Closer (by Josh Groban, Pop)

CLOSER is Josh Groban's second CD on a major label, released when he was only 22 and not yet out of school. Yet his voice is already truly remarkable. "Oceano" and "My Confession" show off the singer's dramatic range (if this guy isn't performing in Broadway musicals, he should be). He manages a beautiful vocal take of Bacalov's "Il Postino" with a little help from classical violin virtuoso Joshua Bell. And he flexes his songwriting muscle with a couple of co-written originals: "Per Te" and "Remember When It Rains."

Groban packs a studied emotional wallop on the CD, a dramatic offering with operatic ambiance, produced by mentor David Foster. Melodramatic throughout, this is not teen party music. It is achingly beautiful, powerful vocal talent showcased with understated intelligence. It will be fascinating to see how Josh Groban matures as an artist over time; his voice is already there.