Grammy-nominated Josh Groban is a global phenomenon with 25 million album sales behind him, yet in the UK his adoration is limited to those in the know. That adoration is set to spread to his widest audience to date as his new album, A Collection is released to buy...

A Collection highlights Josh Groban's undeniable talent and the songs that have made him a household name in America. The album includes Josh's version of 'You Raise Me Up', the first version of the song to have become a major hit before it was later covered by Westlife; 'Anthem', recorded for live as a special anniversary performance of Chess at the Royal Albert Hall and 'To Where You Are', that he performed before a global audience at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Also included is a live version of 'Weeping' recorded with Soweto Gospel Choir at the Mandela Concert in Hyde Park and fan favourites 'Oceano' and 'In Her Eyes'.

While there are no bad tracks in this collection, my personal favourites included 'You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)'; 'Cinema Paradiso' - which is Groban's take on the main theme from the Italian movie Cinema Paradiso; and 'Smile' - a reworking of the song which was originally composed by Charles Chaplin.

Released ahead of Christmas 2008 'A Collection' also features a second CD highlighting festive songs such as 'Silent Night', 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Ave Maria'.

For those that don't already own Groban's other albums (imports of which can be bought online) this collection is the perfect introduction to a man who is helping to bring classical music to a mainstream audience - which is no bad thing.

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Nick Smithson