BEATSTREET

Michael Bublé- Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition), Beat Street, Virgin Records, Audio CD: Rs. 395/-

January 22, 2013 07:45 pm | Updated June 13, 2016 08:19 am IST

23bgmMichael

23bgmMichael

Okay so it’s been a month already since we celebrated Christmas but for people like me, anytime is a good time to listen to Christmas carols and if it’s Michael Bublé that you get to hear on record, it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is!

Initially released in late 2011, this 2012 version of Christmas has on it four additional tracks, making it Bublé’s first full-length holiday release.

The album is off to a festive start with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” which has a wintry yet warm and toasty texture. Next up is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” which retains that classic flavor.

“Silent Night”, though not very different from the original, highlights Michael Bublé's impeccable vocal delivery. The choral rendition adds to its grace. “Santa Baby” is “Santa Buddy” on this album that would perhaps bring with it a few rounds of chuckles with the gender reversal.

My personal favourite is Mariah Carey’s flouncy, cheery “All I Want for Christmas is You” that Michael Bublé reinvents as he reduces the tempo and gives it a sensual feel making it a pop-infused keyboard ballad of sorts. His romantic crooning is at its best here. Kudos to him for being able to improvise so well! “Ave Maria” is that spiritual mellifluous rendition that captivates the soul.

One of the strongest features of this album is the repertoire of guest stars Bublé has collaborated with. While the English-Italian trio, the Puppini Sisters, give “Jingle Bells” a different flavor with a bass heavy kick, Shania Twain gets out of her comfort zone of the country to join Michael Bublé on “White Christmas”. Fans of both these artistes are likely to enjoy this Canadian duet.

The album also sees Latin star Thalia and Michael Bublé deliver a majestic production of the ever popular number “Feliz Navidad”. The harmonic confluence of chorus and strings keep the listeners hooked. It is the classical guitar pieces that steal the limelight.

What you would love about “Blue Christmas” is that you don’t feel the blues! This version is extremely upbeat and refreshing.

Other songs on this record include the bouncy “Holy Jolly Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas”, and “Cold December Night” among a few others.

Those who don’t like classics tampered with might not take very well to this album. But for the most part, there is no real complaint.

Much after the presents have been unwrapped, the tree is taken down and the goodies are over, chances are Michael Bublé’s “Christmas” would still be playing on your system, as it is for me now!

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