When I saw the producer's name (David Foster) my first thought was "Look out, here comes the cheese!" The man has produced Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, among others. Let's just say that I wasn't looking forward to Christmas music with layer upon layer of studio sheen.

Well, I was wrong. On Let It Snow, this guy swings in a way that reminds me of both Sinatra (it seems almost sacrilegious to be comparing a twenty-something to Frank, but Buble can sing!), Dean Martin and maybe even a little Bobby Darin. The arrangements, with some strings and swankin' jazz, frame Buble's voice nicely. It's all supported by bass phenom Brian Bromberg.

The future looks bright for Mr. Buble. With a voice that's both smooth and soulful, some good material could easily make him a household word.

(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)