Christmas is vocalist
Michael Buble's first full-length holiday-themed album since his 2003 EP
Let It Snow. As with that album,
Christmas features
Buble backed by small ensembles as well as his big band and orchestra, and includes a handful of classic Christmas songs. In that sense, the album is a rather old-school affair, with
Buble in prime
Bing Crosby-meets-
Dean Martin vocal style tackling such chestnuts as "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Silent Night," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." There are also some fine, contemporary, if still retro-sounding, pop moments here including
Buble's duet with the British female pop trio
the Puppini Sisters on "Jingle Bells," and his inspired, slightly melancholy reworking of
Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Ultimately,
Christmas is a warm and inviting album that showcases
Buble's impeccable vocal chops. ~ Matt Collar