Josh Groban is better known for the hits You Raise Me Up and You Are Loved. After an absence from the music scene for a few years he has released his new album, Stages.

As the title suggests it is his versions of songs from various stage musicals. If you are not a fan of Groban you might find the album a little sickly. It is a calculated move career wise for him as his fans will surely enjoy this album.

His version of Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sounds like it has come out of the Wizard of Oz, though it is given a lush orchestra treatment. Talking of which he does a like for like version of Somewhere over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz. You can almost feel the hankies wiping away the tears.

You Never Walk Alone from Carousel suits his voice and it has to be said, he could find another career starring in musicals with his dramatic and strong voice.

The album is almost ballads and it would have been good to hear some faster numbers. If you like Josh Groban you will like this album. It will not win him over any new fans but will keep the faithful happy.

3 out of 5.