Higher (2022)/ Bublé, Michael

"With his velvety voice and urbane charm, Michael Bublé is the epitome of the modern crooner, ably interpreting American Songbook standards alongside modern pop covers, as well as his own ebullient originals. He further conjures this vibe on his 11th studio album, 2022's appealing Higher. One the most notable aspects of Higher is the presence of Paul McCartney, whose song "My Valentine" (culled from 2012's Kisses on the Bottom) Bublé covers to fine effect here, with McCartney producing. A moody, minor-key ballad, the song evokes the work of iconic French singer Jacques Brel and recalls how McCartney (a long-avowed jazz and standards aficionado) would often bring such influences to the Beatles, further broadening that group's cross-generational appeal. It's one of the standout moments on Higher and nicely illuminates the stylistic balance between jazz, traditional pop, and contemporary pop that Bublé is going for." (allmusic.com)|