Michael Buble

It's Time

143 Records/Reprise 48946-2

      Crooner Michael Buble (pronounced Boo-BLAY) has impeccable timing. In 2003 he released his groundbreaking eponymous debut album for 143 Records/Reprise which skyrocketed him to stardom (selling three million CDs). Last March, he released Come Fly With Me, a CD/DVD combo of  unreleased material. After touring the world for the past two years, it was now time to give his fans a brand new album.

On the eighth of this month, the 29-year-old Buble will release his much-anticipated second album for 143 Records/Reprise, It's Time. The thirteen-track CD contains material by the singing sensation with some surprisingly different twists on pop standards.

Buble gives a light, bluesy touch on the Eddie Arnold gem, You Don't Know Me, while taking a swinging approach on the Beatles' hit, Can't Buy Me Love. Other swinging arrangements on the album include A Foggy Day, I've Got You Under My Skin, and The More I See You, Dick Haymes' romantic signature opus, which takes a little getting used to, being performed in such an upbeat fashion.

Album highlights includes Buble's sentimental and heart-tugging composition, Home, a place of love and a haven from the burdens of the world, and appearances by two guest artists: singer Nelly Fertado on the bossa nova-tinged Italian love song, Quando, Quando, Quando, and trumpeter Chris Botti on the seductively romantic soul piece, Song For You. 

The album is saturated with some fine arrangements by producer David Foster, and contains a nice balance between older and contemporary material.

Buble's sophomore effort is impressive. He is an amazing talent whose cool and hip vocal style and mature interpretation savvy can give any song panache. 

It's Time makes a wonderfully romantic Valentine's Day gift!

Track selections:  Feeling Good, A Foggy Day, You Don't Know Me, Quando, Quando, Quando (Duet with Nelly Furtado), Home, Can't Buy Me Love, The More I See You, Save The Last Dance For Me, Try A Little Tenderness, How Sweet It Is, Song For You (Featuring Chris Botti), I've Got You Under My Skin, You And I

- Stephen Fratallone/Jazz Connection Magazine

Rating:  ****

*****