Michael Bublé: Christmas album was dangerous

Michael Bublé says recording his recent festive record was "dangerous" and "a pain in the butt".

The Canadian singer's newest musical offering is Christmas – a festive record that includes cover versions of his favourite holiday songs, along with some original material.

Michael says the recording process was an intense one.

"It was fun and dangerous and a pain in the butt, but completely worth it. We did everything we could live," he explained in an interview with Parade magazine.

"We set 50 to 90 musicians up in a room in a huge studio space and opened up all the doors and just played. What you get is an old school record. It's not perfect, but you get that live and very present sound."

Michael's fifth studio album is going head-to-head with Justin Bieber's holiday album, Under the Mistletoe.

The 36-year-old star isn't concerned about the comparisons.

"There's friendly competition going on! Both of us want to be the top, but it's not what it's about. It's about Christmas," he insisted. "As much as my ego loves the thought about selling a bunch of records, it really wasn't about being the big record this year. It was about doing something that I thought could be a part of my legacy."

Michael starred in a special television show this week, aptly titled A Michael Bublé Christmas. He was joined on stage by Justin, who later took to his Twitter page to express his delight at performing with the star.

"had fun with my buddy @michaalbuble on his special. we both got Christmas albums...its a canadian christmas bromance (sic)," he gushed.

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