Men and Music: Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bublé Album Reviews

If you drive behind me on the highway, chances are we'll both be in the slow lane, and I will be going the speed limit. You may even blow your horn at me...but I doubt I'll even hear you.

Who is responsible for this sudden change to my driving? Blame it on the two newest men in my life; Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Buble´ (wishful thinking).

While I'd like to say these two have been taking turns riding shotgun in my car, the truth is they've been sharing heavy rotation in my CD player (wishful thinking...again).

When the One2One Network offered me these amazing opportunities to review both Harry's and Michael's new albums, I jumped at the chance. I have listened to both artist in the past, but I never actually owned one of their albums. I thought this would be a great chance to take them up on their offer. Little did I know that I would not only enjoy both albums, but I would also learn how to relax while driving. And that is the best thing that has happened to my commute to work.

It's funny how the two artist compare. Both Harry Connick, Jr. (don't forget the Jr.) and Michael Bublé(don't forget the accent) have decided to revisit the past by covering the classics on their new albums. Also, they both have distinctive voices, great style, are young, and let's not leave out the fact that they are very easy on the eye. Even with all these comparisons, it is only fair to spotlight them as individuals and share with you why it's been smooth sailing on the road lately. Let's start with Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. has a new album titled Your Songs. It was released on September 22 by Columbia Records. Since its release, Harry has been working tirelessly promoting the album on several television appearance. I was able to catch him on the Oprah Winfrey show on September 25. I became more of a fan when he talked about his love for his daughters and wife. Take a look as Harry performs a medley from the album Your Songs on the Oprah Winfrey show:

Even as an 80s baby, I recognize some of the great classics on his album. Here is a list of the tracks, as well as the original performers of the song:

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)

Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Much
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Your Songs is like a two-in-one. You get to hear some of the greatest songs of all time, and still be able to listen to Harry Connick, Jr. I would say this is worth a lot than your average CD.

My favorite song on the album is (They Long to Be) Close to You. It's one of those memorable songs that makes you feel happy. I always envision myself in an old movie, frolicking around on the grass, hand-in-hand with my love. Call it cheesy, but this song makes me smile.

This excitement holds true for the rest of the album. Harry maintains the integrity of each song. What makes the album even more interesting is the fact that Harry arranged, orchestrated, and conducted every, last bit of music on the album. I call that impressive.

Pick-up your copy of Harry Connick, Jr.'s Your Songs on Amazon.com. Watch for updates on:

Harry’s website: http://www.harryconnickjr.com/

or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harryconnickjr

Now, onto Michael Bublé. You have literally been in a bubble (no pun intended) if you have not heard of this artist. He voice surpasses his age by years. You would never think that such a young man could produce this quality of sound. He has, he does, he will...forever.

I immediately to an interest in his album just by the CD jacket. It is filled with color, great design, and a shot of Michael's piercing eyes. Even if you are not or were not a fan, this photography is sure to capture your attention:

I was also interested in the title of the album, Crazy Love. I thought Michael had channeled his inner Beyonce, and wanted to venture-out by including Jay-Z on one of his tracks. Let's just say, "That didn't happened." But, it was fun to pop in the CD to discover just what the album title actually represented. As it turns out, Michael covered Brian McKnight's song, appropriately titled, Crazy Love. I will have to say, I liked Brian's rendition much better. I guess I am use to hearing a certain type of song from Michael. Songs like "Haven't Met You Yet". Take a look at the video:

I know, right?! This song is fantastic. You can find me snapping a finger or two when you pull-up beside me at the light. This coincides with the whole smooth sailing I mentioned at the beginning of this post. I love "Have Met You Yet" because it is airy, catchy, and fun. When I watch it from the computer, I almost want to get out my seat. He is awesome. And just a little tid-bit about how awesome Michael is, his 2005 CD "It's Time" holds the record as the longest running title to remain on the Billboard Traditional Jazz charts – a full two years. It sat in the Number One position for over 80 weeks! Top that.

This album is sure to be another huge success with titles such as these:

Album Tracklisting:
1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven't Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You've Got What It Takes)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust
13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)

The funny thing about these two albums is that they are commonly purchased together on Amazon.com. It reiterates my thoughts about how similar (but unique in their own right) these two are.

Pick-up your copy of Michael Bublé's album on Amazon.com. Watch for updates on:

Michael Buble Website: http://bit.ly/MBSite

or Facebook: http://bit.ly/MBFanPage

If you want to make your commute more relaxing and take a little stress off your day by popping in either Your Songs by Harry Connick, Jr. or Crazy Love by Michael Bublé, I suggest you head on over to Amazon.com today.

Even if you are holding up traffic, at least you'll be in good company with their tunes in the background...and you won't even hear the horns beeping at you. Well, at least you won't care as much ;-)

*Both albums in this review have been provided FREE of CHARGE thanks to the One2One Network. All opinions expressed in this review are solely those of the blog author, Keonte' Smith. Your experience may/may not vary from mine.