Bobby Bazini - Bubblegum (I Can't Stop This Feeling)

Buy Bobby's album Where I Belong here (iTunes)

If you are looking for an alternative to the current worldwide radio hits but want something that absolutely could be the next global smash then Canadian crooner Bobby Bazini is definitely your man. I'm a little behind with Bobby who is already a big star in his native Canada but when the music at the party is this good I'm hoping no one will mind my tardiness. He's currently busy promoting his second album Where I Belong and Bubblegum (I Can't Stop This Feeling) was the lead single from said opus. From the title of the song alone I must confess that I was expecting a joyous balls-to-the-wall pop romp that would rival the likes of everyone from N*Sync to Meghan Trainor (via Carly Rae Jepsen). Not that there would have been anything wrong with that - I adore that type of music - but what I actually got was so much more rewarding and satisfying. As soon as Bobby starts singing he reveals this beautifully expressive, compellingly nuanced old-school soul voice, the type of vocal that seems to stop time in it's tracks and melt away the worries of the world. In Bubblegum... he's crafted this lovely languid sound that not only accentuates this voice but also the lyrical sentiments of the song. There is a sanguine guitar riff that's underscored by a sensuous finger click percussion and giddying synth grooves that all create the romantic backdrop for the narrative that Bobby so sweetly imparts. And make no mistake, Mr Bazini is in the mood for love - and how that takes over your entire being with it's tingling sensation and becomes your entire world (much like this song for the 4 minutes it plays and then somewhat beyond that). It's about wanting the moment to last (like the flavours of the titular bubblegum) and being powerless to stop it anyway. Bobby lets the music infuse his entire performance so that he doesn't just sing the song, he is the living breathing embodiment of it. It's as tantalising as those first electric touches; as passionate and intense as the kisses that follow. He's made a song that is utterly mesmerising to listen to and it's a song that retrospectively becomes the soundtrack for so many memories already created - and no doubt many that fate has waiting in store for us. Stunning.