College Singers Elevate Josh Groban’s Hit to New Heights with Acapella Mastery
An expertly performed acapella song can bring new depth to any track – whether it’s the absence of instruments highlighting the lyrics or the vocalists’ skill in engaging the audience. This rings especially true for the acapella rendition of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit, “You Raise Me Up,” by Brigham Young University’s (BYU) Vocal Point. Their version breathes fresh life into this inspirational song.
In 1991, BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander founded the BYU Vocal Point, a nine-member acapella group. The group swiftly gained popularity on campus, with their debut concert selling out.
BYU Vocal Point’s Ascent to Acapella Fame
Since its inception, BYU Vocal Point has achieved numerous accolades, including a fifth-place finish in the third season of NBC’s The Sing-Off. Their talent was further recognized in December 2018 when they announced a record deal with Universal Music Group’s classical label, Decca Gold, on social media. Member Jason Bromley reflected, “We’re ordinary college students doing extraordinary things.”
“You Raise Me Up” Music Video: A Scenic Vocal Journey
The video for “You Raise Me Up” is set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. It starts with a single, clear voice, soon joined by another in harmony, building a rich, layered sound. The group’s voices are bright and pure, complemented by impressive percussive sounds created vocally.
As the singers traverse the mountain landscape, their rendition of the song becomes an immersive experience. The tranquility of the setting almost becomes palpable, illustrating the power of music to transport the listener to another place.
A Unique and Harmonious Rendition
The vocalists’ harmonies blend seamlessly, making distinguishing between the lead singers difficult. Their take on this widely covered song is refreshingly original, avoiding a simple imitation of the original. They infuse their unique style and arrangement into the song, adding a new hook towards the end that enhances the harmonies. The finale is bolstered by a choir of additional students, creating a profoundly powerful conclusion.
This exceptional version of “You Raise Me Up” by BYU Vocal Point is bound to become a favorite. Sit back and enjoy this unique and uplifting performance.
Christian Actor Blacklisted from Hollywood for Standing Firm in Faith
Neal McDonough, a Hollywood actor, recently disclosed that being shunned by Hollywood prompted him to establish his own film company. McDonough, known for roles like Malcolm Beck in Yellowstone, Timothy ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan in Captain America: The First Avenger, and General James Harding in Project Blue Book, revealed that he was blacklisted from Hollywood in 2010 due to his staunch Christian beliefs.
He faced repercussions after refusing to participate in certain scenes, such as kissing and adult-oriented scenes, while working on ABC’s Scoundrels TV show. McDonough admitted that this period was challenging, but his faith helped him stay grounded. Despite the setbacks, he remained grateful for the blessings in his life.
In January 2020, McDonough reaffirmed his stance on not compromising his faith, stating his reluctance to engage in explicit scenes and mentioning his commitment to his wife of nearly 20 years, Ruvé. He emphasized his dedication to creating content that aligns with his values and gives glory to God, which led him and his wife to venture into independent filmmaking.
Their film company aims to produce projects that reflect their faith and values, allowing them to honor God through their work. McDonough expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue projects that align with their beliefs, emphasizing their commitment to creating content that glorifies God.
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