Christmas [Deluxe CD + DVD]

I have been a Michael Buble' fan for many years. He has a rare talent to entertain. After the passing of the great crooners like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra etc., it's wonderful that Michael is keeping this genre' alive with his wonderful talent. This CD is outstanding as a collector's item. However the DVD was disappointing. I personally am not enamored with documentaries about how a recording was made or other uninspiring nic nacs on technical details. I honestly thought I was receiving the DVD recording of Michael's Christmas special. Perhaps the mistake was mine! By the CD alone and forget about the DVD!

Simply not as good as I expected and what other reviews lead me to believe. I was looking for a new addition to our favourite Christmas albums. This was OK but will not make the cut for next year's holiday listening.

If you are looking for a traditional Christmas album with a little bit of jazziness to it then (if you can find it) I recommend Frank Sinatra: Christmas Album This is by far the best conventional Christmas album that I have heard.

If you want Christmas songs with a lot of jazz then go with Ella Fitgerald: Wishes You A Swinging Christma

If you want an alternative Christmas album that crosses many genres of music then I strongly recommend Jingle All The Way This album is truly unique. Sometimes beautiful and other times humourous. A must have. Skip the first song the first time you listen to the album.

Reprise/ Warner presents "CHRISTMAS" (2011), featuring Michael Bublé, finally a singer under the age of 50 who actually listens to the lyrics he's singing and interprets them in a unique way --- Bublé has a rich, smooth, beautiful voice that gives these songs a new dimension --- And his diction...wow, there's a concept --- Listen to "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU" and "I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS" and you'll see what I mean, under stated arrangements with that special Bublé touch ~ the last track is "MIS DESEO/FELIZ NAVIDAD" (duet with Thalia), is a fun listen, as you can hear both of the singers enjoying the moment --- Just in time for the holidays a true gem for any Christmas collection.

'Christmas' (track listings/times)

1 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - [3:27]
2 Santa Claus is Coming to Town - [2:51]
3 Jingle Bells (featuring the Puppini Sisters) - [2:40]
4 White Christmas (duet with Shania Twain) - [3:37]
5 All I Want For Christmas is You [2:52]
6 Holly Jolly Christmas [2:00]
7 Santa Baby [3:52]
8 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas [3:51]
9 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) [3:08]
10 Silent Night [3:48]
11 Blue Christmas [3:43]
12 Cold December Night [3:19]
13 I'll Be Home for Christmas [4:26]
14 Ave Maria [4:01]
15 Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia) [4:24]
16 "This Is Michael Bublé Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas" [:04]

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Sound: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Mixing: 5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars [Arrangements & Song Selection]

Special footnote: If you enjoyed this album, check out Let It Snow

Total Time: 50 mins on 15 Tracks ~ Reprise Records ~ (October 24, 2011)