NEW YORK - Singing a mix of operatic tunes and sweeping ballads has been a successful formula for Josh Groban: since the 25-year-old made his debut six years ago he has sold millions of albums with his soaring voice and classical-crossover sound.

But Groban decided to tinker with the formula on his latest album, "Awake." He collaborated with the likes of Dave Matthews and Herbie Hancock, and used African rhythms on some songs, even adding the harmonies of South African acts like Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

He also put more of himself into the record by using his own pen, helping write some of the album's songs, including the emotional "Lullaby."

It was a bit of an artistic risk, but one Groban felt he needed to make after a life-changing trip to South Africa. Love songs are still paramount in his repertoire: in February, he released a special romance-themed album, "With You," in Hallmark stores. Still, Groban, who is now on tour (with stops in Toronto Monday and Rochester next Saturday), is interested in more than torch songs these days.

Your trip to South Africa really influenced the record. Were you searching for a different artistic view before you got there?

When I went to South Africa, the only thing that I knew was just how much that I wanted to be there, and how much I've always ended up loving the music from South Africa. The trip for me, it could have been any number of things for me. It could have just been a fun experience . . . and it could have been just one of those inspirational times in my life, and it just happened to be, not just for my music. Meeting Nelson Mandela, and being able to be the ambassador to his foundation (to help the impoverished and those with AIDS and HIV) . . . that just left me with a feeling of wanting to come back and wanting to dedicate part of my life to helping that cause. Musically, it just kind of re-stirred something that was already there and made me very inspired to take the risk to try. The whole trip was filled with eye-opening experiences.

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