by Michael Bublé is one of the most versatile and talented singers in the music industry today. He has shown immense skill and artistry across a wide range of genres including jazz, pop, swing, and more. However, there are still many musical styles that Bublé has yet to tap into, genres where his smooth crooning vocals and impressive range could truly shine. In this article, we’ll explore five genres that Bublé should consider exploring in the future.
Bossa Nova
Bossa nova is a Brazilian musical genre derived from samba and jazz. It features mellow, melodic rhythms, often with intricate guitar patterns and poetic lyrics. Bossa nova became popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s, pioneered by musicians like João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Luiz Bonfá.
Bublé would be an ideal fit for bossa nova. His languid vocals and gift for infusing emotion into his singing would pair beautifully with the gentle, swaying rhythms. Bublé could breathe new life into bossa nova classics like “The Girl from Ipanema”, “Wave”, and “Desafinado”. His style would lend an extra layer of sophistication and nuance to the hushed rhythms and whispery melodies of the genre.
Bublé could also record an album of original bossa nova songs. His songwriting chops could craft infectiously hummable melodies and poetic lyrics about love, loss, and life. Bublé crooning in both English and Portuguese over lilting nylon-string guitar would be a delight. Guest musicians like Brazilian legends Sergio Mendes or Caetano Veloso would also be a treat. There is no doubt Bublé has the talent to become one of the greatest non-Brazilian bossa nova singers of all time.
Soul
Soul music exploded out of the African-American experience in the late 1950s and early 60s. The genre is defined by its deep emotional delivery, raspy vocals, and infusion of gospel, R&B, and jazz. Legendary soul artists include Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, James Brown, and Ray Charles.
While soul may seem an odd choice for Bublé, he has the pipes to do the genre justice. Just imagine Bublé’s velvet voice rippling through classics like “A Change is Gonna Come”, “Let’s Stay Together”, or “Lean on Me”. Bublé could update soul classics with modern production while retaining the genre’s raw, gut-wrenching emotion. An album of neo-soul by Bublé produced by someone like Raphael Saadiq would be amazing.
Besides covers, Bublé could write original soul tunes about hardships, relationships, and overcoming adversity. The unbridled power of Bublé’s voice tackling soaring soul melodies is tantalizing. Perhaps he could even form a supergroup with today’s neo-soul and R&B stars like John Legend, Alicia Keys, or Bruno Mars. The sheer vocal talent would give you chills. If anyone could make the transition from jazz standards to earth-quaking soul, it’s Bublé.
Country
Country music may seem totally out of left field for Bublé, but the genre is broader than some think. Country encompasses everything from poppy crossover hits to alternative country, bluegrass, and Americana. With Bublé’s buttery voice and gift for storytelling in song, he’s well suited for country success.
Bublé could do beautiful covers of classics like “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. His rendition of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” would be exquisite. For more modern country fare, he could try Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather” or Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey”.
Besides covers, Bublé could collaborate with top Nashville songwriters to create original country-pop tunes about life, love, and looking for meaning. Producer Jay Joyce (who’s worked with Little Big Town, Eric Church, and more) could craft radio-ready country tracks mixing banjos with boom-bap. Duets with country stars like Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, or Tim McGraw would introduce Bublé to a whole new audience. Regardless of approach, Bublé’s storytelling and crisp vocals would kill in the country genre.
Hip Hop/Rap
This is likely the most far-fetched genre for Bublé to try. But jazz and rap share many similarities, from the importance of rhythm and improvisation to speaking one’s truth. With the right direction, Bublé could craft a hip, creative rap album.
Most realistically, Bublé could shine on hip hop collaborations. His scatting ability and jazz background could gel nicely over sampled beats and boom-bap production. Vocal cameos on tracks by artists like Q-Tip, Common, or A Tribe Called Quest would allow Bublé to dip his toes into rap. Verses touching on love, life struggles, and his career over mellow, jazz-tinged tracks would play to Bublé’s strengths.
If Bublé wanted to get really adventurous, he could rap/sing over his own tracks. Smooth R&B/hip hop fusion like Chill Moody’s “nicethings” shows this style has serious potential. Picture Bublé dropping jazzy bars over muted trumpets and buttery soul samples. Abstract lyrics centered on relationships, self-doubt, and losinig oneself in love could work. While it may seem ridiculous, the results could be magic. Bublé definitely has the tools to craft a genuinely creative, socially-conscious rap album if he wanted.
Electronic/Dance
The booming EDM scene seems totally removed from Bublé’s wheelhouse. However, electronic dance music and jazz share some history, especially sampling. Jazz songs are frequently reimagined as electronic tracks through looping, pitch-shifting, and chopping. Bublé’s voice – already honey-like and silky – could become something even more sublime when sampling. Warped, sliced-up versions of his hits remixed by EDM stars would enable a whole new audience to experience his genius. Bublé’s music reimagined by legends like Deadmau5, Zedd, or Tiësto could produce dancefloor gold.
Besides sampling, more straightforward electronic collaborations could work. Deep house producers like Disclosure could craft mellow, vibey tracks accentuating Bublé’s baritone crooning. Emotive trance from Above & Beyond could pair beautifully with Bublé’s soaring vocals. Moderat’s avant-garde digital jazz would mesh seamlessly with Bublé’s style. The possibilities are endless.
Bublé could also sing on club-ready house tracks sampling disco and soul. Pitching his voice up to a falsetto over thumping four-on-the-floor beats could show a brand new side. Regardless of approach, Bublé shining through layered synthesizers and pulsating bass would be captivating. He has the versatility to create something genuinely groundbreaking if he followed his electronic muse.
The Genre Possibilities Are Endless
These five genres are just a sample of the many untapped musical directions Bublé could pursue. His unique voice and willingness to grow as an artist mean he could succeed in virtually any style. Here are just a few more genres that seem well-suited to Bublé’s talents:
- Musical theater – Bublé starring in a Broadway show or performing showtunes would be delightful. Classics like Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera would suit him.
- Reggae – Bob Marley covers or original reggae tracks from Bublé would channel good vibrations. Collaborations with Ziggy Marley, Stick Figure, or Rebelution could work nicely.
- Industrial – While jarring, Bublé’s velvet voice over pummeling, distorted beats could be darkly enchanting.
- Punk rock – This seems totally absurd…until you imagine Bublé actually trying it. Stranger things have happened!
- New age – Soothing, comforting new age with touches of jazz is perfect for Bublé’s style. Think George Winston meets Enya.
- Grunge – Because imagining Bublé covering “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is just too good. The juxtaposition could be amazing if handled well.
Of course, Bublé doesn’t have to venture far outside his jazz/pop wheelhouse. His current musical path has already brought him so much success. But Bublé has never been one to stand still artistically. His ventures into holiday music, Broadway standards, and even experimental lyric videos show his willingness to take risks. He has both the talent and courage to tackle just about anything.
At the end of the day, I trust Bublé’s artistic judgement. Whether he chooses to stay the course or explore exciting new genres, his powerful voice and peerless delivery will make whatever he attempts shine. Bublé has given us so many memorable musical moments over the past two decades – I for one can’t wait to see what genre he conquers next. Wherever his muse takes him, I’ll be right there cheering him on.
