Drum Sheet – Michael Buble – It Had Better Be Tonight

“It Had Better Be Tonight” by Michael Bublé is a swinging, high-energy reinterpretation of a classic tune, and for fans of drums, it’s an absolute treat — all punch, panache, and perfectly placed hits. Released in 2007 on Bublé’s Call Me Irresponsible album, the song is actually a cover with a rich history. Originally composed by Henry Mancini, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer (English) and Franco Migliacci (Italian), it first appeared in the 1963 film The Pink Panther, performed by Fran Jeffries. Bublé’s version, however, gives the song a modern jolt of big band electricity — and the drumming is central to that transformation.

Michael Bublé and producer David Foster wanted this rendition to feel both timeless and contemporary. They worked closely with arranger John Clayton to craft a bold, brassy sound that honored Mancini’s original swagger but packed the punch of a modern pop-swing track. At the core of it all was the rhythm section, driving the groove with a precise blend of jazz tradition and pop attitude.

The drums are crisp and commanding throughout — from the sharp snare accents that cut through the horns to the relentless swing of the ride cymbal. There’s a Latin-jazz flair to the groove, with syncopated rhythms that keep the pulse dancing beneath Bublé’s suave vocal delivery. The fills are tasteful and tight, never flashy for the sake of it — just the right amount of fire to stoke the band’s energy without overpowering it.

Live, “It Had Better Be Tonight” quickly became a highlight of Bublé’s concert sets. With his full big band behind him, the song came alive on stage — and the drummer, always had a starring role. Whether at Madison Square Garden, The Wiltern, or in his international tours, this track was a go-to moment for showcasing the sheer precision and flair of his touring rhythm section.

For drummers, it’s a masterclass in dynamics, groove, and style. The performance is tight but never stiff, playful but always locked in. It’s about feel, finesse, and above all, fun. In Bublé’s hands, “It Had Better Be Tonight” becomes more than a retro throwback — it’s a celebration of rhythm itself, with the drums leading the charge from start to finish.