle with cancer and I am trying to see things for what they are. Yes, Josh has an incredible voice and that is why I have enjoyed it more than anyone else’s. I design and make things so I appreciate his music and creativity. There is a point to be made here and maybe I am not doing a very good job of making it. Please let me know how you see Straight To You. Not to be rude or harsh, I just can’t see anything good coming from drunken saints.

I love this CD. Every song on it can be viewed or mean many different things. I am trying to get all your CD's Josh and thank you for sharing your music with us. God blessed you with a beautiful voice. This CD is proof of that for me.

Dear Josh,

I listened to Illuminations for the first time a few days ago. I've never heard Straight to You before this. Shocked, offended, disturbed and disappointed describes what I felt."Heaven has denied us its kingdom, The saints are drunk howling at the moon, The chariots of angels are colliding?" God is waiting with open arms if you believe Jesus is the only way, getting drunk is a sin and colliding is careless, something angels are not. You’re probably thinking "Why can't she just lighten up"? Well, the "End Times" is not a light subject. If you're going to sing about it then get it right. If you believe that someday "All the towers of Ivory are crumbling, And the sky will throw thunder-bolts and sparks", then you have to believe you will face your Lord. If you put running to your "babe" over making the most important decision of your life then you will face fire and regrets for eternity. Yes, I am being intense, but you choose to sing about an intense topic.

Please reply and at least tell me why you choose to sing Straight to You. I've been a fan of yours since about 12 years old. I would really like an answer.

Thanks,
K

Illuminations is like a good piece of literature. Josh's previous albums, Closer, Awake, and so on are like a collection of poems that paint a different picture with each song, which gave more variety. Illuminations is not a book of poetry, but rather an enjoyable book. Each track in this new album is like a new chapter to a more personal story. Its sound is very fresh, raw, organic, dark, and real. The music has a rich-well mixed blend of culture variety with a dash of folk melodies, making it one of the most American sounds I've heard outside the folk musicians. This new sound also gives a visual on typical city life, which seems to be a huge inspiration throughout many of the songs. (Bell of New York City and London Hymn-to be obvious)
I really like this new album because it allows the listener to use a bit more imagination as they listen. It's the sprout of the new, more established Josh Groban, that will bloom into something very grand with each new project he works on. It may take some listeners a second or third time to fully except it if expecting the same sound as in the previous works. It is easily one of my favs next to Closer.
If josh ever reads this I want to say thank you for all the music you shared with us and that this new album will be the start of a wonderful new style and will inspire many lives everywhere.

This album is simply amazing!! Thank you so much Josh! I can really feel that every song expresses something special. There is a lot of beautiful,true, honest emotion in this album that moves me deeply and takes me to another dimension...I haven't listened to your music for a while and now I'm totally captured again...the most beautiful record you have ever done!! "Hidden Away" has a great message that so much fits my situation at the moment... it encourages me to overcome my fears and show the world what's inside of me! I also love "Galileo" and "Straight to you" simply beautiful songs....
Always stay true to yourself Josh! The world wouldn't be the same without your music!
Hope to see you on tour in Europe soon :)
Astrid

Awesome. Love the whole package. Arrived in the mail on the 16th. Every song is beartiful. My favorite is "Galileo". The most beautiful melody. Please come to Raleigh, NC. When will your tour dates be posted? I am so excited about seeing you again. You are something else my friend.

Josh, ya tengo Illuminations en mis manos!!! es simplemente hermoso

Josh,
What a symphony! The spirit of the music (your most beautiful spirit) is so tight and each song brings us into more and more harmony. By track 15 I am totally blown away. Thank you for your illumination once again. Thank you for such brilliant originality in a time when all the arts seem so stagnant.
I will anxiously await your Dec 2nd Event, thank you in advance for that, too. You are the fairest of 10,000,000
In love,
-mostbeautifulwonder

I am so thrilled hearing all those new songs and i have to say that Josh worked realy hard for this album! For me this is an album that you have to hear it again and again for several times in order to understand to feel and to see all those things that Josh dreamed felt and saw during his "illuminations"!!! Thank you Josh for this new quest!!!

At last! I really love this record, thank you Josh! The highlights for me.. "Bells of NYC", I love the piano, how can anyone not be in love with this city? This tune makes me miss NYC more! "Galileo", It's lyrics are wonderful, just a cheerful song that makes anyone smile.
"Hidden Away", On a personal level, I can Absolutely relate to this song. It's almost as if you read my mind to find out what I'm most down about and wrote a song about the subject, So I suppose, I don't mind you reading my mind. ;) "War at home", at first I was trying to figure out why the tone of the strings sounds SO FAMILIAR, then I remembered the incredible James Newton Howard!! That's his tone (if you'll listen to the film score for Batman Begins, you'll see what I mean). It's an Incredible track, I enjoy it very much! I love the other tracks as well, but I'll save some room. All in all, I'm so glad you're back Josh! Stronger than ever, and we're in it for the long run, It's going to be a great year for you and I'm sure a great tour for us! Thank you, Pace E Bene!
X
Alisa

I am ashamed to confess that when I listened to IIluminations for the first time it was not "love at first sight", till I've realized that they are not just songs, they are beautiful stories to tell.
Well done Josh!

illuminating...

I feel really happy to hear this album of lovely atmosphere, beautiful lyrics and touching voice. We all can feel your efforts and thoughts on this marvelous piece of work. Thank you for bringing us Illuminations, Josh!

thank you josh
gracias for new album Illuminations
and the song hidden away
one of my fav so far.
gracias again.

Amazing music! Thank you, Josh!

i´m finishing listening to Illuminations of facebook and there are not enough words to describe how magical, how touching and magnificent this album is for me....an straight to my heart and i´m happily captured in the beauty of this piece of art ..... Thank you for striving to do your most honest work with all your heart!!!!
Please come to Argentina
Congratulations!!!
Mar

It is fresh, beautiful, thanks for all non Engllish songs included,Josh extraordinarly gifted bringing those songs to life. See you in Toronto.

I know we haven´t heard the whole albúm yet but from what i´ve heard untill today i know this is going to be the most amazing record Josh has ever done. his heart and souls are in this songs and it´s alredy touching and moving everyone´s hearts.
So thank you for striving to gives your wonderfull messageof love, hope, peace and life.
Mar

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amazing and inspiring... i am excited to have a copy of this album

I'm looking forward this album :) Thanks for the song in french !