Reviews (page 4 of 8)
This is just great, timeless music. Don’t really know what else to say honestly. (Also forgot to take notes cuz I was high as balls yesterday)
Listening to this at 3am for true immersion… Ooo the plucks on mood indigo. 🔥 Def cool it’s considered one of the first concept albums (although some prone one had before this could technically fit the parameters) Guess imma Bobby soxer cause I like franks upbeat stuff a bit more. This is still great though I’ll be around is the side piece anthem 👍:mood indigo, i see your face before me
Yes it's very good, though very one paced. He does what he does and this is that. I really wasn't in the mood for this today and I had to listen in chunks to avoid getting dragged into its melancholy.
It's the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of scotch and 20 Gauloise roundabout midnight, either alone or with some company. Smooth.
Great 50’s album, Sinatras best.
Listened Before? Y This is one of the first concept albums in history, and it's a good one... Although since Sinatra didn't actually write the songs I'm not sure how much that counts. Either way, it's a wonderful album and top-form Frank. I really, really liked it. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
An album about a lover that once was, it's a very calming album that i enjoyed listening too. Franks music always has a feeling that I can't explain, but it's a good feeling.
Beautiful album that flies by. The instrumentation is a solid foundation for Sinatra to write upon. 8,5 out of 10
Frank at his Frankest. Classic.
Scoobidy-doo, to be Frank.
Really don't know how to rate this one. It's a Frank Sinatra album, it sounds like a Frank Sinatra album would. I think this might be the first time I've ever sat down to listen to a whole album by him, so that definitely has an impact on my score. It's good, obviously good, but not my thing. I can't imagine ever listening to it again. Probably doesn't help that my only other exposure to that kind of music is christmas songs, or possibly old film scores. So to me that's what it sounds like, and a 50 minute album of that is a bit much for me. But it is good music, his voice is beautiful, it's Sinatra. But it's not my music.
first listen it's just so beautiful
I mean… it’s Frank Sinatra. Classic and elegant, and when it’s my mood it’s a banger.
It was tough to decide how to rate this album because of how much it sticks out from the rest of the albums I listened to. Alright, let's try it. In my opinion, Frank Sinatra's work is an excellent representation of his decade - both his music and the text (sometimes with sexist remarks). I appreciated the general vibe of this album, even though sometimes it reminded me of old Christmas songs. Weird, I know. :')
Old, classic pop with a lot of songs for brokenhearted
We get it, Francis. We're all lonely. Most of us just don't wine about for an entire album's worth of songs. Plus, maybe that girl wouldn't have left you if you weren't such a bastard. Lay off the whiskey for a while maybe. But hey, the songs hold up.
I love Frank Sinatra, but I prefer it when he's not as filled with melancholy as he is on this record. The songs are still great but singing about heartbreak isn't interesting enough to fill a whole album. Outside of this Sinatra has much more swagger and charm, and that's what I want to hear! Then again, it's a Sinatra record. You can't go wrong with his music & I really could listen to his voice all day. Standout tracks are I'll Be Around and Dancing on the Ceiling.
Dudes sad
Lovely album. This is the mood music mum and dad were dancing to when little splotchee was conceived. I am ok with that
Not much variety but still a nice relaxing listen to one of the greatest voices of all time
lovely!
Beautifully sung and performed, but I'm looking for a little more variety in the album than being in love with a woman or getting over a woman. Favorite track: I'll Be Around
I don't really like crooner jazz, but I got to give it to Frank here, this one is good. The midnight vibe of the album is superb. The best song here is definitely the title track. Great vibe. 8,0/10
Very good
25th January 2023 Started a bit in the office, finished the day after. John Mulaney in the evening in Hammersmith. One of the greatest ever voices, the music sounds otherworldly. Smooth as silk.
Het is 8:40 en ik wil terug in bed kruipen dankzij Frank. Relaxed album. Wel een tikkeltje aan de lange kant, maar aan de andere kant heb ik me geen moment geërgerd.
Beautiful album of the 50s thanks to The Voice.
Such sad torch songs. Really lovely. His voice is like velvet. Imagine a rainy night in a jazz club listening to these songs.
Thoroughly enjoyed this album. I could definitely enjoy this record even more as background music at a mellow dinner party. And if I can enjoy an album in any setting, it’s better than some albums which I can’t enjoy at all. It’s just a selection of melancholy jazz-vocal numbers. They’re more or less the same tempo, but with Sinatra’s voice at their breaking heart they work well. The orchestration flits so delicately that the album threatens to fly off the turntable but on the whole this is a great listen. There isn’t a great deal of variation, and if you don’t buy into the album’s central premise then it’ll likely bore you. But I dig it.
Beautiful absolutely beautiful shame he didn’t write the songs himself but it works really well as a concept album 4/5
Noice 😴
It was p good tbf. Laufey vibes and I like Laufey
Definitive Sinatra, even though it doesn't contain any of the universally known songs (you know, My Way, New York New York etc.). He's in fine voice throughout, and the orchestrations are perfect.
so so sweet
Well I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Not sure I needed 16 tracks of this in a row, but they all sounded nice.
Now this is better..... His voice is silky smooth really hits the spot this morning. In my view this is proper Frank before he morphed into an overblown husk. I love the feel for these 50's arrangements- the orchestration is lush.
Gorgeous voice
I’ve never really given much time to swing as a music genre, and whilst I’m familiar with Frank Sinatra‘s more well-known music, I’ve never actually listened to any of his albums. It was a pleasant, listen, nice beat easy to listen to, and quite relaxing. Overall an enjoyable album And one that surprised me as well
legend
There's nothing wrong with music for WASPs. Very smooth.
Great selection of songs. Sinatra at his best.
I think I prefer Tom Waits review of this album to the actual album itself: "... you put this record on after dinner and by the last song you are exactly where you want to be." Sinatra sounds great, but the continual maudlin songs and saccharine strings get a bit much if you're giving it a concentrated listen. The small band on 'Can't We Be Friends?' really feels like a relief!
After listening in the wee small hours of the morning, I think it may indeed be a good album for that time of day.
ring a ding. 4/5
No big hits I could recognize but one of the most relaxing albums I've ever heard. A nice pleasant listen. 8/10.
I'm going to be honest with you, I'm a sucker for this 1950's music era, especially with Sinatra. It's very dreamy, melancholic, pleasant on the ears. I Imagined listening to this on a balcony on Paris where I could watch Eiffel Tower on 10p.m after having a fancy dinner.
A relaxing but never boring album, short songs with a lot of meaning about love, loneliness, etc. Even if this album is great it isn't the best album of Sinatra, at some point for some people could get repetitive.
Sinatra tippuu about aina, myös nyt. Hienon melankolinen levy, 4/5
Classic Frank. Good slow jams.
ALBUM RATING: 3.6 ALBUM GRADE: B- TRACK RATINGS: 1. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - 4.0 2. Mood Indigo - 3.5 3. Glad to Be Unhappy - 3.5 4. I Get Along Without You Very Well - 3.5 5. Deep in a Dream - 3.5 6. I See Your Face Before Me - 3.5 7. Can’t We Be Friends? - 3.5 8. When Your Lover Has Gone - 3.5 9. What Is This Thing Called Love? - 4.0 10. Last Night When We Were Young - 3.5 11. I’ll Be Around - 3.5 12. Ill Wind - 3.5 13. It Never Entered My Mind - 3.5 14. Dancing on the Ceiling - 3.5 15. I’ll Never Be the Same - 3.5 16. This Love of Mine - 3.5
Beautiful voice, really retro. Nice album, but not really upbeat enough while trying to throw down some calcs. 5/10
Classic album, great for easy listening
4.25
Frank is king. Great singing, lush orchestral arrangements, classic songs.
Han vet hur man sjunger
Really really good. Reminds me of waking up as a kid in winter and watching old cartoons like Tom and Jerry. Can sleep or chill to this music while dreaming of being in love.
Can never go wrong with Sinatra
Sinatra isn't entirely my thing, it's nice to listen to tho He definitely has a beautiful voice and he nails it each time Personally, it gets a teensy bit old
The bobbysoxers had to stop the screams at some time. The jubilence and hysteria couldn't last forever. Hearts were made to be broken, as the soon to be Ol' Blue Eyes found out on the path to making In the Wee Small Hours. Sixteen tracks of sheer, unrelenting sadness, backed up by a ready and game orchestra, can seem daunting but Frank does what he can to give his all with each track. Of course, we have this album to thank for not only popularizing the 12" record but also concept albums; separate entities that would come together in greater detail in ensuing decades. As for Frank, he had finally found a niche and a formula to cultivate and refine from time to time. Favorites: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Mood Indigo, Glad to be Unhappy, I Get Along Without You Very Well, Can't We Be Friends?, I'll Be Around, Ill Wind, This Love of Mine.
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: He’s the greatest dancer, Lost in music, Thinking of you, You’re friend of me
The very first1001 album!! What a great cover! It must be worth a bit these days. I wanted to listen to this while we were having lunch, and then while I was making dinner, but forgot. I mentioned on our last Sinatra album, that in my opinion, there were better singers from that era, Dean Martin being the most obvious. Frank, on the other hand had a more human sounding voice that would falter when he kicked it up a notch. The arrangements are nice. I like the way they might sneak in a muted trumpet for the last 10 seconds of a song. It was all so different then, in the pre-singer song writer era. The same bunch of 20-something guys from NYC were cranking out tunes for artists like Frank, with very predictable, safe lyrics, and arrangements that didn’t push the envelope. Anyway, my co-judge and I will replay this over dinner soon.
4/5
I love Frank, but this was just a little depressing.
I love me some Sinatra, so smooth and charismatic. This album definitely set a mood. It wasn't precisely the mood I was in today but I could see enjoying it more under different circumstances.
8/10. 50 minutes is too long to listen to Sinatra for, but this is still pretty good
It was good, definitely can’t escape from Sinatra’s theatrics, which is both good and bad at times. 8/10
9/10
It's Sinatra...
It's a great break up album. Very downbeat but at the same time smooth. It's not Dusty Springfield level heartbreak, but very good nonetheless!
The sunshine yesterday felt inappropriate for this album. Moody and full of mystique, I felt like I needed to be alone at a bar or fireplace at with a martini or scotch in hand. I do think it ran a few tracks too long.
Great. Best Sinatra album I've listened to. Historically, this album is very significant.
I'm a huge fan of Sinatra. But... this is not my favorite of his works. This is nice 'winding down at the end of the day with a glass of scotch' music. It's got its place fo sho, but in the grand Sinatra scheme, it's pretty low on the pole. Still 4 stars.
I don't know the 50s were capable of such powerful music. It's gloomy and heartbreaking, not the kind of happy dance music I'm used to hearing from Sinatra. We've all got to comment on that remarkable album cover, encapsulating the sad introspection this album embodies. Sinatra's somber voice got me through all the songs, regardless of how I feel about the arrangements. But plenty of the arrangements were beautiful, complimenting the intensity and mood, albeit at many times excessive or unoriginal. There were a few recording sessions and you can hear just how different they sound from each other, one more classical while another on the jazzy end. Favorites: In the Wee Small Hours, Mood Indigo, Deep In a Dream, Can't We Be Friends?, I'll Be Around, It Never Entered My Mind, This Love of Mine
Epic
Claaaaaassic
Imagine being the guy making the second ever album and having to follow this up 😨
In the very Swag Hours
These songs would be great in a movie, but listening to an entire album of them gets a bit repetitive.
The encapsulation of what Sinatra represented. Majestic and charismatic. Liked it, not loved it (I am more a Chet Baker guy)
Heerlijk album met die geniale stem
It's Frank. Amazing. 4/5
Elegante
chill
An early concept album that requires a couple listens
Predivno, dosegla sam novu razinu mira s ovim albumom. Jedino nije skroz nešto sta inace slušam pa zato nije 5
Smooth. Romantic songs.
Listened to on 2/2/22 4.5/5 Favorite song: This Love of Mine This album was so easy to listen to and was the perfect accompaniment to a rainy day. Would absolutely listen to again and again
A really solid and beautiful album overall but no standouts to me
2/2/22 Very romantic vibes for an album with a darker sad message. Was a beautiful album and perfect to nap to lol! Favorite song: no clear favorite. Liked it all as a whole. Each song flowed together.
Genrensä parasta mitä oon kuullut. Sopi sunnuntaiajeluun kun haki deitin kyytiin
Started listening to this yesterday, found it nightmarishly horrible and had to switch it off, but I was not in a great place. Picked it up again today and enjoyed it a lot more; despite Sinatra's reputation, there is something heartfelt and sincere about his songs and the way he sings them. I like the way it tells a story as well.
Moraal van het verhaal is dat ik meer Frank Sinatra moet luisteren. Goede nat king cole vibe, love it. Afsluiten met een goede drake bar: “Sinatra lifestyle, i’m just being frank with ya”
mooooi
Pretty much a breakup album.
“Sinatra often mourning lost love and sounding a bit desolate but ultimately hopeful.”
better than I expected, seeing as I Do Not like Frank Sinatra
In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra (1955) Twenty-first century listeners to this collection of 16 tracks from over 65 years ago are invited to consider the concept of the ‘concept album’. Frank Sinatra selected songs for this record (actually two monophonic records when released) that are all about lost love—introspective reflection once a man has realized that it’s all over. But within this overall theme, there is a painstaking ordering and arranging of the tracks that provide rhythm, development, climax, and resolution. We get paradox (in “Glad to Be Unhappy”), irony (Can’t We Be Friends?”, “Last Night When We Were Young”), philosophical musing (“What Is This Thing Called Love?”), and other lyrical devices that tear away at heartstrings. And the songwriters behind these tracks include many deservedly famous names like Ellington, Rodgers, Hart, Carmichael, Porter, and Kahn. But it’s Sinatra who brings it all together. The four songs recorded with a small jazz ensemble—“Glad to Be Unhappy”, “Can’t We Be Friends?”, “I’ll Be Around”, and “Dancing on the Ceiling”—are carefully spaced among the more lush orchestral arrangements, giving the album a sense of breathing or pulsing. The closing track “This Love of Mine” provides resignation, resolution, and catharsis, as love lost is accepted and the artist turns questioningly toward an uncertain future. The beauty of Frank Sinatra’s voice Is on full display. While the mood of these particular songs precludes the bombastic and triumphant timbre evident in many of his later and more popular hits, the mellow and delicate vocal quality he brings to In the Wee Small Hours is fully expressive of a sorrowful, lamenting soul. Brooding, mourning, reflecting, wondering, and praying, he sings his sadness. Nelson Riddle demonstrates his superlative orchestral arranging skills, from steady double bass pulsing to soaring high strings, harp, muted horns, and bright percussion. The only humor on this record is provided by Riddle’s orchestra, as it sometimes seems to say, “Cheer up, Frank. It will be better after you’ve slept it off. Someday you may look back on this and proclaim “I Did It My Way!” With cover art that captures the melancholy, Sinatra’s tie is loosened and his hat is pushed back, abandoning the ‘cool’ and ‘cocky’ look. He stands, pensive and alone in the pre-dawn urban mist, wondering what went wrong with a love that’s now gone. Having just taken his first drag off of a cigarette, he’s now prepared to ponder, and we get to listen in. We feel his disappointment and pain. I suppose calling it quits with Ava Gardner will do that to you. 4/5
Classic Sinatra. Very chill and cool sound.
Winter mood, nice
Some classic songs on here, delivered in Sinatra's classic voice and mode.
241020 17:45 4
Great album and soothing voice. 3.5
First time really listening to Sinatra, and he has the most amazing voice. Perfect easy listening at a lounge. I do find the songs are all very similar, in bpm (~65), mood (relaxed but melancholy), theme (pining after love lost), and Sinatra's own timbre, with really only the subtle instrumental ornamentations really providing differentiation. But, it's truly a winning formula. Highlights: Deep in a dream, Can't we be friends
smooth crooner album
Not heard before. Admired rather than hugely enjoyed.
Really liked this album and his older work… good listen
The last Frank Sinatra album we had was really fun because I hadn't heard it before and it felt like a step out of his comfort zone collabing with someone else. This one I was hoping would be on here because I already created a Frank Sinatra playlist and this CD is on it. Hadn't listened yet, but I am intimately familiar with the title track. Opening this album with it is pure perfection. This song will always give me so much comfort as it was a part of the Sinatra album of greatest hits that I have listened to going to bed since I went to school at John Paul in Plano. This is one of my favorite songs of the bunch because it is so touching and sad while at the same time filled with promise. If you're thinking about them at 3am, they are a special someone. Though, as I listen to this album, I'm starting to reframe that song as most of the songs on this album are sad. All about a guy who can't catch any sleep because he is thinking about his missed opportunities and bad times with love. "I Get Along Without You Very Well" and "Deep in a Dream" both have some sadness to them. Frank is fine being alone, but he doesn't want to be. Overall, I liked this album a ton. Perfect to play late at night when you're about to fall asleep. And an absolute painting of an album cover.
This is the grandfather of all breakup albums
I'm a real sucker for blue rainy crooning like this.
continuing a theme here so far of artists i should listen to more but never really did There is something about this that is somewhat timeless, maybe it is how well regarded he is but also the lyrics deal with topics that everyone has experienced in big or in small parts. "Fools rush in, so here I am Very glad to be unhappy" I Get Along Without You Very Well - "of course" is such a simple song but captures that feeling very well "But I should never think of Spring For that would surely break my heart in two" "Awake or asleep, every memory I'll keep Deep in a dream of you" "The love that you cherish so often may perish And leave you with castles in air" "I saw you there one wonderful day But you took my heart and you threw my heart away" "So I'll be around when he's gone" "I love my ceiling more Since it is a dancing floor Just for my love" "But kings can be wrong" "Since nothing matters, let it break" One of the few albums recently I wasn't slightly itching to finish. Unlike Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music where I thought "Just too many love songs or songs about love more accurately." I could listen to sinatra for another 16 tracks as there is just something about the album or in general his style. I regret not owning an old vinyl for this one, with a cigar and an old fashioned.
his 1st Capital album. brilliant cover.
An album that shows just how amazing Sinatra can be at creating moods with his music. I’ve never heard much of his work outside of songs used in films, but this album has made me a lot more interested in his work.
Very classic. Soothing in every way, especially that familiar velvet voice. Lot of simpy sad boi vibes but I guess that was in vogue then.
Very sad album. Great production though. Enjoyable album overall.
Lush harmonies. Surprising string arrangments. He doesn't trust thw stars and his heart has surely broken in two.
A combination of low, catchy vocals and slow melodic motifs.
Good tunes
Hella old man music but its nice for filling the quiet while doing HW or something.
brt sinatra
Net zoals Ella Fitzgerald heeft dit een air van oude Disneyfilms. Ella was net iets beter, maar dit mag er ook zijn.
class. Just the control of his voice, the arrangements. like a vetriano picture - you can almost hear the raindrops...
easy listening. 4-5
Auf jeden Fall was für (später) Abends, und Vielleicht noch eher im Winter? Würde da spontan auch an Suntory Whisky denken - for relaxing times. Gefällt mir jedenfalls richtig gut, und ja: fantastisch, diese Stimme!!
avoir eu une voix comme c;a je n, aurais jamais travailler chez mittal 4 étoile pour la voix rien pour le style
Really nails that quiet, soft, early morning feel. It’s light, but not exactly lighthearted. Favorite track(s): “Mood Indigo”
good one
This is the music I grew up with, the music that I could never get tired of. My mom, when I was a kid, would play Sinatra all the time, and I never complained. The meaning of the songs have definitely changed since I last listened to this album, but the feel of instruments, and the vocals are just perfect. This is music from a different time, and you feel that when listening, and it takes a hell of a lot to transport a person like that.
Give me melancholy Sinatra over peppy Sinatra 9 times out of 10, please.
There is nothing here that massively stands out, but it is certainly a great representation of Sinatra, with songs that i've never heard before. Sinatra has such amazing talent and he does get some of it across here. But I feel other songs from him are more deserving of the elusive 5 stars.
I love this kind of music hence the 4 star rating, but I can see the possible complaints. There is no variety whatsoever in this album. Every song sounds exactly the same, it just so turns out that I like the sound.
Realize I know very little about Sinatra: it seems from reading this album marked a kind of inflection point of his turning into the Sinatra of my all but unconscious cultural zeitgeist awareness. I realize this is not actually a review but I'm kind of sick of that anyway, it's not like I'm qualified to judge a particular offering even in the context of all Sinatra, let alone all pop, rock, punk, hip hop, some country and some jazz of a 3/4 century... this project is ridiculous.
Classic Chairman of the Board
it's very calm and nice. his voice is very soothing, and it's the kind of music i could fall asleep to or study to. the music gets a but repetitive after a while though, but that's just personal taste.
This was a pleasant surprise. I thought I would find it too jazzy for my taste, since I find standards to be a bit bland at times, but Sinatra has an excellent voice and that did save things.
ahhh frankie sinatra. great to see the avalanches drawing attention to a small artist.
Oldest album on the list!
Not his best but still Frank Sinatra
Everybody knows Sinatra. You know he’s got those golden pipes. This album obviously features them heavily. But I’m surprised I’d never heard any of these songs before. He’s got a ton of famous one’s, and I’m kind of surprised that none are in this album. The main problem with this album is how samey the songs sound. Beautiful voice, placid instrumentals, all kind of at the same dreamy tempo. It was very enjoyable and went down smooth.
Fun to run around Philly and listen to this…
First "true" concept album is pretty neat. I like the album cover art
Frank's got a lovely set up pipes unfortunately the slow mournful vibe of the album not really working for me today (maybe because its sunny).
If you ignore the lyrics, it sounds like a Christmas album. Old-school, chilled music that is a pleasant listen, if a little melancholy. I get the concept of being lonely late at night, but he could have done with having a wank or a line of coke just to get something a bit happier and livelier mixed in, or go to bed and start a fresh in the morning with a couple of happy numbers.
I will never deny the talent that Frank Sinatra had. He is arguably one of the greatest jazz vocalists (and vocalists in general) of all time and changed the way we view the singer's roll in a jazz context. However, compared to some of his peers, I've always viewed him as a bit of a one trick pony and this album only cements that view even more for me. This album is long and very one note. I don't mind slow songs about heartbreak, hell I got chills when I heard the title track, but almost 50 minutes worth of those songs gets boring and forgettable real quick. Not a bad album by any means but I would've liked more variety in the Sinatra album they picked. Why not pick one of his albums with the Basie Band? 3/5
Feels a bit criminal (or bad RNG) that this is our first Frank Sinatra album on this list. Especially considering there are loads of albums from less deserving artists *cough Elvis Costello*. Regardless, I always enjoy me some Sinatra. Always puts me a bit in Christmas spirits. Probably because most Christmas songs are older tunes from that era. I haven't heard enough Sinatra records to judge whether this was his stronger or weaker material, but I liked it. It felt a tad bit long, and starts sounding the same after a while. Think this deserves a strong 3, as I definitely enjoyed this more than many other 3-star records.
It's Frank Sinatra. Pretty one note, but at worst it's great background music for a dinner party. I definitely would've liked a little more range, but he's just so talented. Favorite Songs: Ill Wind, What is This Thing Called Love
I love Frank Sinatra's voice and I equally love the instrumentation on these old albums, but this one unfortunately drags. It maintains the same mood and same message for 16 songs, which was too heavy-handed for me.
It’s nostalgic, but that’s about it. If it isn’t night and I don’t have a bourbon, nah.
3/5 - Worth listening to and understanding Frank Sinatra, and while I have no real concept of the rest of his discography especially from around this era it makes sense that it's on this list.
I like this album a ton. I love Ol' Blue Eyes, and I enjoy lounge music. I like every one of these songs individually. Sadly, I am not sure if listening to these back to back on my headphones at work on a Monday is the best way to listen to this album. However, I can see myself putting this album on after a breakup and connecting with it more. But in this vacuum of this sleepy morning, I'm fighting to stay awake through it and don't think I would ever really listen to it outside of a break up or this 1001 album project.
Blind review.
At first listen, I thought; “a diminutive title for a diminutive album,” but then “I’ll Be Around” smacked me upside the head and I remembered who I was listening to; The Chairman Of The Board, Ol’ Blue Eyes. So, raise a glass of the gods’ nectar to The Voice; the most dapper crooner to have ever walked the Earth.
Great mood setting record. Not enough dynamic range to the album. Sounds like 1 long song.
I get why he has the reputation he does, but it's just not my thing. 3/5
"When you've loved and lost like Frank has, then you know what life's about." Individually the songs are fine. Taken together, they run together. Frank was born in 1915 and was 40 when this came out. Say he had been born in 1986, what kind of music would he be making today? Would he be a modern day lounge singer? Or would he be a pop-star? Or make his mark on Broadway?
Best Song: In the Wee Small Hours To be honest, I'm not really sure why this was chosen out of all the great Sinatra albums. It's ok. There's better Sinatra out there. 3/5.
Mäktigt såklart, men blir lite långsamt och ledsamt i längden.
Classy!
Ok album
Man, Ole Blue Eyes was going through it with this album. The title track is really good, and "Deep in a Dream" is a great love song. He really paints a vivid picture with those lyrics. For a guy who chainsmoked and drank like a fish, Frank Sinatra had an absolutely incredible voice. The vocal control he displays on these slow, lonely tracks is pretty remarkable. But like most of the 1950s and early 1960s traditional pop albums on this list, the production and arrangements just sound so dated. It reminds me of something I would hear on the radio at my grandma's house growing up. Mind you, that was less than 40 years ago, so it wasn't exactly contemporary music even back then. It is a legendary, cohesive concept album for sure, but that old-school, orchestral lounge style makes it a bit too much of a relic for me to listen to again unless I’m up on my feelings and need to sit by myself with nothing but this music and a couple fingers of my favorite bourbon.
Not the type of thing I listen to often but you can't argue with the man's voice. A nice break from some of the other genres thrown up on this list.
To me this isn’t loaded with good tunes..I’m sure there are better albums of old blue eyes..not sure what makes this one more special
Prefer Songs for Swinging Lovers, but this is still very cool. It’s the OG for swing. Time hasn’t dulled it. Solid 3
Lovely Good pick for a Sunday dog walk. Nothing mind blowing but you know what you’re getting. More melancholy than I was expecting though Favourite track: mood indigo
Taká jeho stará klasika. Zatiaľ mám radšej jeho best of albumy.
I love Frank. LOVE. But this record is a snoozer.
50 minutes of wallowing in heartbreak gets old pretty quick.
Francis has a beautiful voice, but this album is too slow, and slushy on a warm day, need something uplifting
Great voice and would probably be a great listen on a winters eve but on a summer's day it just isn't hitting the right spot
Its Christmas! But why is Frank so sad?
He can croon. I just not sure I will decide to put on an album of crooning.
I understand why this album is on the list, but I'm just not really into Sinatra's music. Every song sounded the same to me, and it feels like all his songs should be Christmas songs. I suppose this could play well at a dinner party, but it isn't something I am particularly trying to play again on repeat. At least I can say now that I have listened to a Frank Sinatra album.
Til sidst syntes jeg måske også jeg havde hørt den sang nok, men det meste af tiden syntes jeg faktisk det var rigtig fint. Koncept album agtigt
Would indeed be good the the wee small hours.. in a brown smokey bar with a good conversation.
This is the oldest album on the list. Given my past experiences with Sinatra, I expect this to be a good album. It's not as good as the Jobim collab, as it mostly lacks the energy found there. While I understand that this is a sad album about heartbreak, I still wish for it to be more involving. Pretty much every song sounds identical, and it's a sound that I could live without. It clearly tries to get by on his undeniably great vocals, but mostly fails. Lyrics are exactly what you'd expect them to be(sad lyrics about failed relationships). In 1955, this thematic cohesion was revolutionary. In 2026, it's commonplace, and this album didn't really transcend that enough to get to the point of greatness. So now I beg the list to not give me records meant for upscale restaurants and give me something I actually want to listen to and enjoy myself with.
Of course it’s Sinatra. But if you’ve heard one Sinatra album, haven’t you kind of heard them all?
*I know this is one of, if not, the original concept album, however it goes a little long with the same sound/theme to be fully enjoyable. *Sinatra has a great voice, but I'd prefer him with more up-tempo songs
come on who hurt him (electric boogaloo)
Once I read the review about this being Christmas music it’s all I can hear. Pretty decent though, songs for swinging lovers was far more interesting and varied.
Me esperaba más
Frank Sinatra reminds me of my Grandpa, so there’s always a bit of nostalgia when I listen to him. Sinatra’s voice is so beautiful and soothing, but this album is very samey. It’s a good breakup album if you’re feeling sad and need an outlet.
Not bad, I can relate to some of the songs. 3/5
It was pretty chill. I can see why this isn't his most known work, though. It didn't have strong hooks like some of his hits do. I suspect that it hits different when you have time to pay attention to the lyrics.
A very nice and chill album, something to listen to in the wee small hours perhaps. I imagine a very late night, listening to this album on an old vinyl player, in a dark room, very much a vibe.
Easy listening
One of the earliest albums considered a must-hear by music listeners as a whole is Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, a step up from Frank's more simple and surface level Vocal Jazz into something much more meaningful, iconic, and important in the context of more deep and focused listening. I am honestly not sure when the first concept album was ever created, but I think this is an important album to note as it takes a drastic swing from Frank's typically upbeat personality and switches it out for a much more sad, gloomy, and even yearning persona from the big man. Yes it isn't the greatest sounding project in the world as a lot of the songs can be seen as repetitive, but for an album released in 1955 it still holds a fair amount of relevance today that I think should not be understated. In the Wee Small Hours is for the yearners out there, but don't get too caught up in Sinatra's sappy attire here as this seems to be more of a one-off break-up album that he quickly moved on from in the following years.
Far from bad, but all very same-y
Frank Sinatra is a kind of time machine. When I listen to him, I suddenly find myself in the previous century.
I really like the music. But my interest in Sinatra wanes pretty quickly. I like him, but I like him for 15 minutes at a time, and then I’m good on Sinatra for a while. Unfortunately, this record goes on for like an hour. 6/10
#918. Look, I know we're all supposed to like this, right? But it just wasn't foretold in the prophecy that I could enjoy something like this. I think it's kinda boring, for the most part. 3/5: fuck it
pas son meilleur
Easy listen but only the one headliner song as memorable.
Dumb how back in the day singers hardly wrote their own songs. No wonder so many were just love songs with florid language back then. Not bad though. 3/5
Definitely one of the less-inspiring Sinatra albums. He's a crooner extraordinaire, yet this just feels... smack average.
For what it's worth, Frank Sinatra is an undoubtedly timeless artist, and despite everything his voice was the absolute highlight of the entire album. It's so pleasant to listen to. ...sadly the album itself is a massive drag, and most of it is just covers of other already existing songs. Had anyone else performed it, I'd rate it even lower.
I liked this, but would have loved it if it wasn't 100% sad love songs Best Song: In the Wee Small Hours Rating: 6.5/10 Stars: 3
Frank's here for you whenever you feel like a sad bastard too
It's Frank. Nothing more needs to be said. If it is, he'll breaka your face.
I mean it's Sinatra so it's going to sound iconic no matter what, but it does all sound pretty much the same (girl left me, I'm sad, let croon majestically about it).
Cheer up, Frank - I'm sure you were getting plenty.
I understand Sinatra's appeal; a significant, influential voice, with a signature sound. However, "In The Wee Small Hours" has the same formula running throughout all the songs: a simple chord structure, lyrics about heartbreak, and Sinatra's voice being at the centre. This is not a bad sound, but it gets repetitive, and unlike other singers of similar mood such as Chet Baker, it lacks truly great supporting instrumentation.
2.56
Nice but every song quite similar and indistinguishable, unadulterated crooner music!
Sinatra.
The best times to get drunk, have sex, and masturbate.
Only Frank could say “You’re blowing me no good”
I dunno, man. I know it's a classic, but it leaves me cold. For what it's worth, my daughter loves it, normally a good sign that I am wrong.
It has its moments, but it's very long, especially for an album from 1955
Not a huge Frank fan to begin with and this one was a bit of a snooze fest.
Frank can't do much wrong. The album all kinda sounds same-y and drags on a while, but it's all solid.
These songs sound like the lead in to an old school Disney movie. Frank’s music certainly had a place in time.
Muy lindo :D
I've a huge appreciation for Sinatra and his music. One of my favourite albums ever is Sinatra with Count Basie at The Sands in Vegas, recorded live in the 1960's. This particular album is really nice, but only in the right setting. I'd have to say it's listenable but I probably wouldn't rush to put it on again.
A more subtle Sinatra, I enjoyed it enough, although I prefer his more big band offerings .
Probably slapped in the 50s
Quite good.
Classic crooner, Sinatra had a voice like no one else. Liked Songs Added: In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
I like ol' blue eyes as much as the next person... but an hour? Thats a lot. So I'll say 2.5 - rounding up.
He seems to be a class act, but is he a scoundrel?? Musically it reminds me of an old movie.
This is what you expect
decent but not sure if I'll revisit
I've recently reached the 500th album milestone. To celebrate, the website gave me the oldest album on the 1001 Albums list. I do like a bit of Sinatra sometimes. However, listening to a whole Frank Sinatra album gets repetitive towards the end. Luckily, I managed to like today's album. 3 stars for "In the Wee Small Hours".
The earliest album on this generator (I believe). It's strange to evaluate albums from before the mid-60s, as it's before the "album era". There aren't many albums from the 50s here but of course some early exceptions need to slot in. There's an easy argument to make to include Sinatra. His voice and style remain iconic decades later. As the most well known of the croners, he should be celebrated alongside an unlikely instrument: the microphone. We tend to think of microphones as merely tools to get the sound onto a record, but Sinatra's style wouldn't have been possible without it. By raising the volume of his voice, he was able to sing, sweetly and softly, over the larger than life music that otherwise might have drown it out. It's easy to take it for granted now, but this simple innovation in recording techniques revolutionized recorded music and ultimately led to the wide variety of other genres to come. It wasn't necessarily the genius of anyone in particular, just the tinkering of audio engineers to get the sound just right. But it opened the door for Sinatra and others to make new kinds of music that the world hadn't heard before. It makes it an excellent starting point for this album list. On a personal level, I love the vocals and the history here, but the music itself does get a bit dull after a while. Sinatra never quite embraced the album format as a complete artistic idea, which is a shame. But obviously, he was already big enough that he didn't need to innovate any more than he already had.
Frank Sinatra has a beautiful and classic voice. I am pretty sure I would enjoy it more with different songs. I understand that this album is an important concept album with songs of heartbreak, but it gets a little boring when all the songs are sad and blue. I am looking forward to hear his other albums on the list, and hope they are better.
Described as "one of the first concept albums" -- in theory, an exciting display of artistic vision and consistent theming. In practice, a way for an album from the '50s to have its songs sound extra similar across the tracklist in an era where there already wasn't a lot of variety to offer Maybe that's ideal for a Sinatra album, it is what it is
It sounds pretty much what I expected Sinatra to sound like. Old and classic. The rhyme scheme is interestingly simple. It’s enjoyable and slow, not my favorite thing to listen to, but pretty nice. His voice is quite nice, unsurprisingly
Very pleasant, but needed some variety. It's just a man being sad for an hour.
So this isn't a bad album. I mean, it's Frank Sinatra after all and his voice is timeless. Just these songs are not some of my favorites from him. It is a very melancholy record and just doesn't show the same swagger and fun that some of his other albums do. That said, his voice is strong throughout this and the musicians are great. I just can't see this as being something I would return to often.
Frank doesn't do a lot for me. His song are good, but it's not my preferred genre
I can see the appeal. Sinatra was "cool", and so was this album. So much classic, mid century aspirational imagery here. It isn't the most exciting music, though, and I can't help but find all of the Rat Pack (and most men from that era) a bit gross. That's probably a criticism that could be levelled at most of the men on this list, but it is what it is. I don't feel the vicarious, aspirational feelings that I think this is supposed to evoke.
Probably the beat album of the 50s, I don't like it a massive amount but it's definitely very solid and Frank obviously has a pretty great voice. The instrumentation doesn't really do much for me though.
Det minder mig om julesange. Det er nok det eneste tidspunkt, der er noget, der minder om crooner-musik i rotation. Meget behageligt.
Never listened to a Sinatra album before. Playing this through, I was struck that he could certainly sing, but I didn't find the songs very interesting. So, I read some Wikipedia etc, re the album and Sinatra generally. I had had a strong impression of Sinatra from the cipher character in The Godfather , I feel after more reading that was probably not inaccurate take on the guy at level of character, eg unattractive aspects of Italian-American machismo. What about the album? I saw a comment that it had a broader emotional palette than was commonly 'acceptable' for mainstream men at the time. So there's points of interest, but I don't really want to go back and listen more, but I do recognise some quality in this Sinatra album. So it's Okay (Not Good), 4/10.
Great accompaniment for a famous crooner.
p22. 1953. 3 stars. On the plus side, we have THAT voice, Nelson Riddle's production, and some of the greatest moments from the American Songbook. Set against that are filler and the fact it's single paced - 16 songs of heartbreak is a bit too much for anyone.
Frank was feeling some feelings
molto dolce, lento e triste. mi piace. anche ottimo per addormentarsi devo dire
Italian restaurant feel, classic and slow
I've never been much of Sinatra fan. His voice is beautiful without a doubt. I will not deny his talent, but all of his songs are very much the same. Lots of yearning, bordering on desperation at times, but for the most part kind of romantic in a "dancing in a black and white romance movie" kind of way. I get some decent enjoyment out of it. Just wish it didn't all sound the same.
What a voice that man had
Expected a bit more from the man
It’s a good album, but not on the daily for me. Good record for a chill day on the background or Christmas season.
favorites: in the wee small hours of the morning; i see your face before me; what is this thing called love?
Sad boi 50's crooning. Not the best or most impressive Sinatra album, but still decent music. Kinda hard to believe that one of the biggest sex symbols of his age could pull off an album featuring themes of sadness and depression over how he can't get a gal and get laid.
Man:/, I don't think this is the best that the 50s have to offer. However it IS music!
Previously rated: #568 - Songs For Swingin' Lovers! (4/5) #1,003 - Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (3/5) **************************************************************** Album #1,032 More very well sung sentimental crooner stuff. It's good for certain moods. I only knew the title track going in, though not Sinatra's version, and it's probably the best track here.
A very consistent tone of heartbreak which could easily have dragged, but I found myself more drawn into it as it went on. A more vulnerable Frank without any brashness - I appreciated that
5/10
classic Sinatra & Riddle, althoughone-dimensional, nice songs & arrangements
Pretty much what I expected. An hour of the same jazzy songs with Sinatras smooth voice.
Great voice and vibe. I really liked the titular In the wee small hours, I'll be around, and this love of mine. Everything else was a lil slow for my taste.
Weather a hot cup of coffee on a winter morning or a glass of scotch at the end of a long day - this album apparently needs liquid to go along with it. Here's the thing - after the drink is done, so is all of the fun with this one. I mean what more is there to say - of time/place/feeling - this is untouchable. It is of course, the same song over and over again and doesn't have the same musicianship of pop music that comes later.
My second Sinatra album (first was Songs for Swinging Lovers.) This one seems really melancholic, which I like the idea of, and concept, and all that side of stuff, though the actual songs themselves sadly weren't great. So not great and me being so not interested, resulted in one the relatively rare times where I couldn't tell you what the previous track melody or lyrics consisted of even though I'm listening to just the very next track, though that was only for like 60-70% of the album. Highlight Song/s: "Mood Indigo", "Ill Wind" and "Dancing on the Ceiling"
Amazing voice, an album full of nice songs. Plays nicely in the background for me.
Slow and atmospheric. Charming but mild
The usual orchestral and jazz tinged backings accompany Frank’s almost spoken vocals - remains eternally popular
Überraschenderweise gefällt es mir musikalisch ganz gut, aber leider singt er oftmals über dieselben Themen, wodurch es ziemlich schnell ziemlich langweilig wurde. Hat mich an eine Mischung aus Disney- und Musicalmusik erinnert. Sollte wohl häufiger Jazzmusik hören!
Frank is great but this album isn't. Too slow, too morose, not enough variability.
Great voice and classy but pretty repetitive and too long for that. 3.5
Absolutely deserves to be on the list because of the significance of creating albums. But it's a bit meh and the same. Not bad but nothing noteworthy
Morose from ol' Blue eyes. Surprisingly mopey but somewhat lacking in self reflection. Intimate but shallow with a nice voice. Feels like Christmas even though it is not. No picks, they're all very similar.
I love Frank Sinatra but a whole album of sad boi in one sitting is a bit much.
Oh hey, it's album #0001! I vaguely remember listening to In the Wee Small Hours during my first 1001 Albums attempt, but I guess it didn't leave that much of an impression. By no fault of Mr. Sinatra (who, needless to say, has a great voice), I have a really hard time engaging with this album. The music is so ubiquitous that it's almost like ambient audio to me – completely harmless, pleasant background noise that does a pretty good job filling the silence at a get-together or while doing chores. I guess the main problem is that the more I pay attention to it, the less I feel like I'm getting out of it. The lyrics/music aren't particularly challenging and the songs more or less all sound the same, so giving it your complete and undivided attention is almost doing it a disservice. As a result, I ended up blissfully half-listening to In the Wee Small Hours for the majority of its runtime and letting my ears perk up at the occasional clever line or instrumental solo (the trumpet solo on "Ill Wind" was a highlight all on its own). If I ever listen to it again, it'll probably be in a fashion where I can just soak in its atmosphere and not truly perceive it. I'm sure this was a mindblowing album in 1955 though! Highlights: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, I See Your Face Before Me, Can't We Be Friends, Ill Wind, I'll Never Be the Same
Probably the single best collection of slower and more boozy Frank Sinatra songs.
A collection of timeless melodies of heartbreak. It’s nice, but the blues are better at invoking those feelings in my opinion.
Not My Favorite of his but still great
2.5
3.0
Hard to have an opinion of this really. Sure it's fine, but so bland. Maybe that's just time.
I do love Frank’s voice. But this could’ve been half as long. 3/5
Too long! Too samey! Nice music, but I don't think I ever need to listen to a whole album of Frank again. Some of these songs are very good, and could be highly romantic in the right context. That context is not surrounded by other equally dramatic romantic songs
Fine
Pleasant enough as background, but nothing more. 2.5
Omertà
Fine but was thinking there'd be a few more of his well known songs
It’s alright but a bit samey and very maudlin. Cheer up Frank!
Favourite Songs: Mood Indigo
I actually listened to this in the wee small hours one day to give it the best shot it could have and I remain full of respect, but still didn’t turn the corner on loving Sinatra.
I dunno, I used to like some Sinatra but I don't think this is the Sinatra I used to like. Harmless, though.
3.5/5 Really great but repetitive
tony soprano mode
gorgeous voice, overlong record.
solid listenable
I do kinda feel like Frank Sinatra is just Hallmark Chet Baker. Almost too saccharine.
Close your eyes and clear your mind. Now picture Frank Sinatra. And add in what he sounds like singing. That is this album. Vintage Sinatra.
Though Sinatra's voice is still pleasant as always, the instrumentals this time didn't vary as much and didn't particularly age well, nor did they vary enough for me personally.
This is 50s sad boi music. Hard not to listen to Sinatra and hear Christmas/wintery vibes music.
Mellow Sinatra, beautiful and moving but all of the songs sounded the same, so it was a little dull
It's Sinatra. Great singer.
Not my usual sort of thing, but he does what he does very well, and I found this quite moving despite it feeling a bit sentimental at first. Some dreadful rhymes though.
Good
Didn't realize Sinatra was making concept albums back in the 50s... It's really good but definitely quite long for what it is. Instrumentals and vocals are all very smooth and it's a very easy listen if not super compelling throughout.
Understand that this is a seminal album, and the skill behind it - but Sinatra, like golf, isn't really my thing.
More of a song artist for me
Old Blue Eyes is rather sad on this one. Good to listen to on a rainy day but every song sounds the same rye deeper you go into the album.
Soothing, repetitive, sad early concept album. Musical sleeping pill for sad boys.
Standouts - But all of these sound the same In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Lovely smooth voice, sounds like Christmas. Unfortunately there are way too many songs that all sound the same
I assumed this would be one of the earlier "Frank" albums, but somehow was his NINTH already. Distinctive voice that undoubtedly changed what was to come, but hard to love an entire album of it.
Relaxing and smooth, but not really exciting. Definitely sets a mood!
6 Frank don’t do it for me