In The Wee Small Hours

Of course this belongs on this list, there is no doubt about that. Sinatra was one of the most influential people in musical history after all. That being said, it hasn't aged the best. A full 50-minute album of songs about heartbreak? It starts to get pretty annoying after the third song of him singing about a girl leaving him. My brother in Christ, chill. I'm sure this would sound better at a cocktail party in the 50s. I don't think Frank anticipated people listening to this album through headphones, in front of their computer, working and drinking hot cocoa.

All of Frank’s music feels like Christmas, even if it’s not remotely related.

In The Sad Boi Hours

I am conditioned to see Sinatra and think oh it’s a classic this will be good. But it’s kinda not. His voice is nice but the album is a drag. 2.5

A masterful album about heartbreak. I am always a fan of the old ones just because of the feel of the recordings. They kind of scratch an invisible itch of mine, and I've been a fan of this 50's popular music since fallout sparked my interest for it. It's such an enjoyable album from start to finish, not necessarily particularly genius og creative, I am just in love with the feeling it portrays.

Frank. We get it. He's handsome with a lovely, smooth voice for a guy in the 50s. This album is sixteen songs and 50 minutes of him crooning about heartbreak and rejection over barely-there lounge music. Insert Jennifer Lawrence "ok" gif here. But worse than that it's just the same song over and over and over again. Three or four of them were more than enough for me. Sixteen is ridiculous.

Frank Sinatra hot take: His music hasn't aged well. Out of all of the legends that I have listened to on this list, Sinatra has been the least impressive to me. Sure, he sings on key, he has an intimate way of delivering music, he tells stories, he has a sense of the epic and he helped pioneer the concept album. He has a very nice voice. By todays standards though, he doesn't do any of these particularly well. He's no wordsmith, his stories are pretty shallow, he doesn't have great vocal range and his delivery seems more self indulgent than anything. I have been told by elders that he was the Jimi Hendrix of the microphone, but when I listen to Hendrix, he still rocks my socks off and people can point to exactly what he did that was innovative for the time. I just don't get that from Sinatra. All of that said, I don't hate his music. It's fine. It's alright. It has a calm, chill vibe that works great for some easy listening. But other musicians do that better too.

Beautiful album. Perfect for an evening in, full of that longing emotion after losing in love and the maturity and class to move with it. The album is neither invasive nor demanding but far from being mere background music to become wholly ignored. Franks velvet voice alone makes this easy to listen to but the accompanying instruments does nothing more than make him shine.

Wow, two classics in a row. Our second from Frank Sinatra, and it's a legendary album. This is cited as one of the first ever concept albums in pop music; some people try give that award to the Beach Boys for Pet Sounds, but Frankie beat them. A whole album of sad boy hours at that. I love how defeated and wistful this whole thing is. Sinatra's not bitter. He's just accepting heartbreak and rejection as the inevitable price of love. Compare this to other artists from the '50s, like the Everly Brothers. Those guys wrote songs like incels and they tried to make their boohoos danceable. But compared to Ol' Blue Eyes, they're just kids. They don't know pain yet. Frank knows the pain like an old friend, and he doesn't resent it. Next to the rest of the pop landscape in the '50s, Sinatra seems like quite the pioneer. And how about this line from Wikipedia: "Based largely on Sinatra's reputation, this album helped change the 'tough guy' image, allowing for a larger range of acceptable emotional responses from men, which might previously have been perceived as for wimps." But even if you remove the high-brow analysis, this is just a fantastic collection of songs for late night loners. The title track has been in my DNA all my life, and there are so many gems on here to continue exploring. As someone who loves sad music, I have to give the man his due. Screw it, back to back 5 star albums. Frankie, you've earned it. Favorite tracks: In the Wee Small Hours, Can't We Be Friends, What Is This Thing Called Love, Glad to Be Unhappy, Mood Indigo, This Love of Mine. Album art: Exceptional. Perfect. I'm embarrassed to say I'm more familiar with the greatest hits covers, but this is just the ultimate encapsulation of what the music is. The slow-burning cigarette, the hazy twilight city street, even distant look in Frank's eyes - how is it even possible to capture that in a painting?? We can't see what he's looking at, but we can TELL he's looking past, looking through whatever's in front of him. Man, this is just too good. 5/5

I really don't think it is fair to judge Frank Sinatra by today's standards. We aren't listening in the right medium. He was played on black and white tvs on a 12 inch screen on grandma's tv. With earbuds and cars being the most common place to hear music, it just isn't doing him justice. He is a good singer, I'll give him that and he would influence lounge for generations. That's basically where he stops being good though. All these songs sound exactly the same - I have no idea which one was the "hit." The lyrics have aged very terribly. This guy sounds like a whiny "nice guy." I'll be waiting for you when he's done with you? I'm not like the other guys? I think this was romantic back in the day, but he definitely treats women as one dimensional in his songs. They are objects - they don't do anything and their opinion matters little. It is hard to judge this by the original standards, so I'm not going to try. 2.5 stars rounded down.

Perhaps Sinatra’s finest album. Perfectly chosen songs to reflect that melancholy, down tempo, heartbreak mood - legend has it Frank recorded in front of a life size cardboard cut out of Ava Gardner - sung with the lightest of touches by the greatest interpreter of popular music, framed perfectly by exquisite Nelson Riddle arrangements. What’s striking is the musical choices - Can’t We Be Friends is simply backed by the beautiful guitar solos of George van Eps and little more than piano, drums and bass, creating a quiet, jazz cafe mood; whilst others, such as the opening track, are backed by a full orchestra which swells and soars - but throughout, Sinatra’s vocals stand out as the focal point, constantly capturing the emotion of the moment, making the listener truly believe the heartache. Sinatra’s artistry is captured beautifully on one of the greatest works of art of the twentieth century.

Sounds like a musical soundtrack where I'm missing something by not experiencing the songs in the context of the film (which doesn't exist). Maybe someone should make a musical built around these songs? This album made me hungry for drums. The whole thing comes across as a sort of musical appetizer to me - it's got a nice flavor but doesn't leave me feeling full. I respect this and all but as the thing drags on, on a personal level I must admit I simply don't enjoy it (at least an albums worth of it). I honestly find ambient music more exciting than this. Great album cover though.

My absolutely favorite Frank Sinatra album. I normally find his blustery tough guy persona off putting and borderline unpleasant, but the vulnerability and resigned heartbreak on this album is more human, easier to relate to. He is exploring his 'mature voice', and he clearly deeply inhabits and understands the material. The arrangements by Nelson Riddle are understated and superb, much simpler than his usual thing, and completely in service to the songs. Song choice is wonderful. There are some tracks here where I might have other versions I prefer (Mood Indigo by Nina Simone, or I Get Along Without You Very Well by Chet Baker for example), but the construction and tone of the album as a whole are just *mwah* chef's kiss. It's not just technique; it's the honesty and (rare) emotional openness that is stunning here. It's hard the think of a time that Sinatra was so connected to his material. Tom Waits said this is favourite album (and he lifted the whole image and vibe to build his early career out of it). Every home should have a copy. Five stars

I love this record, Nelson Riddle's arrangements are perfect.

A window into an age I only know because my parent's were kids then. It was a fun listen.

I have this album and am a fan of its vibe, which opens up after dark: Sinatra’s choices around material and delivery for this purpose are exceptional. I love the formality of his phrasing, and the secret comfort in the lovelorn morose, a bearable sadness that softens by proximity the harder, crueler tragedies of life, a salve for existential dread. First time in a while I wish I had a whisky to hand. Deep in a Dream is the best song about smoking.

These are gorgeous wistful tunes matched perfectly to the moody cover art. The production really spotlights Sinatra's voice and delivers nostalgia straight to the heart. The thing I don't understand is why a guy like that didn't have better luck with the dames.

Frank Sinatra's crooning tones can't be surpassed. In the Wee Small Hours takes you through a journey of the end of a relationship, which mirrored Sinatra's personal life at the time with his separation from his second wife Ava Gardner. It's hard not to hear the emotion in his voice throughout, however this really has brought my mood way down for the day. Would have been 1 star if not for his dulcet tone and emotion throughout the album. Best: Dancing on the Ceiling Worst: Deep in a Dream

Fuck Sinatra.

Love Frank. He was the soundtrack of a generation and somehow the little man's story was bigger than the music. Wee Small Hours - Sweet tune, and actually heart wrenching. Musically, very minimal. Mood Indigo - Very slow start to an album. Based on the album art and the first two songs, we have a moody record for sure. The moment of jaunty piano is so starkly different. Makes you want more. Lost love is the story so far. Is Mood Indigo Depression? Glad to be Unhappy - Wow, really pouring on the isolated man who lost his dame motif. This is one sleepy album. The ironic title is clever...but I don't think he's glad to be unhappy based on the lyrics. Unless this is like Shakespeare's sonnet where he says being in love is boring and sad, but I am in love and I love being that kind of sad? I Get Along Without You Very Well - Damn! Who is this album about? Ava Gardner? She messed him up! Deep in a Dream - Now we get the reflective idealized love song. It's funny that this came after that Black Keys album - which also was full of songs about looking for love or reflecting on the result of lost love. I See Your Face Before Me - Feels like Deep in a Dream Part II, but awake. Can't We Be Friends - Not a bad track. A clever turn on the same self-loathing style of previous songs. I'm not worthy of anyone, despair. This is one mopey album. When Your Lover Has Gone - Now this is getting ridiculous. Who listened to this album?

The first time I heard it I was in Active Training for the reserves and I had checked out a library CD copy to listen to on down time (along with a hand full of other titles) but it was right before lights out and I just relaxing in my bunk listening to this on headphones and it spoke to me deep. I felt every ache and heartbreak on the tracks. His voice so warm and emotional. It was like listening to a buddy pour his heart out. It was an instant favorite of mine since. This may not be an all purpose banger, but, man, in the right senerio, you can truly understand this album and this album understands you. (10)★★★★★

Just exquisite. Perfect heartbreak album. One of the greatest voices of all time. The first album on the 1001 list chronologically speaking and arguably not bettered until 1989 when The Blue Nile recorded Hats.

In the Wee Small Hours Proof, if proof be need be, that wallowing in heartbreak and unrequited love is old as songwriting and recorded music. But then when you've loved and lost as much as Frank has then, you know what lifes about. His voice really is great, of course it is, but he has such control of tone and feel, it is quite mesmeric. People always talk about his phrasing, but, and I’m going to sound like an old person here, his enunciation is superb, you can hear every letter and syllable, every pause and every note. Many crooners (and Buble is one of the worst at this), just affect a lazy slur in an approximation of laid back cool, but Frank doesn't do that at all, his voice and his interpretation of he melody has such clarity and precision. Musically this is so deftly arranged and it sounds great for 1955, the horns punctuate rather than pierce and the strings for the most part avoid the schmalz and melodrama you might expect. I also like that it frequently feels as though its about to interpolate Jingle Bells (like at the end of Its Cold Outside), giving it a slight Christmassy air. It definitely feels like a autumn into winter album, in the darker evenings with the log burner going. Overall I really liked this - I thought it would be good but I’m surprised how good it is. I inadvertently saw that you both gave it 4. That feels about right, but I also think it deserves a spot on the podium. So in a blatant bit of score manipulation I’ll give it 5. ⌛️⌛️⌛️⌛️⌛️ Playlist submission: Mood Indigo

I liked this more than I expected. Does everyone reach an age where suddenly music like this appeals? I'm less likely to put something on the turntable that's harder, faster, louder than maybe even 5 years ago and listen to something softer, slower, quieter. That might just be an after work/evening thing; it's different during the working hours with headphones. Also I have a theory that all art, whether it be music, painting, architecture, whatever, reaches an artistic peak and then descends to its lowest common denominator over time. Craftmanship and beauty become far to expensive, quick and cheap trumps all. You can't fail to listen to the orchestral arrangements in this and think "Well that's really lovely".

Mood music to the highest caliber. Wistful, melancholy. Makes me want to smoke a cigarette under an awning in the rain, glass of whiskey-on-the-rocks conveniently in the other hand as a compliment. Sinatra has a very powerful voice, you can tell when he hits those big notes, and when he brings it down to an almost stare-out-the-window-dreaming whisper. I appreciated when the band behind him broke into some jazzy numbers to break up the big band music. Favorite tracks: "Can't We Be Friends?", "This Love of Mine"

J'ai écouté le doyen des albums du générateur en même temps que je dégustais un très bon petit-déjeuner constitué de tartines grillées au spéculos, d'un jus d'orange et d'un café. Ce mélange alimentairo-sonore m'a permis de faire le plein d'énergie pour attaquer la journée de la meilleure des manières.

So my thoughts on Frank Sinatra’s “In The Wee Small Hours” are much more straight-forward than most… - There is no doubt that Frank was an excellent vocalist – not much variation in his style, but very appealing – and what he does, he does really well… - The instrumental arrangements from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s were what they were – and at least these arrangements didn’t come across as over-produced – like so many of that era… - The quality of the audio in this recording was pretty sold for being 70 years old (i.e. as of 2024)… - Close to 50-minutes of heartbreak and despair is pretty hard to take – even if it is well-done… Not sure if that’s what he was going for (i.e. I’m gonna put out an entire album of all sad, melancholy songs…), but not sure it was the best decision, as there was absolutely no diversity in sound on this album whatsoever… At times, I thought my music app TIDAL was experiencing a glitch, as I could have sworn 4 or 5 times, that I was hearing the same song being repeated… In the end, it’s always unfair to apply today’s standards to yesterday’s music – so I will appreciate it for what it was, and I’m willing to bet that compared to other releases from 1954 – this one would stand up quite well… Solid 3 for me…

<Bernie_Sanders_meme.jpeg> I am once again asking you to listen to “What Time Does the Next Miracle Leave?” from Frank Sinatra’s 1979 record, Trilogy, wherein he sings about how “Uranus is Heaven”. The song is 10+ minutes long, but if you skip to the 8:30 mark, you’ll hear what you need to hear.

I find myself liking his voice more in this. A lot of sad sack songs and I'm not in the mood for this. Musically it is all on point, tho feels a little redundant. Should have cut it down to like 3 tracks

I was hopeful that we'd get another Bowie before another Blue eyes. What I generally do in the wee small hours is snooze. Yeah, snooze fest time.

one of a kind, generational talent. maybe the most iconic voice of all time. good to know that frank sinatra is a yearner favorite tracks: mood indigo i get along without you very well deep in a dream

i liked this album better than the last frank sinatra one i got, this album was amazing, i loved every song on it, truly a 10/10 album

Sinatra's voice can transport you to a time you never even lived through, like a photographic memory of the 1950s, captured in resin grooves. All the songs evoke the vibe of a past New York on an ordinary night, accompanied by good wine and beautiful ladies.

I started listening to Sinatra a few years ago after moving to philly, because he used to spend a lot of time in this town, and it just felt right. Walking around in a rainy town while listening to this album is a 5/5.

So I am from Jersey and a week does not go by that I do not tune in to Old Blue Eyes who I believe has the greatest singing voice of all time. Sad and sentimental album that I would award a 10.

My favourite Sinatra album and one of the better vocal albums in jazz-pop history. Frank was feeling blue, midnight blue, with the (predictable) demise of his relationship with Lana Turner, and it really resonates in the choice of material and the performances.

ELEVEN OUT OF TENNN LETS GOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMEEEEEE

Imagine, if you will, an empty city street, bathed in the cool blue glow of the moon. The street is slightly wet (it'd been raining not too long ago), reflecting the moon's own light back at it. The smell of damp concrete lingers in the air. The street is silent, without sound — that is, except, for a solitary man in a trenchcoat, slowly shuffling up the sidewalk. He's been out walking for a while, who knows how long. Everyone else has long gone to sleep hours ago. Except for him. He hopes every step he takes will get his mind further and further off of her ... but to no avail. He comes to lean against a lamppost. He takes a drag of his cigarette and blows it out into the cool night sky. If only memories could be blown away like that... That, if you'll forgive some poetic license, is the sound of this album. In short: one of the earliest "feels bad, man" albums ever made. 50 minutes of hoping you could still hold her ... but it's far too late for that now. And all you're left with are the memories and thoughts. But, OK, I'll talk straight and direct and reach a hand to the other side of the aisle. You could very easily find this album to be, mm, maybe a **little** one note? I mean, jeez, like I said: this thing is around 50 minutes. That's maybe a bit of a long time to wallow in misery and self-pity. Like, jeez, at some point you've just got to get over this girl, right? Then the next song starts and, oh, boy, here he goes again! For me, though, this thematic repetition doesn't matter for a very simple reason: the mood. If my scene description at the top didn't indicate that, the album projects such a strong, honestly beautiful sort of melancholic mood that I really don't mind spending so much time in it. The arrangements are all just wonderfully, and Sinatra ... y'know, I don't know how often I think of Ol' Blue Eyes as an incredible singer, but over this sort of material, oh, boy, he couldn't be any better. I wouldn't want anyone else singing this stuff. It lends an air of class and, honestly, further emotion. I could totally picture myself wandering the streets and contemplating love and life with Sinatra's voice serenading me. It's all that, and, well ... I remember one time being in a chat with a friend who'd been staying with his girlfriend. He was leaving to go home that day, and he was telling us about how ... empty it was making him feel. Like there was a hole in his heart; he missed her so much already. And as he was telling the chat about this, I happened to be playing this album at the same time. Pure coincidence, I swear; it'd already been playing by the time he started. And although this album is more about heartbreak and your lover leaving you ... the way this music enhanced the atmosphere and the mood of what my friend was saying, I'll never forget it. It'll probably always be what I think of when I think of this album. And how could I have any real negative thoughts when **this** is what this album reminds me of? Again, I get it. If you're not in the right headspace for this album, you'll be bound to get sick of it awful fast. I don't blame anyone who can't put up with all 50 minutes of this. But if you are feeling those kind of feelings where you can wander down the street, trying to forget him, her, them, or whoever ... I can't think of any better music to do it. The man pushes himself off the streetlamp and continues on his way. One step after another, maybe he'll eventually forget about her. Or at least not feel so bad when he thinks about her. Maybe...

The earliest album on the list, and one of the most emotional as well. Sinatra's vocals combined with the elegant orchestra work come together to make a heartbroken yet lovely set of tracks. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 5. 25 minutes into the album, with my brain feeling sad because of the vivid imagery in the lyricism, the lovely sombering tone to the orchestration, and Frank’s voice crooning a deep sense of woe right into my ears, I stood up and looked out of a window, standing in a little doorway with the lights on behind me, but in front of me, a pitch black darkness, save for this one little light I see out of my neighbor’s window. “What Is This Thing Called Love?” was playing, and I just stood there, hearing the song, without a single line in front of me, yet understanding every word & feeling it all the same. The light went out right as the song ended. You can’t feel anything more potent than that. That cover art of Sinatra, cigar in hand, on a moody blue street in the rain, contemplating how something so potent as love can work both ways… that’s the mood of the album. You have to find a way to get into that headspace & that mood to truly appreciate this for what it is. Granted, maybe you don’t have to be as cinematic or as immersive as I managed to find myself in, but I’ll be damned if it didn’t do wonders. I can’t go track by track here, since the album is decently one-note in that sense, but my goodness, you have to just feel those tracks for 50 minutes, somehow, someway. It is a sobering mood, and for 1955, I’m just stunned at how well that sense of heartbreak & loneliness is captured so, so well. It’s been 70 years since this came out, it’s the oldest album on the list, and yet it might be one of the finest “sad” albums I’ve ever heard. You do have to hear this before you die, and I’m so very glad it’s here. Frank Sinatra, you did damn good with this one. It’s a very easy 5 for my tastes, if not a bit higher.

This is Gold

I loved it. Perhaps I jumped the gun on the ol' 5er but it's a great album. So funny to imagine Franky struggling with the huzz. Bro gets friendzoned halfway through the album. That being said, a beautiful collection of songs about love.

magnificently melancholic

Having never actually listened to Sinatra or the other crooners, I guess this is my chance. I only really appreciated the album on my second listen. The first listen, everything just kinda blended together. Second listen everything came together. Pull up the lyrics and digest what he's saying as even if they kinda sound similar, the nuances of each song are just perfect. I wasn't ready for this so early in the morning. This is a concept album mostly about loneliness and losing/lacking love. I think this type of music really hits different for expressing this feeling as it just seems to stop you in your tracks. He doesn't say much in the songs, but what he does say is incredibly impactful and perfectly encapsulates the emotion and there's nothing else to say. Everyone that's gone through it gets it. I like the little jazz sprinklings that you can hear in the album. In sections of Mood Indigo, it just sprinkles lightly in the background, just teasing you, in stark contrast to the absolute despair of the lyrics. I Get Along Without You Very Well is so comical. The whole song about him saying how great he's doing without her, except he's constantly thinking about her and reminded of her. Deep in a Dream is genius. A quick snapshot of him smoking in bed, falling asleep and dreaming of the girl he lost, startling himself awake and just being like......damn....... it perfectly follows up I Get Along Without You Very Well because even when we convinces ourselves we're doing great, there are these moments where memories just force it upon us to reflect and it almost starts the cycle over again. Can't We be Friends? Classic Friendzone. Love the jazzy vibe of this song and again, absolutely relatable. Timeless. These songs are just so relatable for anyone that has gone through a breakup and Frank did a fantastic job of covering so many nuances of what we go through. One particular note is that he doesn't seem to particularly disdain or hate the women who broke his heart, he's just heartbroken. At least the album ends on a hopeful note as I'll Never Be the Same and This Love of Mine are both decidedly hopeful. I learned after the fact that Frank didn't write this stuff, which is a same. But everyone that worked on it did a phenomenal job.

This albums contains only ballads. For some songs, I am used to different versions, so I am a bit biased. And also I don't think you can turn every song into a ballad ... Sometimes it's not reflecting the character of the song. But anyway, his voice and style are 5 stars without doubts.

All you emo kids thought you knew sadness. Frankie wears sorrow like it's his favorite overcoat, and sings all about it. This is, by far, the bluest blues album I have ever heard. "Mood Indigo"? "Can't We Be Friends?" "I'll Be Around"? Come on. Emo kids are writing haiku about rain and Frankie pulls this tearjerker of an album off with grace and panache. The sighs between the lyrics punctuate the sadness over lost love and longing like nothing else. My Rating: 5 tears

This is definitely music to be sad to. Of course, we all have reason to be sad sometimes, and who better to accompany you when such a time arises than the great crooner himself?

Sinatra is one of those artists I always come back to. I own this one on green vinyl actually. This album is aptly titled, because when I listen, I envision Rear Window-esque voyeuristic vignettes, looking in on streetscapes and into the abodes of others in the 1950s when we weren't glued to screens. I picture the world settling down into the night and am lulled to sleep, or in this case, the lonely ones heading home from a night out. There is something so soothing about this sound; it was the soundtrack to most of my late night study sessions back at uni. I just zone out and drift away when I listen to this; love it!

Who are the great artists of American solitude? Edward Hopper, there's no question, Raymond Carver, the poet Weldon Kees, Bob Rafelson, director and co-writer of Five Easy Pieces. One would have to add Frank Sinatra to that list, who, w/ this record, and Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely, prompts some of the most profound explorations of that special brand of American loneliness: 'I can't win, but here I am / More than glad to be unhappy'; 'What's in store? Should I phone once more? / No, it's best that I stick to my tune'; 'That I'd awaken w/ the sun / And order orange juice for one.' I can't recall anything quite as intimate or as heartbreaking as Sinatra's vocals here recorded, an absolutely familiar, attentive isolation.

I am very excited to have a Sinatra album! This is strictly a love album outlining the woes of heartbreak and emotions that come with having and losing love. Sinatra’s voice is like butter, like it doesn’t get much better. This album felt like a Disney soundtrack with all the emotions poured into the orchestral background. All of it comes together perfectly to form an absolutely classic compilation of songs.

What a way to start off the book. Wow, this album is just so good. Sinatra's huge comeback, with this concept album on loneliness and lost loves, a real gut punch record in the right mindset. Sinatra's voice is pure gold and he always has perfect delivery and timing

"In the Wee Small Hours" is the ninth studio album by Frank Sinatra. The album is categorized in the vocal jazz and traditional pop genres. It has a set of "love gone bad" songs, a result of Sinatra's failing relationship with Eva Gardner and has themes of introspection, melancholy, lost love, failed relationships, depression and night life. The album was cited as one of the first concept albums and, also, was released as a 12"record LP which would popularize that format in popular music. It was both a critical and commercial success hitting #2 on the US charts. Piano and gentle strings begin the album opener "In the Wee Small Hours of the morning." Sinatra comes in with with an emotional, deep voice. It's in the wee small hours that you miss her the most. This is the only song not from "The Great American Songbook." Horns, playful strings and piano are the instruments of choice in the Barney Bigard, Duke Ellington and Irving Mills' song "Indigo." You haven't been blue until you've reached indigo. "I See Your Face Before" has a lovely horn and string intro. There's a spiraling piano. "Could not my love hurt you in knowing that I want you so." A flute is the primary instrument in Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Sinatra ponders love and the fool it's made him. Two notable songs that use a sparse piano arrangement are "I'll Be Around" and "Dancing on the Ceiling." The first song sets the tone of melancholy and continues throughout the 18 songs. Sinatra's vocals are emotional and downtrodden as Sinatra himself coined the term his "Eva Album." The music tends to be sparse and subdued. There is no one that I've heard better than Francis Albert Sinatra of how and when to sing and when not to sing; he lets the music express and enhance the mood and plays off it. Once you hear his version of these songs from "The Great American Songbook," I doubt you'll want to hear any else's. This is a classic in every sense.

Fucking limeys. You know, it’s just that people like this…you know…they get all they want so they really don’t understand, you know…about a life-like Frank’s. I mean, when you’ve loved and lost the way Frank has, then you, uh, you know what life’s about.

Don't understand the hype

https://64.media.tumblr.com/a153fe93c6821a07c0a05fcbf5c7b9d2/tumblr_nnc4ulHubf1u81ir6o3_250.gifv

In the Wee Small Hours is such a melancholic and depressing album. If you are in a great mood, you shouldn't listen to that album. It is also such a great album; Sinatra is maybe one of the best crooners of all time. My rating: 4/5

If you come to this album expecting brassy big-band swing, you may be surprised. "In the Wee Small Hours" is a quiet, deeply personal record—mellow, intimate, and largely removed from Sinatra’s most famous hits. That restraint is precisely its strength. Every track feels carefully chosen and emotionally cohesive. Rather than the swaggering, finger-snapping persona many associate with him, Sinatra presents a far more inward-looking self here. The album lingers on loneliness and unfulfilled longing, revealing a bruised, late-night vulnerability that feels almost confessional. It’s a subtler, bluer Sinatra, and one of his most affecting portraits.

I grew up with this, so it's sentimental. But I understand how some find it too repetitive.

I never know what to do with Frank Sinatra. His music isn't really my thing, but I want to be objective. I it's cool for what it is. But it all starts to sound the same to me, and pretty quickly. Dig the trumpet on Ill Wind. I like that the songs are concise. But when it comes to Dancing on the Ceiling, I prefer Lionel Ritchie. 4

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Can't We Be Friends, Dancing On The Ceiling I was really hoping that there would be a second Frank Sinatra album after Songs For Swingin' Lovers, but that it wouldn't basically be more songs about love and women again. Granted, the album isn't exclusively about those two topics, there's elements of melancholy, loneliness, etc., but its basically still all revolving around women and love. I guess I don't really know what to expect. Is that really all there was to sing about? Nothing about post-WWII? Nothing about the American nuclear family? I guess I should just be looking elsewhere for culturally significant music of the 50s and 60s? Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong or bad with this. Is easy going, lovely to listen to, you can just throw it on and enjoy. It's not complicated and sometimes that's just alright.

It’s a good album, but Sinatra really is a one trick pony. He’s got a silky smooth voice and tells coherent stories, but his style definitely feels dated, unlike some of the stuff that came out of the 60s. Regardless, he’s a massive influence, even in today’s age, and that can’t be ignored.

Maybe the first “concept album?” This album can drag at times, but it’s really successful at establishing a mood and ambience. Great for, unironically, the wee small hours of the morning.

Man I love Frank Sinatra. He's not someone I seek out often but when I hear him by chance I always really enjoy it. He just puts me in a relaxed, contemplative mood. If there's anything that hurts this album, it's a lack of variety.

I've wondered for a while why I love music like this so much. I think I finally made the realization during this record. I LOVED Christmas time as a kid. It was so fun and special to me and I also loved Christmas music. Most of Frank Sinatra's music makes me think of Christmas music and it immediately evokes nostalgic and happy emotions for me. There's something so soothing and relaxing about Frank Sinatra which is funny because this album just a bunch of sad songs. I just love big band singing. I want more modern big band stuff that's not Michael Bublé. The problem with this record is that it did start to feel a bit boring towards the end.

This is good shit. Its all very similar, but his voice rocks and is truly iconic. Its smooth and crisp and soft and hard all at the same time. The songs are good, easy to hang out with.

Classic Sinatra with a bit of a focus on jazz as opposed to big band swing. Iconic voice doesn't need much more explanation, just a wonderful listen because of it. "Dancing On The Ceiling" cover with it's small and simple ensemble is a standout.

I always go back and forth on Sinatra. Yes, he was an amazing vocalist. But he was sort of a one trick pony. He did one thing very very well and didn't really change that at all. I mean with this album, it's basically the same song for 50 minutes. It's a great song, but still. The same people who love this would deride 70s prog bands for writing songs that are 20+ minutes long. What's the difference? And those 20 minute songs will have more variation from start to end than this album does. Having said that, I do really like this album; it's a classic for sure and one that I think you could play for just about anyone and they would appreciate it. Yes, it's dated. But we don't really have crooners anymore so of course it's dated. I don't think I would listen to this often but there's pretty much nothing better for certain moods. Imagine a quiet night at home, cocktail in hand, watching a rainstorm from the big windows in the lounge, this record playing softly in the background. That sounds like a night we all need to have every so often. 3.75/5

Now that’s a great Sinatra record. No goofy backing chorus, arrangements that support his amazing vocals without fighting for attention, and good songs for sad sacks and lonely guys.

So many good lyrics that are meaningful and then a layer of musicianship that drives the song to a whole new place

Sinatra is a legend for a reason, a truly beautiful voice. Unfortunately, the fact that this album is 70 years old doesn't do it much of a favour. Though the music is beautifully arranged and orchestrated, the songs tend to sound almost the same. Lyrically, this is a beautiful album. Every song is about lost love, loneliness and the empty streets of NYC. Sounds like a clean and groomed older cousin of Tom Waitts' Rain Dogs. All in all, a 4/5 album. You can imagine yourself walking the streets of a sleeping city at night, looking at the moon and contemplating your life.

A lot of people have complained about their relationships, and a lot of people will continue to, but Sinatra has an earnestness that’s genuinely hard to describe.

You really can't say much negative about the crooner era, especially Sinatra. All the songs are soulfull and beautifully sung. A little samey but honestly I don't mind with this genre. 4/5

frank offers very smooth and moody tracks, all related to a lost love/failed relationship. some would call this repetitive but i didn't really have an issue with that. i liked how the lyrics appeared simplistic but actually carried a lot of weight ("for someone you adore/it's a pleasure to be sad") and the fact they're delivered with such graceful vocals makes it even better. he's also developed this signature sound of ending all of his songs on a perfect cadence as a way of settling/resolving the tracks - this sounds great in some songs but is often overdone, causing it to sound quite cliche.

i feel u gang

Smooth and moody, I liked this a lot more than the swing/bop stuff later. Emo Frank rules. From this, I guess we can blame ol' bluey for "Trapped In The Closet", although perhaps "Diamond Dogs" evens the score?

Smooth I never realised before how this LP is basically 100% ballads. I think it's actually this side of Frank that I like best though. His vocal technique is very exposed and stands up to the challenge. These are some beautiful versions of some classic songs. They have mostly become (or already were) very common standards, and the versions here feel very conservative next to more interesting variations that were done later

In the Wee Small Hours is an album that flows well and is more morose and emotional than other Frank Sinatra albums. I love a clear, unifying theme in an album title, cover, and topic. Sinatra's voice doesn't demand attention, it's present and patient, which makes for a gentle listen. Of course his vocals were legendary, but I wouldn't necessarily call them smooth on this album. There's too much emotion in every single song for his voice to be called smooth.

I liked comparing this album to "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!", also on this project. They're almost like two sides of a coin. Both are regarded as being loosely concept albums; "Swingin' Lovers!" carries more of the daytime, happiness, and romance vibes whereas "In the Wee Small Hours" is a bit more of the nighttime, sadness, and heartbreak. In both cases, he's absolutely setting total moodscapes, and in both cases, he absolutely succeeds. Again, Frank is just sooo buttery. This will be the third time I've described Sinatra this way in as many albums, but it just couldn't be truer. After three Sinatra albums, I definitely feel the same as I always have: I appreciate Sinatra's voice and the arrangements that he sang along to, but I'm not really any more of a fan of his than I was before. I see him as a respected symbol within music, and I appreciate what he brought to music, but I don't necessarily finding it moving me or having an extreme impact on me. His music creates and builds a mood, but doesn't tend to be anything I remember or resonate with long term. Still, this is baseline enjoyable and solid 3 territory for me.

Beautiful, emotional and MAN is Frank an absolute simp. The love and adoration absolutely oozes from each song. His lyricism is poetic and elegant, proven to make anyone fall in love with you. While I found this album incredibly beautiful, 85 all felt really similar and that made the album feel incredibly long.

This album gave me very mixed feelings. I love a good Sinatra song, and in his best his voice just carries you through the story he’s telling with his whole heart. Some songs veer too far into cheese territory (rhyming “love” and “above” is a red flag) or have really strange pacing (think your grandpa drinking at the piano and trying to make his own #1 hit that just won’t materialize). While it did have some standouts, some of it was flat out skippable.

I wanted to rate this album higher, but it was a lot of the same thing. Introspective songs about unrequited love. They're great songs, but there's a lot of them on this album and not a lot of variety.

6/10 This album is the best example I've had so far of just how much music has changed in the last 70 years: it's genuinely staggering to think that crooners were once the most widespread and popular form of music. It's obvious why this did appeal and still does to some extent - Frank's voice is as smooth as butter - but with so much else to listen to I'm not sure there's anything here that would bring me back to this album. Obviously there's no denying the impact Sinatra had on modern music - I'm reading Bob Dylan's 'Chronicles' at the moment and the number of Sinatra mentions is testament to that - but to call this one of the earliest concept albums just because all the songs are about heartbreak seems like a stretch to me. If anything, it's to the detriment of the album because every song sounds so similar. Listens: 1

01) In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - 9,0 02) Mood Indigo - 8,0 03) Glad to Be Unhappy - 7,5 04) I Get Along Without You Very Well - 7,0 05) Deep in a Dream - 7,0 06) I See Your Face Before Me - 7,0 07) Can't We Be Friends? - 7,5 08) When Your Lover Has Gone - 7,0 09) What Is This Thing Called Love? - 7,0 10) Last Night When We Were Young - 6,5 11) I'll Be Around - 7,0 12) Ill Wind 7,0 13) It Never Entered My Mind - 6,5 14) Dancing on the Ceiling - 6,5 15) I'll Never Be the Same - 6,5 16) This Love of Mine - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,13 (71/100) Current ranking: 379/703

Day 32, 5th record I own albeit a truncated reissue from the mid 70s leaving off 6 (!) tracks. This is proto-emo. Also a predecessor to the concept album. Also, also one of the first major pop 12" LPs. That's a lot of trend setting! Ultimately don't feel it stands up to what the 12" LP soon became but this is from a time when the cigarette he's smoking on the cover was considered good for your health so what can ya really say.

so over the course of this project, i am realizing there are two frank sinatras: one makes jaunty swing records and the other makes moody, slow records. this is the moody frank sinatra, which i still enjoy, but less so that the more upbeat frank sinatra. i guess i'm more used to listening to a more mature version of sinatra, because his voice sounds noticeably younger and softer here. he's covering a lot of really classic tracks. the arrangements are nice. i just didn't really get a huge thrill out of listening to this one. it's a bit too subdued for my taste. it's not bad! just not really for me.

Killer voice, no doubt, but....yawn

More Frank? Not so soon. I'm a little Franked out. "In the wee small hours of the morning While the whole wide world was having a snooze Frankie crooned on in a smooth baritone About ciggies, the moon, love and booze"

Good. Not dazzling or particularly thematic, but some real nice songs, and Sinatra's voice is lovely.

He's a really good crooner. Did this album is pretty much exactly what you'd expected to sound like. It doesn't really do anything for me, but it doesn't offend me either.

Wow, this is a super long record of the same mopey song over and over and over again. Frank has a great voice, but I need a little more variety in a record this long. I understand this is a concept album and it’s supposed to tell a coherent story, but I don’t think that story needs to be 50 minutes long. The album mix keeps the band super low so you can hear the full force of Frank's voice, and that doesn't help to break up is monotonous soliloquy. If you, like Frank, love the sound of Frank's voice, then this record is great background music.

Undeniably a landmark in vocal jazz and pop balladry, but listening to it straight through can feel like being trapped in a smoky lounge where time stands still—and not always in a good way. The album’s mood is consistent to a fault: melancholy, introspective, and drenched in late-night loneliness. While that emotional cohesion is often praised, it also means that many of the tracks blur together. The arrangements, though lush and tasteful, rarely deviate from the slow, string-heavy formula. After a few songs, you start to wonder if the needle’s stuck. Sinatra’s voice, of course, is pure croon—smooth, intimate, and technically flawless. But that same velvet tone becomes almost soporific over the course of 16 tracks. There’s little dynamic range, either emotionally or musically, which makes the album feel more like a mood piece than a collection of distinct songs. It’s a masterclass in atmosphere, but one that risks monotony. If you’re not already nursing a heartbreak or sipping bourbon in the dark, it might not hit quite as hard.

Sounds like Christmas music (not a fan). Would work well in cheap American romcoms (which I also don't like) though, or in anything "family friendly" Disney. The best thing about this album is that it does not contain "My Way" or "Singing in the Rain". OK - I do get the appeal. If you are into crooners this is probably really good, it has a very recognisable sound. Sinatra can sing (like many others) but I find his voice lacking in character, it's just too plain. And singing is his sole merit because he hasn't written the songs and doesn't play an instrument. He's strictly a singer and a bit boring one. One star up from a 1* because the album has a certain consistency and a "theme" (even if heartbreak is a bit of a a lame one). A 2* may sound harsh "for Sinatra" but I really think this is nothing special, musically. It's just old, but that doesn't get extra points for me because much older and better music exists.

Afternoon nap music, wasn’t really feeling the vibe.

I know music has changed so much since this album was recorded but it’s the first time I’ve not been able to finish the album. Simply unlistenable.

A collection of funeral dirges

I fucking hate Frank Sinatra.

To crooney..... just too damn crooney. Shave half an hour off and I might have enjoyed it.

03/01/2026 *1. in the wee small hours of the morning - georgeous intro.... loooove the strings... his voice is phenomenal.... love 50s crooners.... <3 aaaagh. heartbreaking!!!! great ending!!!!! *2. mood indigo - aaagh the orchestra!! the trumpet just started!! so moody and sad.... fantastic!! just got louder oh my gooooooddd. sososososo goood!!!! 3. glad to be unhappy - the intro sounds quite upbeat despire the title... the lyrics are great. the guitar is great.... love the piano..... 4. i get along without you very well - wow so dramatic at the start! lovely lyrics..... they're very universal, but still really touching.... at least to me :) the high violin is so beautiful... the ending is gorgeous.... *5. deep in a dream - love how dramatic this is.... tips into melodrama at times, but in the best way possible...... reminds me of brief encounter <3 *6. i see your face before me - waooow.... his voice is so incredible.... so soft but also so powerful.... the instrumental section is so sweeeet.... love when the orchestra swells.... 7. can't we be friends? - more jazzzzyyyy! so dramatic! such an atmospheric album........ so timeless. *8. when your lover has gone - gorgeous. no faults... completely perfect album so far!!!! *9. what is this thing called love - wowww.... immediately very noir-ish.... beautifullllll..... *10. last night when we were young - love the strings and his voice together..... the lyrics are soooo melancholy.... very bittersweet... love the crescendo towards the end..... and then the quiet, tender ending.... <3 11. i'll be around - georgeous :) lyrics have aged less well than the others though.... 12. ill wind - the strings at the start are great!! feels like it's from a movie soundtrack <3 trumpet is back! *13. it never entered my mind - the orchestra is so lovely through this whole album, so tender.... 14. dancing on the ceiling - guitar... lovely :) 15. i'll never be the same - so dramatic.... <3 the instrumental section is just phenomenal......... *16. this love of mine - great intro.... lyrics are so lonely.... the strings are so sad.... despite loving 50s/60s crooning, i've only ever listened to sinatra's hits (i was very overwhelmed by the amount of albums of his and so just ignored them lol). mood indigo probably stands out as a favourite, but i loved all the songs :)

And Nelson Riddle…

One of my favourite musical genre. Sinatra has a magic voice