With Josh Groban’s sophomore album, “Closer,” the operatic singer delivers another strong and emotional set of contemporary-styled, yet timeless, music.

The first single, “You Raise Me Up,” has the same sort of outlandish feel of “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic, undoubtedly because of the influence of David Foster, Closer’s producer. Groban shows off his skills of building up momentum. Just as the song hits a lull, Groban bursts out a tremendous uproar that will catch you off guard.

Groban also co-writes for the first time on this album, with “Per Te,” “Never Let Go,” and “Remember When It Rained.” He’s convincible in any language, singing in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

However, unlike the debut album, some songs are somewhat lacklustre. Since he largely relies on the post-climax second bursts of energy, the beginning of such songs as “When You Say You Love Me” and “Remember When It Rained,” can seem like they are going nowhere. He saves them, but possibly after the track has already been changed.

3.5*
Reprise/Warner






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