It’s hard to believe that this is Bublé’s first new studio album for over two years, but there have been live recordings, and of course he’s been touring the world like a crazy fella in that time. I reckon it’s easily his best album and worth the wait. Here’s his take on it:

“I started this record knowing I was going to record it differently than my previous ones. I dug away deeper and was more introspective on this one. Basically, I sang the truth - made each song autobiographical - and you can definitely hear the difference. I went back to the way my idols made their records. I wanted an organic feel - so people could feel like they were in the studio with me. The musicians and I all sat in the room, recorded it right from the floor and we let the sounds all come together and bleed into one another. It’s not contrived. Not too perfect. It just feels really good, the ultimate record about the inevitable roller coaster ride of relationships”

Produced by David Foster, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica, CRAZY LOVE was recorded during sessions in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York and Vancouver. It features two new songs co-written by Buble (’Haven’t Met You Yet’ and ‘Hold On’) alongside a selction of some of my favourite standards from various eras. The title track is Buble’s interpretation of the Van Morrison favourite. He also collaborates with cappella group Naturally 7 on ‘Stardust’, with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings on ‘Baby (You Got What It Takes), and Ron Sexsmith on ‘Whatever It Takes.’

Listen to the glorious, doom-laden orchestral opening to ‘Cry Me A River’ and you just know Bublé is sincere about his ambition, and has achieved it. This is an emotion packed interpretation and without doubt one of the best versions I have heard. And that’s just the beginning… ‘All Of Me’ is firmly in the big band tradition with bouncing bass rhythm, superb brass flourishes, twinkling piano notes and Bublé at his vocal best. Perfect! ‘Georgia On My Mind’ opens with mournful strings and random piano notes before settling in to become another standout on this album. It’s beautifully reflective with a scintilating instrumental arrangement (one of many on this collection) and arguably one of Bublé’s best vocals - ever. ‘Crazy Love’ is another beauty with its glorious vocal harmonies and wandering guitar notes. ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ is the first of two Bublé co-written songs and features strong pop sensibility sufficient to make this a chart-busting single. It fairly bounds along with some gorgious soaring brass flashing in and out. Superb.

‘All I Do Is Dream Of You’ is back to big band jazz and doesn’t miss a beat. ‘Hold On’ is the second Bublé composition. It’s darker, moodier and features a strong piano backdrop. This song has featured in his live show recording but this studio version is even better. The vocal is perfectly judged and the vibe deeply moving as it builds to a wonderful, hair-raising crescendo. Stunning.

‘Heartache Tonight’ and ‘You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You’ prove that this guy can make virtually song his own. ‘Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)’ is a funky version of this wonderful tune with Sharon Jones’ contribution making this one just a bit special. ‘At This Moment’ is another reflective song with the most beautiful string and piano moments, with a vocal as expressive and sincere as one would wish. It’s another standout complete with a superb, soaring guitar passage.

‘Stardust’ is a gently flowing interpretation with Naturally 7 adding the perfect backing vocals. ‘Whatever It Takes’ is given the Latin beats treatment and wanders along in super-smooth style. Finally, ‘Some Kind Of Wonderful’ with its more aggressive instrumental tone is another song that Bublé makes his own.

This is, in my view, Bublé’s best album to-date which sort of means that it’s approaching classic territory.

4.5/5