This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

In The Wee Small Hours

Frank Sinatra

1955

Buy At Rough Trade
In The Wee Small Hours
Album Summary

In the Wee Small Hours is the ninth studio album by American vocalist Frank Sinatra. It was released in April 1955 by Capitol and produced by Voyle Gilmore with arrangements by Nelson Riddle. All the songs on the album deal with themes such as loneliness, introspection, lost love, failed relationships, depression, and night life. The cover artwork reflects these themes, portraying Sinatra on an eerie and deserted street at night awash in blue-tinged street lights. In the Wee Small Hours has been called one of the first concept albums.Sinatra had been developing the idea of an album with a consistent theme since 1946 with his first album, The Voice. He would successfully continue releasing "concept" albums with later releases such as Songs for Swingin' Lovers!, No One Cares, and Only the Lonely.In the Wee Small Hours was issued as two 10-inch LP discs, and also as one 12-inch record LP, making it one of the first of its kind in the pop field. It was also issued as four four–song 45-rpm EP discs sold in cardboard sleeves with the same cover as the LPs, not in paper covers like 45-rpm singles. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard album chart, where it stayed for 18 weeks, becoming Sinatra's highest charting album since Songs by Sinatra in 1947. The success of the album helped popularize the viability of the 12-inch LP in popular music, and the 10-inch format fell into obsolescence by the end of the 1950s. In 1970 it was re-issued as a ten track album under the name What Is This Thing Called Love?. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it number 100 on their list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, dropping it to number 101 in the 2012 revision and to number 282 in the 2020 update.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.29

Votes

13188

Genres

  • Jazz

Reviews

Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!
Sort by: Top Date
Mar 27 2022
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jan 21 2021
View Author
4

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

👍
Aug 06 2021
View Author
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.

👍
Jun 16 2021
View Author
2

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

👍
Dec 13 2021
View Author
5

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.

👍
Sep 15 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Oct 28 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
May 24 2022
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jan 07 2022
View Author
5

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.

👍
Feb 17 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Apr 03 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jul 05 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Dec 21 2023
View Author
4

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.

👍
May 07 2022
View Author
4

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.

👍
Sep 29 2021
View Author
4

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.

👍
Jul 12 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jul 28 2021
View Author
1

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?

👍
Nov 17 2024
View Author
5

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)★★★★★

👍
Nov 17 2024
View Author
5

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.

👍
Sep 25 2024
View Author
5

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

👍
Sep 06 2024
View Author
5

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

👍
Jul 01 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Dec 21 2023
View Author
4

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?

👍
Feb 12 2022
View Author
4

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".

👍
Dec 29 2021
View Author
4

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"

👍
Aug 12 2024
View Author
3

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…

👍
Dec 31 2021
View Author
3

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

👍
Oct 20 2021
View Author
3

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"

👍
Jan 14 2021
View Author
3

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

👍
Jan 31 2021
View Author
3

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.

👍
Nov 05 2024
View Author
2

<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.

👍
Aug 04 2024
View Author
2

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

👍
Oct 20 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jul 16 2021
View Author
2

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

👍
Feb 15 2021
View Author
2

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

👍
Dec 18 2024
View Author
5

So schön kann Jazz sein. Zarte melancholische kleine Meisterwerke erfreuen meine Ohren. Bisher hatte ich nur Best of... Alben vom Maestro in Solo oder Duets. Jetzt habe ich mir innerhalb von wenigen Wochen 5 seiner Original Alben erworben und höre Sinatra nochmal neu. Und bin begeistert.

👍
Nov 28 2024
View Author
5

This is one of the first concept albums if you will: A man singing in loneliness about a broken heart. One of Sinatra's best album with lush arrangements.

👍
Nov 28 2024
View Author
5

This might be one of the best albums ever. It's so delightful. I predict I'll be listening to this for many, many years.

👍
Nov 28 2024
View Author
5

Well, I loved this. I don't really have any notes to share. I loved every song, loved the emotion, loved the instrumentation. A true treat.

👍
Nov 24 2024
View Author
5

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but you can judge this album by its art and understand exactly what it is. "In The Wee Small Hours" is a reflection on love and heartbreak, beautifully rendered in melancholy piano and Sinatra's soothing tones. It's the musical equivalent of curling up in front of a warm fire on a cold rainy night. The album as a whole is comfortably blue, each track blurring into the next - it perhaps works best for background listening, but a few tracks stand out; my favorite on this listen being "Mood Indigo." Overall, this album is a wonderful package.

👍
Nov 17 2024
View Author
5

Fantastic voice and swagger! Great songs! 5 stars

👍
Oct 31 2024
View Author
5

Day299 - an album for the broken hearted and melancholy. i’m neither and i loved it

👍
Oct 27 2024
View Author
5

Hab doch alles gehört, mega entschleunigend. Voll geil

👍
Sep 29 2024
View Author
5

I’ve always liked Sinatra. And while I’m not well versed in the vast recording history that is the Sinatraverse, I can put this album on and let it play on repeat all day long.

👍
Sep 20 2024
View Author
5

The earliest album on this list, maybe the first great album? Tough to say. I was amazed that this was 50 minutes and not more like 30 minutes long for being made nearly 70 years ago. It sounds great and these songs are excellent, it's a mood for sure, and really welcome one on a lazy morning.

👍
Sep 18 2024
View Author
5

Absolutely beautiful album, and if I recall correctly one of (if not the first) "concept albums" of all time. Sinatra does many traditional pop/jazz standards in his signature vocal-jazz style. This album seems to have fallen out of favour with a lot of people as time marches on, but I genuinely love it. I love other albums of his more than this one, but it's definitely classic.

👍
Sep 18 2024
View Author
5

Wow, this album is amazing. I'm not a fan of this era's music, for Sinatra for the most part, but this album really is perfect.

👍
Sep 06 2024
View Author
5

Musical dna. Sinatra was pretty much untouchable at the top of his game and coupled with Nelson riddle, nothing expressed American masculinity and art like this at least not until Presley or Chuck. Sinatra is not a singer put in front of the orchestra - he’s a vital part of it, as important to the sound of the orchestra as Sweets Edison or George Van Eps. This is as much to do with his talent - his gift - as it is to do with Riddles arrangements. If this doesn’t move you, something’s wrong. And this isn’t my favourite of those magical Columbia albums - the glory of Songs for Swinging Lovers is my favourite. But this is just incredible. I bask in it, revelling in each note, beat, chord and lyric. Essential listening. 25 stars.

👍
Sep 06 2024
View Author
5

Review Sinatra Yeah this is the full full swoon, the full shot of velvet. Turn it up and chill - whether its a balmy summer at sunset, or a fireplace moment. Its Gold. I really should listen to more Frank. Out his record on the “listen to me” pile, along with a few of his other 5 start ones. So many... Take the best albums of each of these vocal greats from the golden age and you've got a solid 4 or 5 from me. But when it comes ot Ella Fitzgerlanbd Frank Sinatra there is just so much amazing material. How to choose a single definitive best album? And leave room for the other greats Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Julie London, Billie Holliday, a Tony or two, so many more including Chet Baker, Shirley Horn, lus the best jazz musicians of the day. And Dorris Day - juts for fun! (who always makes me smile). Did I miss Carmen Macrae, or Etta James ? Then around the turn of the century we got the vocal gifts of Stacey Kent and Madeline Peyroux (overplayed in all the homewares stores) the amazing Gregory Porter, Harry Connick, Melody Gardot, and so many who could spill off Frank, like Vince Jones/Grace Knight (come in spinner) Where is that little CD? I think I have 2 copies....

👍
Sep 05 2024
View Author
5

A great melancholy journey of unrequited love. Some of the songs did start to blend together, and I definitely feel like the album could have been shorter and more concise to really hone itself. But all in all a relaxing and reflective listen that tugs at heart strings. Top tracks: In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, What Is This Thing Called Love, I'll Be Around

👍
Aug 07 2024
View Author
5

Lovely album. Very relaxing and easy to listen to. Great to have on in the background upon an evening.

👍
Jul 24 2024
View Author
5

Someone described this as "middle age Pet Sounds" so good

👍
Jul 21 2024
View Author
5

An all-time great album. The perfect thing for when you have a hangover but still want to listen to music.

👍
Jul 08 2024
View Author
5

**In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra: An In-Depth Review** **Introduction** "In The Wee Small Hours" is a seminal album by Frank Sinatra, released in 1955. It stands as one of the earliest examples of a concept album, where the songs are thematically linked and designed to be experienced as a cohesive whole. This album captures Sinatra's emotional depth and musical sophistication, and it remains influential in the landscape of American popular music. **Lyrics** The lyrical content of "In The Wee Small Hours" is primarily focused on themes of loneliness, heartache, and introspection. This aligns with Sinatra's personal life at the time, as he was dealing with the fallout from his tumultuous relationship with Ava Gardner. The lyrics are poignant and raw, often evoking a sense of melancholy and vulnerability. Key tracks like "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning," written by David Mann and Bob Hilliard, and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" by Cole Porter, delve into the complexities of love and loss. The simplicity of the lyrics in "This Love of Mine," co-written by Sinatra himself, is particularly powerful, reflecting a deep personal connection to the material. **Pros of the Lyrics:** - **Emotional Depth:** The lyrics are deeply emotional and reflective, offering a genuine insight into Sinatra's psyche. - **Universal Themes:** The themes of love, loss, and introspection are universal, making the album relatable to a wide audience. - **Cohesive Narrative:** The lyrics across the album create a cohesive narrative that enhances the listening experience. **Cons of the Lyrics:** - **Monotony:** The consistent theme of heartache may feel monotonous to some listeners. - **Era-Specific Language:** Some of the language and references might feel dated to contemporary audiences. **Music** Musically, "In The Wee Small Hours" is a masterclass in orchestration and arrangement. Nelson Riddle's arrangements are lush and sophisticated, perfectly complementing Sinatra's vocal delivery. The use of strings, woodwinds, and subtle brass creates a melancholic yet beautiful soundscape. The album predominantly features ballads, which showcase Sinatra's ability to convey emotion through his phrasing and tone. Songs like "Mood Indigo" and "Glad to Be Unhappy" highlight Riddle's skill in creating arrangements that are both intricate and restrained, allowing Sinatra's voice to take center stage. **Pros of the Music:** - **Expert Arrangements:** Nelson Riddle's arrangements are intricate and sophisticated, enhancing the emotional impact of the songs. - **Vocal Performance:** Sinatra's vocal performance is masterful, characterized by his impeccable phrasing and emotional delivery. - **Cohesive Sound:** The album maintains a cohesive sound throughout, which is crucial for a concept album. **Cons of the Music:** - **Limited Variety:** The predominance of ballads might lead to a lack of musical variety, potentially making the album feel repetitive. - **Slow Tempo:** The slow tempo of most tracks might not appeal to all listeners, particularly those seeking more upbeat music. **Production** The production quality of "In The Wee Small Hours" is notable for its clarity and balance. Recorded at Capitol Studios, the album benefits from the state-of-the-art technology of the time. The mono recording captures the warmth of Sinatra's voice and the richness of the orchestral arrangements. Producer Voyle Gilmore played a crucial role in ensuring the album's polished sound. The meticulous attention to detail in the mixing and mastering processes results in a pristine listening experience, where every nuance of Sinatra's performance and Riddle's arrangements can be appreciated. **Pros of the Production:** - **High Fidelity:** The production quality is exceptional, with a clear and balanced sound. - **Attention to Detail:** The meticulous production process ensures that every element of the music is well-defined. - **Warmth and Intimacy:** The mono recording adds a sense of warmth and intimacy to the album. **Cons of the Production:** - **Mono Recording:** While the mono recording has its charm, some modern listeners might prefer a stereo mix. - **Era Limitations:** Technological limitations of the era might not capture the full dynamic range possible with today's recording technology. **Themes** The overarching theme of "In The Wee Small Hours" is one of melancholy and introspection. The album delves deep into the emotional turmoil associated with love and loss, with Sinatra often portraying a character who is reflective and resigned. Each song contributes to this theme, creating a unified narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions. The night-time setting, implied by the album's title and cover art, further accentuates the introspective nature of the music. **Pros of the Themes:** - **Emotional Resonance:** The themes are deeply emotional and resonate with listeners on a personal level. - **Cohesiveness:** The unified theme creates a cohesive listening experience, making the album feel like a complete work of art. - **Timelessness:** The exploration of love and loss is timeless, ensuring the album's relevance across generations. **Cons of the Themes:** - **Lack of Uplift:** The predominantly melancholic themes might not appeal to listeners seeking more uplifting content. - **Narrow Focus:** The narrow thematic focus might limit the album's appeal to those interested in a broader range of topics. **Influence** "In The Wee Small Hours" has had a profound influence on the development of popular music. It is widely regarded as one of the first concept albums, paving the way for future artists to explore thematic and narrative cohesion in their work. Its impact can be seen in the works of artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Joni Mitchell, who have all embraced the concept album format. Sinatra's emotional delivery and sophisticated arrangements have also influenced generations of vocalists and musicians. The album's emphasis on introspection and vulnerability set a new standard for emotional expression in popular music. **Pros of the Influence:** - **Pioneering Concept Album:** The album's concept format has inspired countless artists to create thematically cohesive works. - **Vocal and Musical Influence:** Sinatra's vocal style and Riddle's arrangements have had a lasting impact on popular music. - **Cultural Significance:** The album is considered a landmark in the history of American popular music, cementing Sinatra's legacy as an influential artist. **Cons of the Influence:** - **High Expectations:** The album's legendary status might set high expectations that could influence new listeners' perceptions. - **Niche Appeal:** The specific themes and style might have influenced a niche rather than a broad spectrum of music genres. **Conclusion** "In The Wee Small Hours" by Frank Sinatra is a masterful exploration of melancholy and introspection, delivered through exceptional lyrics, sophisticated music, and meticulous production. Its thematic cohesion and emotional depth make it a timeless classic that continues to influence the landscape of popular music. While its narrow focus on heartache and its slow tempo might not appeal to everyone, the album's artistic achievements and cultural significance are undeniable. **Pros:** - Deeply emotional and reflective lyrics - Sophisticated and intricate arrangements by Nelson Riddle - Masterful vocal performance by Sinatra - High production quality with clear and balanced sound - Pioneering influence as one of the first concept albums **Cons:** - Consistent theme of heartache may feel monotonous - Predominance of ballads and slow tempo might lack variety - Mono recording might not appeal to modern listeners - Narrow thematic focus might limit appeal to a broader audience "In The Wee Small Hours" remains a testament to Frank Sinatra's artistry and his ability to convey profound emotion through music. It is a cornerstone of his discography and a significant work in the history of popular music.

👍
Jul 04 2024
View Author
5

July 3, 2024 HL: title track, “Mood Indigo”, “What Is This Thing Called Love”, “I See Your Face Before Me”, “I’ll Be Around” I don’t generally get a kick out of Sinatra’s music. I found the last album hokey (maybe the 2-star rating was too harsh), but THIS tho? Turns out when you replace cheeky 50’s come-ons with rueful meditations on love and loss, I like Frank Sinatra’s voice a lot more. I also friggen love the orchestra ebbing and flowing behind him, but that was also true of Songs For Swingin’ Lovers. Both arrangements are courtesy of Nelson Riddle, whose name I’ll have to look for in other contemporary recordings to this one. Also, I find the whole is greater than the sum of its melancholy parts, as good as the individual songs are.

👍
Jun 28 2024
View Author
5

4.5 up to 5. A beauty to listen to sinatra's voice. Maybe a bit reperitive? In any case, I would listen many more times before dying.

👍
May 08 2024
View Author
5

I have a huge soft spot for Frank Sinatra. His music puts me in mind of so many good memories - my grandfather, swing dancing, monthly Fridays with Frank parties in grad school. This isn’t my favorite album, or my favorite songs, but listening to it is still like getting back in touch with an old friend. I love the soft melancholy, the crooning voice, the orchestration, the mood-setting artwork.

👍
Apr 19 2024
View Author
5

I expected to like this record, but it absolutely blew me away. I've loved Frank Sinatra for years, but never sat down to a start-to-finish on any of his 'classic' records. This record's nearly eighty years old and you can still sense and revisit his heartbreak over Ava Gardner from start to finish. In The Wee Small Hours is a mood and a half.

👍
Apr 19 2024
View Author
5

5/5 Absolutely Beautiful. Love Sinatra and this was elegant.

👍
Apr 10 2024
View Author
5

Classic Sinatra, and well worth a listen if you’re only familiar with his Greatest Hits like I mostly was. Melancholy vibes mixed with the kind of classic Christmas-y (without it being Christmas, like, at all) nostalgia. Really great.

👍
Apr 10 2024
View Author
5

The OG concept album with Sinatra breaking down crying during recording sessions. What's not to love?

👍
Apr 10 2024
View Author
5

You’d almost want to break up with the love of your life to enjoy this record to its fullest. My grandpa owned 4 versions of In The Wee Small Hours on vinyl. I only own 2… So he’d probably had given it a score of 10, right?

👍
Mar 06 2024
View Author
5

One thing I'm always blown away by with Frank's music is the sheer amount of effort it took to produce. Swelling orchestras, big bands, complex arrangements, and capturing the beautiful subtlety in his voice. Combing all of that to create what I'd consider the most nostalgic music ever made must've been no small task. You don't really hear that anymore, and that makes me sad. It feels disrespectful to give this album anything less then 5 stars, even if it's not my favorite from Ol' Blue Eyes.

👍
Mar 06 2024
View Author
5

Sad songs, quite Frankly, have never sounded more cinematic nor more mesmerizing than they do coming from the lips of Sinatra.

👍
Feb 26 2024
View Author
5

Beautifully written and composed. 5/5

👍
Feb 25 2024
View Author
5

A landmark LP that still glimmers in the wee small hours, or any time of day/night. Beautifully produced too, you forget that it's a mono recording because the sound is so full.

👍
Feb 15 2024
View Author
5

How have we only just now hit our first Sinatra album? We hit so many samey new wave and Britpop LPs instead of the original pop star, smh. This is one of the best albums ever AND the prototypical concept album. You can feel the melancholic dread in Frank’s voice as he can tell that his marriage is ending, whether he’s ready or not. each song is a different punch to the gut. A

👍
Feb 02 2024
View Author
5

Hot fire from Frank. I have this album on vinyl and spin it probably more than anything else in my collection. HOT FUEGO!

👍
Jan 18 2024
View Author
5

Saw the album cover and immediately knew I was about to BOP. Frank Sinatra/adults standard music was my top genre of 2020.. that ate. listened to every song in the background of my work and enjoyed evry one. definitely re-listening

👍
Jan 16 2024
View Author
5

Beautifully nocturne and pensive.

👍
Jan 11 2024
View Author
5

This was a delight. Sinatra is such an icon and is so woven into the cultural history that his music comes with a set of pre-conceived notions. I knew the classics and had an image based on the rat pack, stories of mafia connections, womanizing and generally being old school cool with a large slice of misogyny thrown in. However this album really caught me off guard. It's romantic and vulnerable and subtle. The story telling in the lyrics, the lush orchestration and the emotion in his voice blew me away. Plus I read the wiki entry and discovered this was one of the first concept albums and he pioneered this type of album. I'll be listening again and I'll be looking at his discography for more gems rather than the playlist/best of that may have got an occasional play previously.

👍
Dec 11 2023
View Author
5

Love Sinatra. This album is perfect.

👍
Dec 07 2023
View Author
5

What an awesome gem this is. It’s amazing how good it sounds for such an old recording. Great put it on and chill album.

👍
Dec 06 2023
View Author
5

Every time I hear Sinatra sing I’m blown away by how phenomenal he was. I hadn’t heard this particular album before, and it’s not really what I’m into these days, but his raw talent cuts through all that to make this a truly wonderful experience.

👍
Dec 01 2023
View Author
5

I always loved Frank Sinatra! 5 stars

👍
Oct 18 2023
View Author
5

Gives me lots of nostalgia vibes, not because I listened to it as a kid, just the way it is.

👍
Oct 06 2023
View Author
5

Classic old blue eyes. Really enjoyable listen

👍
Sep 22 2023
View Author
5

Wee small hours Consistency of vibe and theme make for a cool moody “concept album”. Nelson Riddle’s arrangements and Sinatra’s voice are so great together. delivery and storytelling is so good. I love a ballad but sometimes after a while it’s harder for a melody to stick with me at a slower tempo. Great album for a very specific mood.

👍
Sep 22 2023
View Author
5

Really classic and perfect recordings of these tunes. Interesting backstory on this record too.

👍
Load more reviews