Why Do People Hate Michael Bublé?
Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer known for his jazz and big band music. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide and won 4 Grammy Awards.
However, despite his success, Bublé has garnered a fair share of haters over the years. Here are some of the main reasons why people hate Michael Bublé:
His Music is Considered Cheesy and Dated
One of the most common criticisms of Bublé is that his music feels cheesy and dated. He is heavily inspired by classic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and his sound has a distinct retro feel. While some appreciate the old-school charm, others find it corny and overdone.
Bublé also frequently covers jazz standards and Christmas songs, which adds to the perception that his music lacks originality. Critics argue that he simply mimics the style of singers from past eras rather than innovating anything new.
His heavy use of covers and lack of modern influences causes many to view his music as corny and irrelevant in today’s music landscape.
He is Seen as Smug and Self-Indulgent
Another reason Bublé has haters is that some find him to be smug, self-indulgent, and overly impressed with himself. He is known for cheeky banter during his concerts, flirtatious remarks with female audience members, and an overall cocky demeanor on stage.
Some believe Bublé comes across as more concerned with charming the crowd and showing off his bravado than connecting with listeners through his music. The constant winking, suggestive comments, and exaggerated bravado rubs certain people the wrong way. They see his persona as more shtick than genuine charisma.
His Fanbase is Polarizing
Bublé’s fanbase tends to consist of older listeners who enjoy classic pop standards and younger women who find Bublé handsome and charming.
However, these demographics cause resentment from others who feel his music is only appreciated by those out of touch or those fooled by his smoldering looks.
Younger male listeners especially take issue with the droves of female fans who adore Bublé. They argue that his music lacks substance and believe his popularity with women comes from good looks and flirtation rather than talent. The polarization of his fans adds to the animosity.
He is Perceived as Cheating Authenticity
Some critics believe Bublé’s music feels inauthentic. His standards-heavy sound conflicts with his persona as a modern performer. To many, it feels like he is merely imitating a style from the past rather than expressing his true artistry.
There is a sense that he relies too heavily on mimicry and shtick rather than tapping into raw emotion. His retro revivalism is viewed by some as a gimmick that hides any real sincerity behind his songs.
For those who value authenticity in music, Bublé’s overly polished and imitative style rubs them the wrong way.
He is Associated with Holiday Music
Another irritant for some is Bublé’s association with Christmas and holiday music. He has released 3 Christmas albums and his version of classics like “White Christmas” are ubiquitous during the holiday season.
While festive music can induce nostalgia and comfort for many, others find it repetitive and inescapable. The constant rotation of Bublé’s holiday hits every winter becomes grating. Some grow tired of his ever-present seasonal tunes and associate him with feelings of exhaustion and forced holiday cheer.
He Covers Too Many Classics
Bublé has recorded many covers of timeless songs over his career. His versions of classics like “Feeling Good”, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”, and “Fever” annoy some who feel he has no business taking on such iconic tunes.
There is a protectiveness over certain cherished songs, and Bublé covering them comes across as presumptuous to some. While singers covering classics is nothing new, certain songs feel too sacred for Bublé’s “copycat” approach to succeed. Many feel certain legends should not be imitated and their songs should be left alone.
His Act Feels Dated and Sexist
Some take issue with Bublé’s act feeling dated, corny, and even sexist at times. His rat pack-era schtick of flirting, winking, and making advances at female fans feels out of touch with modern sentiments in the eyes of critics.
In the age of #MeToo, Bublé’s excessive flirtation makes some viewers uncomfortable. And comments about admiring his female fans’ physical attributes adds to the sexist and outdated critique. While Bublé intends it all as suave bravado, many find it tone-deaf and misogynistic.
He Lacks Edginess and Cool Factor
Bublé’s music often gets categorized as “dad rock” – inoffensive and family-friendly but lacking edge. While some appreciate his clean-cut style, others find it lame, campy, and corny.
His suits, dancing, and banter evoke subcultural turnoffs like showtunes and Las Vegas acts to young, hip listeners. There is a definite lack of modern coolness and youth appeal in Bublé’s approach. Even the advanced age of his fanbase supports the perception that his music is for out-of-touch older crowds rather than youthful trendsetters.
His Pop Crossover Attempts Fall Flat
Bublé has occasionally attempted pop crossover hits, such as the Meghan Trainor duet “Somethin’ Stupid” and a version of the Bee Gees’ “How Deep is Your Love”. However, these pop reinventions generally underperform and get criticized as awkward bids at relevance.
His schmaltzy delivery fails to sync with modern pop tastes. Attempts to contemporize his sound via collaborations and updated song choices tend to flop with general pop audiences. As a result, Bublé is boxed into an adult contemporary niche lacking mainstream coolness.
He Lacks Vocal Power and Originality
From a pure singing perspective, some argue Bublé lacks vocal power and originality. While capable, his voice gets critiqued as average and derivative compared to true iconic crooners.
He does not have the richness, control, and distinctive tone of a Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. And his covers fail to reinterpret classics in an inventive way. Overall, his vocal ability gets rated as solid but unexceptional. Combined with his overly imitative style, the lack of vocal prowess makes Bublé a lightweight crooner in some experts’ eyes.
His Act Plays It Too Safe
Another critique is that Bublé’s act feels too safe, calculated, and eager to please. He judiciously avoids controversy, pads out concerts with crowd-pleasing jokes and banter, and lacks the risk-taking of other artists.
Some see his act as following a tested formula to ensure wide commercial appeal but depriving audiences of spontaneity and authenticity. There is a sense that he plays it too safe rather than speaking from the heart or pushing creative boundaries. The result is music and shows that feel entertaining but sanitized and soulless.
He is Not Doing Anything New or Groundbreaking
Tying together many complaints is the overriding belief that Bublé’s music is not doing anything fresh, innovative, or groundbreaking. It is well-executed but nonetheless derivative. Both his song choices and performance style lean entirely on nostalgia and imitation rather than breaking new ground.
For some, talent should push creative limits rather than simply mimic the past. Bublé’s unadventurous reliance on standards, covers, and big band motifs makes his work feel lazy and unoriginal to detractors. His technical skill fails to compensate for the lack of imagination.
Tables Comparing Michael Bublé to Other Crooners
Comparison of Vocal Ability
| Singer | Vocal Range | Vocal Control | Tone/Timbre | Originality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Sinatra | Wide range with crisp upper register | Impeccable phrasing and breath control | Rich, elegant, identifiable tone | Groundbreaking interpretive phrasing |
| Dean Martin | Smooth low to mid register | Effortless delivery and phrasing | Warm, full-bodied, distinctive tone | Unique laidback, swingy style |
| Michael Bublé | Solid mid register | Capable breath control | Pleasant but average tone | Mimics retro styling but lacks own signature sound |
- Frank Sinatra is regarded as having one of the widest ranges with crisp diction in his upper register. His phrasing and control were flawless.
- Dean Martin had a smooth, easy voice that sounded warm and unmistakable. His swingy style was original and iconic.
- Bublé has a capable mid range and breath control. But his tone lacks richness and he closely copies throwback styles rather than innovating his own.
Comparison of Performance Style
| Singer | Stage Presence | Audience Rapport | Showmanship | Cool Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Sinatra | Magnetic yet mysterious | Inviting yet untouchable | Smooth, classy, elegant | Epitome of cool, defined masculine swagger |
| Dean Martin | Effortlessly charming | Playful banter | Relaxed, humorous, fun | King of cool with laidback charisma |
| Michael Bublé | Eager to charm | Over-the-top flirtation | Cheeky and exaggerated | Tries too hard, lacks natural coolness |
- Sinatra had magnetism but also an untouchable air of mystery and class. His swagger was the definition of cool.
- Martin charmed easily with his relaxed, funny stage presence. He embodied graceful coolness.
- Bublé seems too eager to impress and his flirtation feels forced rather than classy. He lacks natural coolness.
Comparison of Musical Style
| Singer | Era Influenced By | Song Choices | Arrangements | Originality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Sinatra | Jazz, big band, swing | Evenly split standards and pop | Swinging, inventive, progressive | One of a kind stylistic inventor |
| Dean Martin | Jazz, swing, country | Wide range of genres | Loose, smooth, upbeat | Created own loungey swing sound |
| Michael Bublé | Big band, swing, jazz of 1940s-60s | Heavily standards and Christmas | Sticking closely to big band motifs | Mimics past eras, lacks own style |
- Sinatra mixed jazz, swing, and pop in pioneering ways. His arrangements were swinging and inventive.
- Martin blended country, jazz, and swing with ease. His arrangements were upbeat yet smooth.
- Bublé leans on big band-era jazz. He rarely strays from replicated arrangements and lacks originality.
Conclusion
In the end, Michael Bublé generates hatred from a vocal minority for a variety of reasons. His cheesy, dated music and smug persona rub many the wrong way. Disdain also comes from his holiday associations, covers of classics, and unadventurous nostalgia act.
However, Bublé also has a devoted fanbase who find his throwback style charming and appealing. His success suggests that his old-fashioned manner and retro revivalism resonate with enough listeners to maintain his career.
While Bublé is unlikely to win over critics demanding edgier contemporary music, he satisfies an audience craving big band-era sounds updated for modern consumption. His appeal relies on evoking fondness for a bygone era. So while some will always see Bublé as a smarmy, cheesy imitation of real innovation, he gives his fans an escape into nostalgia that many adore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why People Hate Michael Bublé
What are the main reasons people dislike Michael Bublé’s music?
The most common reasons are that his music comes across as cheesy, dated, and overly imitative of past crooners. Many also dislike his smarmy persona, excessive holiday songs, unnecessary covering of classics, and lack of authenticity or originality.
Does Michael Bublé have a polarizing fanbase?
Yes, Bublé tends to appeal strongly to older listeners who enjoy classic jazz/pop standards. But he has trouble connecting to younger demographics or contemporary music fans who view him as corny and out of touch.
Why do some believe Bublé’s music lacks authenticity?
There is a sense that Bublé relies too heavily on mimicking past singers rather than conveying raw emotion. His overly polished, retrospective style feels inauthentic to some who value original artistry.
How does Bublé’s persona bother critics?
Many dislike his cocky, flirtatious stage presence and over-the-top schtick. Some find his excessive banter and bravado to be smug, tone-deaf, and evidence that his music lacks real substance.
What causes annoyance around his holiday music?
While some enjoy his Christmas albums, the constant rotation of Bublé holiday tunes every winter season wears thin for others. His ubiquitous Christmas covers become repetitive and inescapable.
Why do covers of classics spark backlash?
Certain iconic songs are seen as too sacred for Bublé’s imitative style. Covering legends like Frank Sinatra comes off as presumptuous and lacking respect for the originals in some critics’ eyes.
How does Bublé fail to connect with younger audiences?
His “dad rock” sound, Vegas-style showmanship, and older fanbase cause many youthful listeners to view his music as cheesy and out of touch with current trends. He lacks edginess and cool factor.
What reception do his pop crossover attempts get?
Efforts at contemporary pop collaborations and covers generally fall flat. Bublé’s retro sound clashes with mainstream pop tastes, causing the attempts to land awkwardly.
How do vocal critics rate his singing ability?
While capable, some argue Bublé lacks the richness, control, and distinctiveness of iconic crooners he imitates. His vocal skills get criticized as average and unexceptional.
Why do some say Bublé plays it too safe?
He avoids controversy and exudes mass appeal but lacks risk-taking and spontaneity. Critics sense his act follows a safe formula rather than tapping into raw passion or pushing boundaries.
