When a cappella arrangement is done well, it can reveal hidden depths in a well-known song. BYU Vocal Point’s rendition of Josh Groban’s 2003 hit song “You Raise Me Up” does just that. The quartet highlights the song’s moving lyrics and their incredible vocal perfection by removing the instrumental accompaniment.
In 1991, BYU Vocal Point was established by students Dave Boyce and Bob Ahlander as a nine-member group devoted to investigating the potential of vocal harmony. They quickly gained notoriety on campus after their sold-out debut performance, and they have now solidified their status with a fifth-place result on NBC’s The Sing-Off and a record deal with Decca Gold, Universal Music Group’s classical imprint, in December 2018. “We’re just regular college students doing extraordinary things,” says member Jason Bromley.
The stunning landscape of mountains and valleys serves as the backdrop for their “You Raise Me Up” music video. It begins with a single, crystal-clear voice that is quickly joined by numerous voices, each of which weaves into a rich tapestry with many layers. Without using a single drum, vocal percussion adds rhythmic force and punctuates the arrangement. Viewers are drawn into an almost meditative state as the singers traverse the tranquil terrain, incorporating the setting into the performance.
The lead and background voices blend together so well that it’s hard to identify where one portion finishes and another begins, which is what makes this interpretation unique. Instead of emulating Groban’s original, Vocal Point presents a new arrangement that culminates in a surprising melodic turn at the end. A bigger student choir is then invited to join for a thrilling, spine-tingling finish.
With heart and uniqueness, BYU Vocal Point’s rendition of “You Raise Me Up” reimagines a well-loved classic. It serves as a reminder that often the most poignant performances are those that aren’t accompanied by any musical instruments and a tribute to the strength of the human voice.