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PopEntertainment.com > Reviews > Record Reviews > Michael Bublé

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Michael Bublé-Michael Bublé (143 Records/Reprise)

Michael Bublé has been getting a buzz in the smooth jazz as the next-big-thing to follow Norah Jones up the album sales charts.  Well, Bublé is nowhere near as seductively entertaining or original as Jones, but his debut album is a pleasant big band take on a piano bar covers album.  Imagine Harry Connick, Jr.'s When Harry Met Sally soundtrack, if Connick had included some pop songs along with the Big Band standards (although George Michael's "Kissing A Fool" is as up-to-date as Bublé is willing to venture) and you'll have a pretty good idea of where this album is going. 

The collection isn't groundbreaking, in fact it's the kind of album Tony Bennett would have made if he was about forty years younger.  The record does have some very pretty songs given totally retro arrangements that somehow suit Bublé's smooth Bobby Darin vocals.  I have to admit, I like this kind of bliss-out music when I'm in the mood, though I know many people for whom this album would be like fingernails on a blackboard. 

Part of the charm of this album is the wide-ranging musical choices that are on offer here.  There is a gorgeous cover of the BeeGees' "How Do You Mend A Broken Heart?," a jumpin' jive version of Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," a quietly simmering version of "Kissing a Fool," a wonderfully retro-feeling cover of Paul Anka's "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," the soft bossa nova vibe of "Sway" and a slightly sappy sounding duet version of Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find A Love Like Mine."  Strangely, the songs that work the worst are the songs that would seem to fit into the big band feel of the album the most.  The older standards like "Fever," "The Summer Wind" and "Come Fly With Me" feel a little too clichéd and karaoke here.  But, Bublé's version of another old standby, "The Way You Look Tonight" is truly devastatingly lovely. 

In the end, the good performances easily outweigh the bad ones.  Michael Bublé is the type of album that you can safely give your parents (or even your grandparents) and not worry they'll enjoy it.  Also, in a late night dinner-for-two romantic background music way, it probably can't be beat.  (6/03)

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright © 2003 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: August 11, 2003.

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Copyright © 2003 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved.
Posted: August 11, 2003.