Illuminations

I think I'm one of the original "grobanites".  I remember discovering Josh on an episode of Ally McBeal over 10 years ago, and my musicial exposure was immediately enhanced by this young man's beautiful, flawless lyrical baritone. Josh co-wrote the majority of the songs on his new album. Here's a commentary I saw on Amazon that really sums the new album up perfectly:  This album is a bit different for Josh, as he parted ways with producer David Foster (Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand) and hooked up with legendary rock producer Rick Rubin (Metallica, Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers). This album is different than his previous outings, but that's not a bad thing. The songs don't have that "over-produced" sound, with lots of vocal reverb and bounding orchestrations and vocals in the background. Many of these songs are just Josh, a piano, and the occasional subtle violin or guitar in the background. No backing vocals, no blazing productions, just Josh, and his amazing voice. You can even hear the slight imperfections in his voice, and even though subtle, provide for a very real experience by a very talented individual. Josh wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on this album, thus why most are in english. But the non-english songs are fantastic! Very flowy, musical, and very, very good. There actually isn't a single bad song on this album, but highlights include "Hidden Away", "Au Jardin Des Sans-Pourquoi", "Bells of New York City", and the phenomenal "Higher Window", which was so good it may make you cry. So go now ... right now ... and buy this album!
You can hear the album here:  http://music.msn.com/music/listeningbooth/?GT1=28102

Turn up the volume, close your eyes and get ready to be transported into a musical utopia!