from CLOSER
Written by Richard Page
Josh Groban’s sophomore cd, Closer, was released in November 2003. That record skyrocketed to the top of the international charts, selling millions and collecting awards worldwide. David Foster, the architect behind Groban’s debut album, was back in the producer’s seat. With his expertise and superior skills, Foster provided the young singing phenom another masterpiece. Closer, like its predecessor, was a well-balanced mix of adult pop material with a palette of arrangements going from adult contemporary to Latin to operatic. The breakthrough hit was the Irish-flavored “You Raise Me Up.” This quickly became Groban’s signature song and has already been featured on this page in a past review. Currently, rediscover a lesser-known gem from Closer titled, “My Confession.”
Written by amazing singer/songwriter, Richard Page of Pages and Mr. Mister fame, “My Confession” was an emotional ballad with a stunning, Latin-tinged arrangement courtesy of Foster’s right-hand man, Jochem van der Saag. The orchestral work was handled by the great Bill Ross. Groban’s vocal performance was a true master-class by delivering both warmth and passion. Groban did justice to Page’s beautiful lyrics and the writer assisted the young singer with some impeccable harmony vocals. Another fundamental element was given by the great Ramon Stagnaro’s (1954-2022) Spanish guitar. Stagnaro was a fixture on Foster’s productions for Groban and Andrea Bocelli. His amazing guitar was always the icing on the cake.
Foster’s production on “My Confession” was another work of art. His remarkable performance on Closer really established Groban as an international star.
To round out the review The Hitman sent us a few words about “My Confession”:
“This is really a beautiful song. Richard (Page) is one of the all-time taste-maker type songwriters. This song spoke to me because of its ‘European’ influence in the chord patterns and it was a perfect song for Josh to sing. Also, Ramon (Stagnaro) never missed in playing the perfect notes on every song he touched.”
- Lead Vocals: Josh Groban
- Guitars: Ramon Stagnaro
- Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
- Orchestral Arrangement by Bill Ross
- Arranged by Jochem van der Saag
- Produced by David Foster
- Additional Production by Jochem van der Saag
Lyrics
I have been blind
Unwilling
To see the true love
You’re giving
I have ignored every blessing
I’m on my knees
Confessing
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can’t hide it
Now hear my confession
I have been wrong about you
I thought I was strong without you
For so long
Nothing could move me
For so long
Nothing could change me
Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am captured by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can’t hide it
Now hear my confession
You are the air that I breathe
You’re the ground beneath my feet
When did I stop believing
‘Cause I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart (is turning)
Falling into place
I can’t hide it
Now hear my confession
I can’t hide it
Now hear my confession
Hear my confession
(And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place)