Christmas
is vocalist
Michael Buble
's first full-length holiday-themed album since his 2003 EP
Let It Snow
. As with that album,
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
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
'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,
is a warm and inviting album that showcases
's impeccable vocal chops. ~ Matt Collar