Josh Groban didn't appear to be a pop singer.
I first heard his breakthrough hit “You Raise Me Up” while driving home from high school one day. It was such a beautiful, inspiring song.
In fact, I assumed by the lyrics and style of music that he was some new Christian artist, and had to double check my radio dial to make sure I was listening to a contemporary station.
I was completely taken aback by his talent. Not many singers can effectively make their voices sound as flawless as Groban can. Even the high notes that are difficult for trained females to hit seem effortless for Groban.
There is too much extra noise in pop music today. I’ll often turn on the radio to get a break from my hectic day and find myself getting more wound up with the driving hard beats, screaming singers and over-repetitive hooks that seem to be dominating the music world.
Groban’s music is a welcome escape from all that. He’s brought classy back.
I feel peaceful and intellectual when I listen to his songs. They are an escape, but not for the brain-numbing kind of musical escape that drowns out your senses. It's a calm, thought-provoking escape that accompanies uplifting melodies.
Still, Groban’s music is plenty diverse and stimulating, never muddled or over-produced. Clean and clear are the underlying tones of Groban’s tunes.
Groban has said he’s known for a long time that music was his calling in life, and he has his mom to thank for that.
“My mom is an extraordinary woman and she's been my biggest fan,” he told MomLogic. “I think that from the first moment I ever sang in junior high school and she was in the audience, I surprised her and didn't tell her what I was going to do.
"I was kind of having a hard time at school at that moment. I sang and she was crying and I just kind of felt like, ‘OK, so it's music for me.’”
Groban said she was behind his inspiration for the recording of “You Raise Me Up.”
Partly because of his incredible talent, and partly because of his young age and charismatic good looks, Groban’s music has been popular with people of all ages. He’s sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, proof that what’s pushed on the radio or TV isn’t necessarily a reflection of what the public actually wants, or is interested in.
It’s so wonderful to want to listen to a song for the singer, instead of putting up with a less-than-stellar singer because you like the song. Groban’s voice reminds me of a finely tuned romantic instrument such as a cello (my favorite). He is right up there with some of the best vocalists of our time, including Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.
Groban is keeping classic in the contemporary, celebrating music and artistry with timeless taste, and that’s what I love about Josh Groban.