Artist: Michael Bubl?(c)
Album: To Be Loved
Release Date: April 23
Label: Reprise Records
Grade: A
Michael Bubl?(c) is an entertainer through and through, and his newest album, To Be Loved, certainly does not disappoint.
Bubl?(c) has had an interesting career, making a name for himself with his big-band style and flair. After his debut album in 2003, Bubl?(c) was incredibly well received in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, though he received little recognition in the United States.
It wasn't until the release of his 2005 album, It's Time, that Bubl?(c) reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart and became a household name. His song "Everything" from the 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible left a great impression on the world after rising to No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 list and No. 1 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.
"It's a Beautiful Day," the first single released to gain momentum for the To Be Loved, sets a wonderful precedent for the rest of the album with its crisp, happy lyrics and a finger-snapping, jazzy touch.
Bubl?(c)'s newest album includes covers of Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me" and Scotty Wiseman's "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You," and neither disappoints.
"You've Got a Friend in Me" may not have anything on Newman's original, but Bubl?(c) makes a superb contribution to the list of covers of the cherished song.
Bubl?(c)'s creativity never ceases as he continues to make amazing covers and an album full of his own clever arrangements. From big-band-heavy songs to sensual, light-dimming numbers, Bubl?(c) plays the scale and appeases the masses.
To Be Loved also includes several guest performances, creating a sampler of different musical backgrounds all fitting in with Bubl?(c)'s charming, lively world. The track "Something Stupid" has guest vocals by actress Reese Witherspoon that softly add to Bubl?(c)'s enthusiastic performance.
The most vivacious duet on the album is "After All," which includes vocals from Canadian singer/songwriter Bryan Adams. Adams adds a wonderful, rugged sound against Bubl?(c)'s velvety vocals. This catchy track will undoubtedly find its way to local radio stations soon.
The 14-track album includes incredible songwriting as well as effervescent musical arrangement and vocals. The song "Close Your Eyes" overpowers the rest of the album with gorgeous lyrical strength.
His lyrics are enough to make anyone swoon and fall in love with Bubl?(c) all over again.
"You're an angel dressed in armor, you're the fair in every fight/You're my life and my safe harbor, where the sun sets every night," Bubl?(c) sings.
Bubl?(c)'s To Be Loved features an array of delightful tracks sure to attract several generations of music lovers.
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