Revisiting the classics

EMI

Pop

Rs 395

rating: ***1/2

There is something about Michael Bublé. The Canadian singer,who is known for his covers of legendary singers such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett,easily transports us to an era gone by with his eighth studio album To Be Loved. As Bublé evokes the spirits of William “Smokey” Robinson,Scotty Wiseman and Randy Newman,and of course,Sinatra and Bennett,we instantly think of smoke-filled clubs where a stranger walks in and woos a scarlet-lipped damsel over a glass of whisky and soulful jazz.

To Be Loved was commissioned by Bublé’s record label after his 2011 album Christmas sold more than seven million copies worldwide,becoming the second largest selling album of that year. Produced by his long-time friend and collaborator Bob Rock,To Be Loved features four original tracks along with a medley of covers and collaborations.

The album begins with the quaint number You make me feel so young,which was first introduced in the 1946 musical Three Little Girls in Blue. Bublé does justice to the song,infusing it with his bubbling enthusiasm as he sings,“You make me feel there are songs to be sung/ Bells to be rung and a wonderful spring to be sprung.” The next number is It’s a beautiful day,an original single written by Bublé and his associates Amy Foster and Alan Chang. The song is a funny take on breakups. Its music video shows Bublé walking in on his girlfriend making out with another guy and breaking up with him. Instead of feeling betrayed and sad,a smiling Bublé emerges from the house singing,“Cause you may not believe/ That baby,I’m relieved/ When you said goodbye,my whole world shined!”

The following track,To love somebody,was originally recorded by the Bee Gees. Bublé’s honey-smooth voice,coupled with the crooning chorus,makes the song a pleasure to listen to. Who’s lovin’ you is a soul number in which Bublé demonstrates his vocal prowess with finesse. Recorded by different artistes over time including The Miracles (who recorded the 1960 original version),The Temptations,The Supremes,Human Nature,En Vogue and The Jackson 5,it is definitely one of our favourites from the album,thanks to its staccato beats,the chorus,the piano in the background,and Bublé’s silky voice.

While Something stupid featuring Reese Witherspoon is smooth and well-executed,Come dance with me is a Sinatra cover,reminiscent of Bublé’s earlier covers Save the last dance and Sway.

Close your eyes is a Bublé original. A soft piano ballad,it has sparse arrangement that doesn’t distract us when Bublé sings,“It’s your beauty that betrays you/ Your smile gives you away/ Cause you’re made of strength and mercy/ And my soul is yours to save.”

After all featuring Bryan Adams is a fast-paced rocker,and Have I told you lately that I love you is a cover of the popular song written by Scotty Wiseman in 1945. Featuring the R&B/soul group Naturally 7,the song has a fantastic chorus support. I got it easy is a fine romantic ballad. You’ve got a friend in me is a playful,swinging take on Randy Newman’s theme song for the 1995 animated film Toy Story.

Smooth,fun and inspired,To Be Loved is something that you’d like to enjoy in the comfort of your home,with a glass of wine.While the older generation might prefer the originals,for today’s youth,Bublé is as close to the classics as it can get.

prajakta.hebbar@expressindia.com