4.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 27/05/2011

I really do enjoy this cd. Michael Buble is extremely talented as a performer and a vocalist and it is pretty hard for him to do wrong. But he does hit some definite missteps here. When I played it for the first time I was rather puzzled wondering what sort of cd he had tried to put together. It was very different from his others and I had to play it another 5 to 6 times before I really formed my true opinion.

Michaels's previous cds have all emphasized pop standards sung with class and quality in the big band style. He would also throw in a couple of redos of more current songs for fun. He also started to venture into the pop genre with his singles HOME and EVERYTHING. He continues his venture here with HAVEN'T MET YOU YET which seems to be getting mixed reviews. I first found it rather simple but find it to be a fun, playful song on this new cd.

It is obvious that Michael is trying to go more pop on this cd and the result will end up in mixed reactions from fans. What truly stands out is that the styling and interpretations he applies to most of the standards here are just off the mark. CRY ME A RIVER is an emotional song in itself with its heartwrenching lyrics. Rather than emphasize the emotional delivery he has a loud orchestral intro worthy of James Bond lead up to his vocal. It just doesn't work and is over the top big time. The other is STARDUST sung with NATURALLY 7. I felt like I was listening to the Andrew Sisters or even Lawrence Welk. This was such an old fashioned sappy interptretation that has no emotional value. This song also could have been perfect for his vocal gifts.

So he is going pop and the cover of the cd is CRAZY LOVE, a very old song that has been sung by so many and is pure pop candy. He sings it so simple and adds nothing to it. There is no Michael Buble magic. It is a simple filler song on the cd yet he finds it worthy of being the title. I also was excited when I saw he would be singing the pop classic AT THIS MOMENT. Again, he gave a simple rendition of a song that asks to be played with dramatically. I also found the orchestration on YOU'RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU to drag. I kept waiting for it to build a little but this was another rather boring rendition.

4.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 06/03/2011

The old-time saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" may apply to traditional pop crooner Michael Buble. Indeed, Michael Buble's albums have remained conservative, maintaining the sanctity of classic standards and pop songs. 2009's follow-up 2007's extremely successful Call Me Irresponsible does maintain a sense of classicism that has come to define Buble, but there are some risks taken this go around. Sure, he doesn't ruin or over interpret the classics, but as far as arrangements, orchestrations, and vocal nuances, Buble keeps the classics 'fresh' while also keeping them 'classic.' The album isn't perfect, but it is consistent and bodes well to keep Buble's career afloat. Buble never compromises himself on this album.

Opening with "Cry Me A River", instantly, one hears that Buble wishes to exploit a slightly more adventurous side without 'rocking the boat' too much. The orchestrations here are different but brilliant and add just the right amount of change without ruining the sanctity of the classic standard. Buble, as always sounds top-rate as a vocalist.

"All of Me" scales down the experimentation of "Cry Me A River", seeking to balance between 'innovation' and 'classicism'. While the performance is another 'home-run' for Buble, it doesn't trump the excellent, cutting-edge "Cry Me A River". "Georgia on My Mind", on the other hand, finds Michael Buble at his very best, bringing new, pitch-perfect nuance to the classic that helped to shape Ray Charles' career. "Crazy Love", the title track continues a hot streak for Buble.

Perhaps most unique is "Haven't Met You Yet", which most likely will received mixed reactions from Buble fans. Personally, I think it is a departure for Buble and lays well, though it doesn't necessarily trump Buble's beautiful interpretations of standards and classic pop songs. Good, but no my favorite. "All I Do Is Dream of You" continues to differentiate from previous Buble album. It does so convincingly, given a soulful-sound that hearkens the 1950s.

"Hold On" proves to be a clear valedictory performance on Crazy Love, finding Buble at his most sensitive and best. The acoustic guitar here at the forefront gives this track more a modern pop tinge as opposed to hearkening back to classic pop. The strings are beautiful orchestrated here.

"Heartache Tonight" contrasts the slow, sensitive nature of "Hold On", solidly, though it is the Sharon Jones and Dap-Kings feature on "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" that steals the show. Funky and just overall sensational, "Baby" is certainly like nothing else from previous Michael Buble albums. "At This Moment" finds Michael Buble among the bluesiest I've ever heard. Produced by the phenomenal pop producer David Foster, it is a showstopping performance by all means.

The album closes strongly with "Stardust" and "Whatever It Takes (feat.Ron Sexsmith)". Neither tracks captivate the way that "Cry Me A River", "Georgia" or some of the 'best of the best do', but both are solid and above par.

While 'Crazy Love' isn't revolutionary pop per say, it does find the crooner extending his scope slightly, which is a positive thing. 4 stars.

3.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 11/01/2010

Wasn't so spine tingling as the other albums!! Still a great singer.