by Michael Bublé has long established himself as one of the premier interpreters and champions of the Great American Songbook. His 2009 album Crazy Love is widely considered one of his finest efforts in paying tribute to the classic pop standards of the early 20th century. However, Crazy Love also demonstrates the deep influence of some iconic singers and songwriters who helped shape Bublé’s own smooth yet passionate musical style. Through covers of timeless tunes and putting his own spin on well-known artists, Crazy Love shows Bublé’s deft ability to honor musical traditions while making each song his own. At its heart, the album celebrates the complex and crazy nature of love through the lens of Bublé’s significant influences.
The Great American Songbook itself needs little introduction. Developed primarily between the 1920s and 1950s, it encompasses the works of master lyricists and composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern. Their songs immortalized in the Songbook capture the essence of American popular music and have endured for generations. Bublé grew up immersed in these classic standards through his grandfather’s record collection, finding deep meaning and beauty in their simple yet profound lyrics. Crazy Love continues Bublé’s mission of introducing new audiences to this treasured well of musical heritage.
The album opens with a cover of the Gershwin standard “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Bublé’s buttery vocals glide effortlessly over the jazzy melody, putting his unique spin on a song that has been recorded by legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. His rendition stays true to the original yet feels fresh. This sets the tone for the album – Bublé is paying homage while making each classic his own. Other Great American Songbook selections include “Moon Dance” by Van McCoy, “Sway” by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz and Norman Gimbel, and “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. Throughout, Bublé’s phrasing and emotive delivery breathe new life into songs that have endured for decades.
Beyond just the song selections, Bublé’s vocal style on Crazy Love clearly shows the influence of iconic crooners from the Great American Songbook era. Frank Sinatra’s buttery tone and emotional phrasing are echoed in Bublé’s own interpretations. Tracks like his cover of Sinatra’s signature “Moon River” allow his vocals to shine in a way reminiscent of Ol’ Blue Eyes. Dean Martin’s charming swagger and ability to make even the most complex lyrics sound effortless is also channeled in Bublé’s performances. His version of Dino’s “Sway” sways along with a relaxed yet impassioned delivery in Martin’s mold.
Perhaps no singer looms larger for Bublé than Bing Crosby. The “Crosby influence” has been noted by critics analyzing Bublé’s entire catalog, but is abundantly clear on Crazy Love. Bublé possesses a similar easygoing charm and relaxed phrasing to Crosby. On tracks like “It Had to Be You,” his warm baritone floats through the lyrics with Crosby-esque grace. Beyond just vocal similarities, Bublé also carries on Crosby’s role as an ambassador for the Great American Songbook. Through Crosby’s massively popular radio broadcasts and record sales in the 1930s-50s, he introduced these classic songs to worldwide audiences. Bublé continues this legacy by bringing new generations to the wellspring of standards through his modern interpretations.
While paying homage to his musical forefathers, Bublé also demonstrates his ability to put his own spin on well-known artists. The album takes its name from Van Morrison’s 1970 hit “Crazy Love,” which Bublé covers passionately. His version retains Morrison’s soulful essence but brings his own brand of smooth jazz and restrained emotion. It’s a deft example of honoring an original work while making it distinctively his own. Bublé also puts a new sheen on Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On.” His sultry yet playful delivery brings out sensual undertones in Newman’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics. These covers show that while respecting his influences, Bublé is no mere imitator – he can reinvent beloved songs through his unique artistry.
Running throughout Crazy Love is a theme that ties all these influences together – the crazy, passionate nature of love in all its complexity. The album explores love’s highs and lows through intimate ballads and upbeat dance numbers alike. From the smoldering desire of “Crazy Love” to the wistful longing of “Moon River,” Bublé taps into the vast emotional spectrum of romance that was so beautifully articulated by the songwriters of the Great American Songbook era. His interpretations are a testament to his nuanced understanding of how to channel complex feelings through simple yet profound lyrics and melodies.
With Crazy Love, Michael Bublé achieved one of his most cohesive artistic statements, bringing his singular talents full circle. He pays homage to musical giants who inspired him while stamping each track with his own inimitable style. Through both familiar classics and fresh takes on beloved artists, the album serves as Bublé’s love letter to the traditions that shaped him while allowing his passion and artistry to shine. It stands as one of his finest examples of how to respectfully honor the past without being limited by it. A decade later, Crazy Love remains a shining example of Bublé’s multi-faceted gifts and his ability to bridge eras by putting his heart into timeless songs of love.
