BYU Vocal Point Elevates Josh Groban’s Hit with Acapella Mastery
A well-executed acapella performance has the power to elevate any song, whether it’s the absence of instruments emphasizing the lyrics or the vocalists’ skill in captivating the audience.
This is beautifully demonstrated in Brigham Young University’s (BYU) Vocal Point’s acapella rendition of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit, “You Raise Me Up.” Their rendition breathes new life into this inspirational song.
Founded in 1991 by BYU students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander, BYU Vocal Point is a nine-member acapella group that quickly gained popularity on campus, with their debut concert selling out.
BYU Vocal Point has garnered numerous accolades since its inception, 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.”
The music video for “You Raise Me Up” is set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and valleys.
It begins with a single, clear voice, soon joined by others in harmony, creating 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.
The vocalists’ harmonies blend seamlessly, making it difficult to distinguish between the lead singers. Their rendition of 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.
BYU Vocal Point’s exceptional version of “You Raise Me Up” is sure to become a favorite. Sit back and enjoy this unique and uplifting performance.
