Written by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s classic ballad, “Wonderful Tonight,” was covered by Michael Bublè on his 2007 release, Call Me Irresponsible. The legendary “Slowhand” took that song to #16 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in 1977. “Wonderful Tonight” was certified gold and became a worldwide hit for the legendary rocker.

Bublè, with the help of David Foster, gave the song an irresistible bossanova treatment clearly inspired by the seminal works of the late, great Antonio Carlos Jobim. Foster  enlisted another genius arranger, Jorge Calandrelli, to provide the perfect orchestral setting to enhance the latin vibe of this rendition. The icing on the cake was the guest vocal appearance by the wonderful Ivan Lins, one of Brazil’s most respected singers/songwriters ever. Lins’ songbook includes gems like “The Island” and “Love Dance.” These and other songs have become standards and have been recorded by a who’s who of world-class singers. 

On “Wonderful Tonight,” the Brazilian legend beautifully sang the Portoguese lyrics with the perfect mix of Bublè’s velvety voice and Lins’ remarkable harmonies that truly shone all over the song. Among the musicians providing the effortless instrumental track are true masters including Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Foster on piano and Rhodes, Brian Bromberg on bass plus three Brazilian luminaries, Heitor Pereira on guitar, Paulinho Da Costa and Marcelo Costa both on percussion. 

Foster’s production on Call Me Irresponsible, with the awesome support of Humberto Gatica’s skilled ears, was another work of art. Their finesse helped Bublè achieve his first #1 album in the US and another multi-platinum international hit.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Michael Bublè & Ivan Lins
• Piano & Fender Rhodes: David Foster
• Additional Piano: Alan Chang
• Acoustic Guitar: Heitor Pereira
• Bass: Brian Bromberg
• Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
• Percussion: Marcelo Costa & Paulinho Da Costa
• Programming: Jochem van der Saag

• Arranged by David Foster
• String Arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli
• Produced by David Foster & Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

It’s late in the evening
She’s wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her makeup
And brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me, “Do I look all right?”
And I say, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight”

A noite é de festa
E ela veste o luar
Me arrasta e me testa
Se sente uma superstar
E então pergunta
Se eu estou em paz
E eu digo sim
I feel wonderful tonight

I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don’t realize
How much I love you

I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don’t realize
How much I love you

De volta para casa
Cansados de festejar (de festejar)
Me deita, me abraça
Me beija, não quer falar

And then I tell her
As I turn off the lights
Darling, estavas linda até demais
I say, “My darling, you look wonderful tonight”
I say, “My darling, you were wonderful tonight”