On the surface, the title of
Michael Buble's tenth studio album, 2018's
Love, announces a swinging collection of standards and originals all thematically centered on themes of romance, fidelity, and desire. That said, it could also speak to two heart-wrenching years leading up to
Love, during which time the singer's then three-year-old son was diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Prior to the release of
Love,
Buble even intimated in an interview that, in light of his son's illness, he might be ready to retire. All these notions of love and the stakes that drive our passionate emotions are redolent on the album, whose brightly swinging and upbeat production via longtime mentor
David Foster belies the personal turmoil of
Buble's private life. Which isn't to say that
Love is a sad album. These are lush arrangements (split between big band, small group, and orchestra) via
Foster and pianist
Alan Broadbent that showcase
Buble's warm vocals. Much of it evokes the classic '40s and '50s pop
Buble so clearly admires. His supple voice is backed throughout by his snappy ensemble, featuring pros like
Weather Report drummer
Peter Erskine, noted
Diana Krall bassist
Ben Wolfe, longtime
Buble associate pianist
Alang Chang, and others. There are also two gorgeous duets, including a charming take on "La Vie en Rose" with acclaimed vocalist
Cecile McLorin Salvant and a heartfelt rendition of "Help Me Make It Through the Night" with
Loren Allred. As with past albums, there are also nods to contemporary pop music, represented here by the catchy, boy band-esque
Charlie Puth co-write "Love You Anymore." Similarly,
Buble draws upon his experience as a parent with the heartfelt adult contemporary ballad "Forever Now," in which he sings "You know as well as anybody how tough this life can be/But you've got so much strength inside you/A strength I pray you'll never need." Primarily,
Love builds upon
Buble's own strengths, as he dives into the
Louis Prima-style jump blues of "Such a Night," evokes
Frank Sinatra's of-the-cuff elan with the Deluxe Edition bonus track "I Get a Kick Out of You," and even manages to sidestep comparisons to
Nat King Cole as he conjures his own brand of vocal magic on "Unforgettable." In many ways,
Love is the epitome of the kind of traditional big-band pop album that
Buble has been honing for over a decade. The difference here is that the heart of the album lies not only in his immense vocal skill, but in his moving devotion to his son, his family, and his fans. ~ Matt Collar
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