He’s the super singer that’s sold millions and swept a supermodel off her feet, and he likes Ireland so much he dropped by to switch on the Christmas lights…
If you’re a regular visitor to Her.ie you’ll know that there are many, many celeb men we have a soft spot for. (Hey, stop judging, we’re all about the love). That said though, the Bublé really does have a special place in our hearts.
The Triple-Grammy winner made loving the classics cool again with his knack of taking on the standards for a new generation. Beloved songs from legends of swing got a new lease of life thanks to Bublé’s love of those epic tunes, a love he inherited from his Italian grandfather.
In fact, it’s thanks to his grandfather that Bublé has held a dual citizenship of Canada and Italy since 2005, and even that he has this global career at all – Bublé’s first singing engagements were in clubs where his grandfather promised his plumbing services for free in exchange for stage time for his talented grandchild. Who doesn’t adore a family man!
His real breakout came at a wedding, however. Yes, one of the biggest-selling artists on the planet got his big break on stage after some ‘I dos’! The bride was the daughter of a Canadian politician, and one of the guests was David Foster, a multi-Grammy winning producer who knew he’s spotted something special… In the movie of Bublé’s life, this will be an epic scene!
From his eponymous 2003 album right up to his new release To Be Loved, Bublé has continued to be one of the hardest workers in the business. His live shows are renowned, so it’s little wonder that his five-night stint at the 02 this summer is a complete sell-out. Though it will be a first chance for many on the Bublé bandwagon to see the master live, for thousands more it will be a return visit, as the singer is no stranger to these shores. He packed out The Aviva in 2010 and in 2011 he even dropped by to turn on the Christmas lights in the capital. Speaking at the time, he said; “I mean there are a few places where I have a great connection with the people, but not quite like this. When you’re accepted like this it’s hard not to love the country back. I think I’ve always liked it here because it’s similar to Canada – you have a very dry sense of humour, it seems like people get me here. I can say things in Ireland and you guys find it funny because you understand my brand of humour, whereas in America sometimes they do not get it.”
This year will be a big one for Michael. His stunning wife Luisana, star of his ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ video, is expecting the couple’s first child, and the dad-to-be has spoken openly about his joy at impending fatherhood, which kind of makes us love him all the more.
Until then though, he has another baby he’s hugely proud of – his new album. To Be Loved is an album that Bublé regards as his own personal best;“I think it’s the best album I’ve ever made…I know every artist on earth says that when their new album is coming out but really – this time it’s true. I swear. You can ask my mother.”
We believe you! And there’s no question of him taking it easy now he’s worked the hard slog to the top:
“Do not think I take my success these last ten years for granted. I was anything but an overnight sensation, which inspires me to deliver big time for my fans – maybe even make some new ones this time out. Trust me, there’s no sitting back, no dialing in for me. I labored over every song, every note and every arrangement because I can’t resist trying to make each record better than my last one. It helps that I’m pretty happy in my life at the moment and feel that I’ve really grown a lot as a songwriter and interpreter of great songs. On “To Be Loved” I felt a new sense of freedom to create and kind of take things further – maybe take a few risks and dig deep to find some gems.”
He’s also taken the release to a more personal level, penning four of the tracks himself, twice the number of originals that appeared on his last release. One of those was very special for the star:
“I also wrote with my fellow Canadian – the great Bryan Adams, eh…Little aside here… The first album I ever bought was “Reckless in 1985” by Bryan Adams. He was such a big hero of mine and still is. Imagine how thrilling it was to write with him and then go into the studio and record “After All” the song we wrote together.”
If you haven’t fallen in love just yet, (how, woman, how?!) then just listen to the singer talk about another original on the album, “Close Your Eyes”.
“I wrote it about my wife and about the power of all the women in my life – my sisters, my mom, my grandma and all women in general. Let’s face it, where would we be without them? Some men may disagree, but I think we’re definitely not the stronger sex. “I Got It Easy,” another original, is basically a song where I count my blessings and is a reminder to me and everyone to appreciate all the good parts of life. I’m a very lucky guy and I never want to forget it.”
Michael Buble’s eight studio album, To Be Loved, will be released on April 12th. To preview track listings or pre-order, click here.
