To Be Loved (180 Gram Vinyl) [Import]

Vocalist Michael Bubl?'s 2013 studio album, To Be Loved, is a slick and classy Bob Rock-produced affair that follows up his hit 2011 holiday album, Christmas, and once again showcases the Canadian crooner's take on swinging pop music. Most longtime Bubl? fans will have a sense of what to expect here and, in that sense, should be quite pleased with the album. As with previous Bubl? releases, To Be Loved finds the vocalist tackling a handful of American Popular Song standards and some more contemporary pop covers. This time around, Bubl? even peppers the album with a few very vintage '60s soul-sounding numbers. To these ends, Bubl? kicks things off with a brightly swinging take on "You Make Me Feel So Young," turns in a neo-soul version of the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody," and digs deep into Smokey Robinson's "Who's Lovin' You." Also adding flavor here are a few guest appearances including duets with actress Reese Witherspoon, Bryan Adams, and the Puppini Sisters. As with Bubl?'s last few albums, he gets some co-writing credits, with songs like the sunshine pop-sounding, 'It's a Beautiful Day," and the atmospheric orchestral ballad, "I Got It Easy," registering as two of his best originals. Ultimately, To Be Loved isn't just a perfect showcase for Bubl?'s voice, it's also one of his most diverse and enjoyable albums. ~ Matt Collar