BURBANK, CA (Top40 Charts/ Reprise Records) - Already one of the most beloved artists around the world, renowned singer and songwriter
Josh Groban is enjoying the best reviews of his nearly decade-long career for his fifth album, Illuminations, which was produced by legendary studio veteran Rick Rubin (Metallica, the Red Hot
Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks). Entertainment Weekly declared that "Illuminations might be Groban's handsomest effort yet." USA Today raved: "Illuminations yields glowing music. Sturdy, deeply personal statements, brimming with poignancy." The New York Times also praised the album, saying it "showcases Mr. Groban's songwriting" and "reflects the conviction that gallantry can also be pensive and uncertain." (Read more stellar reviews below.)
Released by 143/Reprise Records on November 15th, Illuminations debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Top 200 chart (Groban's fourth consecutive Top 5 chart bow), selling 191,337 units in its first week and is positioned at no. 12 this week. In addition, Groban has pulled off the rare feat of charting two albums on Billboard's Top 30: Illuminations and the 5x-platinum Christmas album Noel, which is back on both the Billboard and iTunes charts. Now a holiday classic, Noel spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart in 2007 and was the best-selling album of that year.
Groban performed last night during NBC's star-studded annual special, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, as well as on Oprah Winfrey's recent "Ultimate Favorite Things" episode. He will also appear on Rachael Ray on December 13th and perform "Bells of New York City," from Illuminations, on Good Morning America on December 21st.
Illuminations is the result of an unprecedented partnership between Groban and Rubin, who came together to create an entirely new zone where art meets intimacy and immediacy meets timelessness. Groban - who ranks as Billboard's 14th top-selling artist of the 2000s with more than 20 million units sold in the U.S. alone - has expressed himself at his fullest by tapping into a new range of expression and emotional connection with lyrics drawn straight from the heart.
Read what the critics are saying about Illuminations:
"Illuminations might be Groban's handsomest effort yet. 'Bells Of New York City' raises goose bumps with a haunting melody, while 'Voce Existe Em Mim' packs real percussive heat." - Entertainment Weekly
"What Illuminations reveals is that Groban hasn't been faking his fondness for the kind of music he likes. He's proud of the work that he has put into his voice and glad his performances move people." - The Los Angeles Times
"Illuminations carefully frames Groban's talent in a cozier context. The music wraps around Groban's vast baritone in subtle and supple ways." - Boston Globe
"Illuminations pulls off a neat hat trick: Mom will still love getting it for Christmas - and it will be blasting the tinsel off trees across America come Dec. 26, as is the music industry's fondest hope." - Yahoo! Music
"'Bells Of New York City' has a wintry beauty, 'Higher Window' a plaintive grandeur, 'Hidden Away' nods to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.'" - The Sunday Mail
"Takes us on an inbound journey surrounded by rain-splattered windows and dark, lonely nights. This is vintage Groban." - Toronto Star
Watch Groban perform "Higher Window," on Oprah here:
https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Josh-Groban-Performs-Higher-Window-Video_1
