Songs For Swingin' Lovers!

Every song on this album sounded the same, it barely registered to me where one song ended and the next began. Good news is, all of these "different" songs were pretty pleasant, and I honestly can't say anything bad about it. Whatever I was doing while I was listening to this album was just a little but more enjoyable for it.

I'm not a swingin' lover. I'm an underachieving college student.

Sinatra never sounded better than on this glorious collection of love songs, featuring music beautifully arranged by the peerless Nelson Riddle. It stands as an example of that shining optimism in American popular culture during the 1950s, a confidence and swagger which came from ruling the world in the post war years. Here was Sinatra, coming from rags to riches, handsome as they come, Oscar winning actor and incredible singer, the finest interpreter of popular music and American standards the century ever saw (although maybe Ella would have something to say about that). The future surely never sounded as bright with this album in the background. Here was lyrical romance for the average Joe and Jane, songs comparing love to regular coffee and tea - not high falutin' poetry of mountains and valleys and skies - everyday life, your life and my life, but sounding so sweet in Sinatra's smooth swing voice. The story of the album's finest moment - I've Got You Under My Skin - shows what great art comes from adversity. Sinatra was due to fly to Palm Springs but the music label head, excited by the pre-orders for the album granted the album an extended length, which meant recording three more songs in a hurry before Sinatra disappeared. Calling up Riddle late at night, Sinatra suggested three tunes to try and so Riddle, still feeling an eagerness to please Frank, despite a collaboration of a few years' standing, ferociously works through the night to come up with arrangements for the recording session the next day. Still scribbling in the cab on the way to the studio the next morning on virtually no sleep, Riddle delivers the manuscript to the orchestra who work through the first and second before arriving at I've Got You Under My Skin. Legend has it the band upon playing it through, applauded Riddle for the arrangement (no mean feat impressing cynical, world weary musicians such as these). Sinatra was so keen to get it right that take after take was recorded. The trombone player, Milt Bernhart, whose incredible solo plays during the middle eighth, following the almighty crescendo from the horn section, knowing Sinatra rarely goes beyond four or five takes, saved all his good stuff for the first few recordings. Knowing something special is here, though, and Frank keeps pushing to go again. Exhausted around take ten Bernhart is seething when the booth tell him they can't pick him up on mic clearly enough - could he get closer? Not able to grow in height and saying so, who should be so determined to get it right but there is Sinatra, rolling up his sleeves, fetching a box for Bernhart to stand on. Ahead of take 22, Bernhart is sweating, unsure if he's got another in him. But push on he does and there, there goes the take, the pure magic, with Sinatra batting back everything thrown at him in that final, verse of unalloyed joy. Magic happened that day and we get to enjoy it still to this day. Songs for Swingin' Lovers. One of the greatest achievements of the 20th century.

There's something to be said for an album that just seems to be done so care-free, so effortlessly. I know the band and everyone worked hard on this record, but it doesn't sound that way. And that, right there, is true professionalism. Making something challenging look easy. I don't know if I would have appreciated this album as much if I hadn't played an instrument. But wow, this stuff is great. And it's 65 years old, and it doesn't sound it. Great stuff.

How can you not like some Frank Sinatra. Easy to listen to and sort of comforting. Only complaint is it seemed like one 45 minute song. 3

Man, this album is just classic. I miss the days when 3-minute songs were the norm. Hit 'em hard and leave 'em wanting more seems to be the Sinatra formula and damn if it doesn't work. Just super enjoyable.

Start spreadin’ the news… …this record is lame.

It’s Sinatra. No pressure pop/jazz. Non offensive. Fine but not interesting

When I was a teenager I used to dismiss Frank's music as the stuff old people listen to and never really gave it a listen. Boy was I wrong. This stuff is timeless and I could listen to it all day. I love Frank's voice, the arrangements are amazing and both create a great vibe that just stays with you long after the album is over. I was listening to this on the way to work a few days ago and found myself humming the tunes throughout the whole day.

It's a great album through and through, for Frank Sinatra's sound. I just have to admit that I really only like him in smaller doses than this. half an album's worth is fun, an entire album of these crooners blends together for me.

Shite.

Frank Sinatra really can sing. I wish he fucking wouldn't, though. Boring bollocks.

A lot of these songs don't originate with Sinatra, so why is this album a must listen? Nelson Riddle. He's one of, if not the best oranger in the American Popular Songbook. Entire papers and documentaries have been created on what he did with I've Got You Under My Skin - one of my favorite Sinatra songs for the very reason Nelson Riddle is amazing. The trombone transition at the end of the song merits this album the full five stars it deserves, the same material in the hands of any other combo of arranger/singer would yield more Michael Bublé oatmeal.

it’s good. i just don’t really like it. 2.5

As if Sinatra wasn't already destined for a 1* again already, he's decided to make a song called "making whoopee", which appears to be saying don't shag your wife on your wedding night else you'll have kids(?). Let this man's music die goddammit.

Excellent album. It came out when my Dad was still young. It makes me think of my grandparents hanging out with some friends and playing some Sinatra on their record player. Happy Vibes.

I haven't been writing that many reviews, because I'm pretty crap at it. But doing it might lend more meaning to this whole project. I have already listened to over 700 albums so might be weird starting with reviews now, but better late than ever. Apparently this album comes directly after the legendary album In the Wee Small Hours. And seen as a companion to its bluer, mellower predecessor, Songs for Swingin' Lovers! is also a cohesive (for it's time) listening experience, albeit more... um... swingin'. From the first trumpet fanfares and the Sinatra's first crooning lines of "you make me feel so young, you make me feel so Spring has sprung" to the fading lines of "I like it, how about you?" before the last easy going chord, the album is filled to the brim with smooth and happy melodies that sets at least me in a good mood. Almost 70 years removed from the album's release the nostalgia factor is of course extreme, and I guess it's up to each and anyone if that's good or bad. I don't have much else to say for now, but coupling this album together with In the Wee Small Hours is a great double entry into Frank Sinatra's music, to get what he's all about, and discover why he's such a legendary artist.

The album's title predated the term "swinging" in the sense of partner-swapping sex by 8 years, inadvertently creating a pun on top of the original pun (whereby swinging could refer to either the genre of swing as well as the original innocent meaning of swinging; i.e., to have a good time).

I've always enjoyed Frank Sinatra's voice. Its smooth, it croons, and it can really set a mood. But if I'm going to rate a musician I'd like them to actually create some of the music. Don't get me wrong he is a fantastic singer, but he didn't write these songs or play on them, so no matter how deep I fall into those ol' blue eyes I still got to say this one was a middling effort.

I mean. I don't know. This stuff just feels like a gift shop full of plastic. I also have zero frame of reference for how folks were able to get away with stuff that was just so corny and syrupy. Corn syrup actually feels like a good analog. I wonder how many musicians on this list would consider what they do an "act" -- I find myself getting worked up haha. Chill! Ok ok. Idk, my gut says 2 stars.

Un disco fresquito, ideal para escuchar mientras cortas el pasto o preparás una comida rica.

I mean, something about Frank is really comforting in a weird way? Like warm and fuzzy even when he’s singing about weird stuff like Makin Whoopee. Like Aretha, I find it interesting that it was so common to just re-record the same songs onto albums. I don’t necessarily see it as a negative, just a product of the time. It does look like some lyrics were changed though. My lizard brain wants to rate this a 5, but I think I’ll actually go with a 4.

Peak Sinatra. Nice enough spoken word pop/jazz. Not offensive in any way and nice background music with no discernible differences between the songs. Its fine but its not mind blowing or life changing. In fact its pretty dull. 2/5

What a man! What a voice! Soothing, gorgeous and fancy. What a great listen

So smooth! Nice and easy Chairman Frank. Soothing.

How could I give this icon less than 5 stars? I fell in love for the first time while listening to “Under My Skin.”

I really dig this record. Frank Sinatra at the height of his powers, with some really great arrangements from Nelson Riddle. Classic uptempo numbers from the great American songbook, sung with such confidence. This is such a great, breezy listen of classic songs sung by one the greatest interpreters over one of the great bands. These are the reference versions of these standards. I initially wanted to give this four stars, but I think I just talked myself into five stars. And, truth be told, if I put on a Sinatra album, it is always this or In the Wee Small Hours (if I want ballads). "How About You?" is playing as I write this review, and it genuinely provokes a smile. Can't ask for better than that.

Iconic voice! A beautiful set of songs. Nice easy listening. Big band to soft flute. Simple lovey songs that are great on a fall afternoon with a cup of tea.

Peak Sinatra and as smooth as silk from start to finish. It's easy to see how this music and Frank himself became something of a lifestyle brand for a few decades--idealized romance and class.

Probably my favorite album that's been on the list so far. I love Frank Sinatra, and it really kept me together during a long day.

A classic. Love Frank Sinatra.

On the late ‘90s/ early 00’s I went through a Rat Pack phase where I was nonstop vocal jazz extending from Dean Martin to Nora Jones. Prominent among them was Frank. The song that drug me into this era was “Under My Skin”, which I still love today. A coworker once told me that Frank wasn’t that great of vocalist and was far overrated. Over the years I realized I don’t disagree about the first part. He wasn’t the best singer. However, he emotes a certain swagger in his music that lent to its authenticity. Sure some of music is campy, (eg, You Make Me Feel So Young), but it was also 1956! Most things were campy. I enjoyed listening to this for a variety of reasons including the music. Most of all, I enjoyed the memories of that curious time in my life dancing to these songs in my own living room with whomever was the date of the day or prepping to head to the martini bar. I can only imagine the feeling this evoked for the generations who listened to this new.

Back to back to back great albums. Franks more gangster than most rappers nowadays with his mob ties. Love is here to stay I already knew and frothed but hadn’t listened to the full album, You’ll find me bumping his Xmas album come December

Frank at his peak. Technically perfect and probably the best collection of songs he ever put out. Maybe a couple of skippable tracks, but overall this is pretty excellent. Fave Songs: I've Got You Under My Skin, Love Is Here to Stay, You Make Me Feel So Young, Pennies from Heaven, You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me

Majestic! I know it is dumb to admit it, but subconsciously Sinatra’s music takes me to a peaceful place. It makes me feel protected and optimistic. It’s like being a child… being a child watching the Looney Tunes in a Saturday morning. I think it’s maybe because reminds me of my dad…

Ver Nice!-In my best Borat voice

Surprised by how many of these songs I recognized. Shows how important this album is culturally. Enjoyed it more than I thought, would be nice to have on in the background when trying to feel fancy. Also enjoyed the different turns of phrase that existed 70 years ago

El balance entre lo grave y lo agudo, la cantidad perfecta de volumen y la aparente falta de esfuerzo para cantar no me dejan más que disfrutar siempre la voz de Sinatra. Gran instrumentación y supongo que buenas letras (porque, como de costumbre, no le puse atención a las letras), el único problema para mí sería la falta de variedad en el disco que, por más que la voz es deleitable, termina por aburrirme.

No. 256/1001 You Make Me Feel So Young 4/5 It Happend In Monterey 4/5 You're Getting To Be A Habit 3/5 You Brought A New Kind of Love to Me 3/5 Too Marvelous For Words 3/5 Old Devil Moon 3/5 Pennies From Heaven 3/5 Love Is Here To Stay 3/5 I've Got You Under My Skin 3/5 I Thought About You 3/5 We'll Be Together Again 3/5 Makin' Whoopee 3/5 Swingin' Down The Lane 3/5 Anything Goes 3/5 How About You? 3/5 Average: 3,13 Pleasant to listen to. But every song basically sounds the same.

Not my style but pleasant enough. Not a fan of swing in general. Surprisingly sexual, though.

Technically very proficient, but lacking that indefinable something that changes "Muzak" into "art". Pleasant enough, but very very old fashioned and doesn't really help explain his reputation. I did like it (honest!), I just struggle to see how anyone could properly love it.

Sinatra couldn't sing a song bad if he'd try. It's not that every song he sings is great, it's just that the formula consisting of his vocal style of swing instrumentation sounds great. I could listen to Sinatra for hours. One of the most accessible and easy-listening traditional pop albums out there. However, only few of his songs have more substance than the jazzy sound and great voice. On one hand, we have very consistent efforts that makes for a pleasing experience, yet most of the tracks are soulless and yet to be inspired.

Un album sans surprise aucune de la part de notre antiquité musicale préférée.

This was an interesting experience. It's not just that so many of these songs are standard, but it's when they are sung in a Sinatra-esque fashion - and that casts a long shadow, retrospectively. Despite the name, the collection of songs feels quite tame, the marital drama of \"Makin Whoopee\" being a throwback to the time before middle-class contraception. I'm not sure if this is one of those highly influential albums, or if it's just representative of a bangin' pop album of its era. I think the familiarity of every darn track made it hard to engage. It's more like the sort of album that Auntie Pam has playing in the background while she makes the finishing touches to her cocktail evening preparation.

It's hard to separate the music from the image (and admittedly hard to get Joe Piscopo's and Phil Hartman's Frank Sinatra characitures out of my head whenever I hear Frank sing, as well as the Johnny Fontane character in the Godfather movies), so I really tried to clear my mind of all the cultural stuff and just listen. I still like the music -- that era's swing-jazz-pop music is a lot of fun -- although I found from listening to it again, really focusing on the music, without all the Sinatra image stuff in it, it's just okay. There are artists from that era I like better. It doesn't really matter because there's no satisfying answer to the artist v. art question, but I'm glad I pushed myself to listen to it that way. Given this album and artist's massive appeal and popularity, makes sense it's on this list.

Sounds like Frank Sinatra, exactly what you'd expect. If you already like Sinatra, you'll like this.

Cool mais un peu redondant

Feel good album by the legend himself. Buble go home.

When he said forget, it sounded a lot like baguette. 5/10, neat but not for me

*Swoon*, this cat sure knows how to swing. Jazz standards never fail to satisfy. But the album feels safe and clean, a collection of great singles without much of a through line and that's A-okay. Effortlessly cool and Suave as Ol' Blue Eyes. Perfect for a Cocktail party that you just don't want to end, but I'm not sure I'll return to the whole. Just the parts of its sum.

So iconic that it feels like a cliche.

The album starts off with those strong hipster cocktail party vibes that place me in a fancy hotel bar drinking $14 martinis all by my lonesome. Look, Sinatra sings a lot about dumb "I'm so rich and hot and famous" white people shit but I can't help it if I enjoy some big band every now and then. Also, there's literally a song on here called Makin' Whoopee... such simpler times.

An album covering "existing pop standards in a hipper, jazzier fashion". Without having to listened to lots of the previous or subsequent versions, it's hard to say how innovative these arrangements were, but the album certainly feels vital. Even if it's hard to reconcile covers of songs from more than 20 years earlier going toe to toe with Elvis and early rock music, the songs and performances from Sinatra are still evocative of a time and mood. Whether any songs are the definitive versions, this was an enjoyable listen and probably one of the starkest contrasts from the Marshall Mathers LP when the most risqué thing discussed is "Makin' Whoopee"

All credits to Mr Sinatras voice and talents but I do believe I am too young and too cynical for this kind of genre.

He sounds like someone trying to sing to sound cool while simultaneously being too concerned about not being cool doing it. I never got the appeal. I often find that the inflections he puts on phrases don't match what he's singing about. It sounds like it's about him not about the song.

I saw me in my obachan back in the 50s in Mexico City, hearing ‘bout this white dude with woody, velvety voice and just simply don’t understand it. He was something the world needed, but I don’t go for what the word speaks. As an album, is just a bunch of sticky old songs, music so mid ):

Least favourite genre. Came out in a rash just considering listening to it.

I am not a Sinatra fan. He was a capable meh singer, maybe he was a revolution at some point, maybe he helped some performers breakthrough, mostly he was a mediocre vocalist who had some good arrangers, and hella talented players backing him. He was tied to the mob, he was full bluster, and just a shit human being. I do not suffer from a nostalgia for this person. There are better more talented artists to listen to, his daughter is hella more interesting and a good singer in her own right. Fuck Sinatra. I have heard enough and will definitely vote a 1 on this, enough people exist to slobber over this assholes history that 1 person not liking him will be fine.

Apologies to the aficionados, but once you’ve heard the first track you’ve heard them all. I don’t think an algorithm to generate new Frank Sinatra songs would be very complex at all.

I thought Frankie was way ahead of the curve and pushing boundaries with a title like Swingin’ lovers! But unfortunately not, it was just boring Vegas type tunes for Grandpa. I’ve never understood his appeal and I guess I never will

no. goddamnit no. I could go an entire lifetime not listening to a single damn sinatra song and be happy as a clam. The band and arrangements are good, but sinatra ruins it with his too-smarmy-for-you vocal texture crooning. These lyrics are ridiculous, see Old Devil Moon

Two albums of love songs in a row. You’d think I’d be done with them after listening to all 69 on the so-titled Magnetic Fields album. But the love songs on this album are all classics, delivered in the best possible way by an excellent vocalist. The arrangements are stellar and timeless, all brass and strings — but tgey’ve aged well. This album can play on repeat at a cocktail party or serve as an enjoyable concentrated listening session on a desert island. A five.

I’m glad to see a Sinatra album on this list. I’ve listened to Sinatra my entire life, but never just sat down with one of his albums or collections. And this one does not disappoint! His smooth vocals and charm are timeless. The music resonates as much today as it ever did and should be in everyone’s list.

Classic

All such classics by the one and only Sinatra. The instrumentation, the arrangements, his delivery all perfection

I’ve loved this album for a very long time and was so happy to see it on this platform! 1000% recommend. It’s Frank and it’s classic!

Great collection of songs from one of the best known crooners.

This was a great Sinatra Album. Fun, jazzy, and swinin!

It's my first time listening to all of Frank Sinatra's album, and I realize now there is a good reason why he has been loved for decades.

Absolutely perfect!

++: You Make Me Feel So Young, It Happened in Monterey, You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me, You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me, Too Marvelous for Words, Old Devil Moon, Pennies from Heaven, Love Is Here to Stay, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Thought About You, Makin' Whoopee, Swingin' Down the Lane, Anything Goes, How About You? +: We'll Be Together Again 9,9/10

Ah, Frank. What can you say about Ol' Blue Eyes? It is Frankie's world and we get to live in it and enjoy his music. This album is a great example of why he earned the nicknames "King of Swing" and "The Sultan of Swing". Put it on your rotation, you won't regret it.

I’m sliding over the dance floor with my gal and this Sinatra classic is playing

Sinatra was the epitome of cool in the 50's and this album could be the soundtrack to that ethos of the time. The arrangements by Nelson Riddle were impeccable and the perfect foundation for Sinatra's great voice and phrasing. A classic!

Je connaissais un peu, première fois que j’écoutais un album entier. J’ai adoré, très comédia del Arte donc j’avais l’impression d’être dans un film tout le long

In 1955, Frank Sinatra poured his heartbreak over Ava Gardner into In the Wee Small Hours — an album so cohesive it’s often cited as the first true “concept album.” It’s a masterpiece, but a monochrome one: an extended sigh in blue, all midnight gloom and lonely cigarettes. A year later, he re-emerged — libido restored, swagger back — with Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!, and it’s like someone threw open the curtains. The joy in this record is infectious. Nelson Riddle’s arrangements shimmer with effortless grace, and Sinatra sounds untouchable, completely at home in this universe of winks, charm, and brass. Sinatra may not have had the prettiest voice in the technical sense — Stuart Staples of Tindersticks, say, has a richer baritone — but no one has ever phrased like Frank. His performance on “Old Devil Moon” is jaw-dropping: the way he bends and dances around the melody is as free and daring as Charlie Parker on sax. He doesn’t so much sing the songs as play them, using language the way a jazz soloist uses notes. Cole Porter’s sly wit is tailor-made for him — “Anything Goes” practically purrs — and even the ancient chestnut “Makin’ Whoopee” becomes deliciously risqué in his hands. (Ava Gardner, after all, once quipped that of Sinatra’s 119 pounds, nineteen were... well, censored.) It’s an album that radiates pleasure — sophisticated, a little naughty, endlessly listenable. Maybe it’s a touch too smooth to be perfect, but honestly, who cares? Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! is pure joy on vinyl — a tonic for melancholy, a reminder that charm, when done right, is its own kind of genius.

Jazz? Sure. Tell me you don't know how to categorize a legend without saying you don't know. And Frank is a legend, and this is a really great Sinatra album. No notes. Influence 5. Hits 5. Quality 5. Love it.

Classic! His voice is like butter! His music always reminds me of my grandparents.

Swell stuff

Wow, the hits on this album! I don't think I've ever listened to a Frank Sinatra album in it's entirety, but if there was just one, this is it, no skips here. I think he really does well with the swing/big band genre. I loved the Bossa Nova stuff from the previous album I heard, but swing is definitely his wheelhouse. I didn't realize this album had so many great songs, but it is on my playlists now.

Culturally impactful and unmistakeable vocals by Sinatra

Classic Sinatra. Great album.

Sinatra and his swoon-worthy, sexy voice is superb. So many great classics on this album.

By the mid-1950s, Frank Sinatra was back on top of both his game and the charts, bringing the lie to F, Scott Fitzgerald’s credo that “There are no second acts in American lives.” Regrouping with Nelson Riddle late in 1955, Sinatra mapped out a record with avery different flavor. What emerged from these sessions, held a month after Sinatra’s 40th birthday, was day following night. Next to In The Wee Small Hours’ scotch-soaked, 2 a.m. atmospherics, the euphoric Songs For Swingin’ Lovers! is a sunny summer afternoon walk in the park, positively skipping with joie de vivre. Sinatra never sounded more at ease, breezing giddily around “You Make Me Feel So Young,” delivering “How About You?” as though it is one long marriage proposal, and practically winking his way through “Makin’ Whoopee.” But it would all be wasted without Riddle’s glorious scoring. Legend has it that his unsurpassable arrangement for “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” hurriedly completed the night before the session, was greeted with spontaneous applause by the musicians who played it on January 12, 1956. The resulting album is the closest any artist has come to defining the Great American Songbook. However, keen-eyed students of pop music may also notice the symmetry in the 15-cut, 45-minute track listing. Truly, the art of the three-minute pop song begins and ends here.

Man what a vibe. These are all bangers.

5 stahs

SO fun and Jazzy with a bunch of new songs I never heard by Frank

It's so nice to listen to a great singer with a great big band playing great arrangements singing about love.

Frank is the GOAT! Enough said!

Fantastic and heartfelt throughout. A wonderful expression of love in so many fun and iconic songs, absolutely something for anyone to enjoy. Some of Sinatra's best work, with great performances from him and his backing band

The work of Ol’ Blue Eyes is about as American as apple pie, baseball, hot dogs, and voting for fascists.

Heartstrings invariably tether with another’s in proximity to this classic crooner’s most classic croons.

It’s Frank, Chairman of the Board at his best

- Macht sehr gute Laune - Würde ich wahrscheinlich nochmal hören aber eher für den Hintergrund und nicht aktiv - Ist schwierig einen Topsong zu finden, da alles gut klingt und einfach gute Laune macht - Klingt alles leicht ähnlich Topsong: Pennies from Heaven

I love standards and I have performed many of these songs before. There are many misogynistic undertones but that maybe adds to its charm. this was certainly a moment in time.

Loved it and the big band sound

Excellent album!! Classic Sinatra. Smooth, clean and fresh. Could listen to this music for hours.

"Five Stars... songs from the great American songbook... done by Francis Albert... in 1956... "I've Got You Under My Skin", "You Make Me Feel So Young, and one of my all time faves, Jimmy Van Hueusen and Johnny Mercer's "I Thought About You"... you get the idea... the thing that amazes me, a singer myself, is the effortless way ol' blue eyes has an underlying vibrato all throughout his singing... high and low... and yet, it's so subtle, that you hardly notice it's going on... making him sound simultaneously like a trained artist, and an every man... amazing... like a bridge between Caruso and Dylan... not to mention his flawless phrasing... and the impact of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra... did i say Five stars already? yep..."

Brilliant songs—and definitive versions of them. Adult and sexy. Swoon.

Commuting to this soundtrack makes life a movie