One would be hard pressed to find a person who hasn’t heard of Frank Sinatra, fan or not. Sinatra was one of the most popular singers in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, leading the swing and easy-listening movement that produced other sensations like Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. The fact that Sinatra’s music has been re-released nearly 70 years after his rise to stardom is an obvious testament to his music’s longevity.
“Sinatra, With Love” is a compilation of his most romantic songs, a perfect collection for those who enjoy Sinatra’s timeless passion and irresistible charm. Old favorites make a welcome return, while lesser-known tracks fit in well with more popular songs.
The track list itself is well-rounded, with obligatory favorites such as “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Love Looks So Well On You” making an appearance, as well as deep cuts like “(Love Is) The Tender Trap” and “It Could Happen To You.” No matter which song you choose, though, the engineering quality is consistently excellent thanks to attentive remastering. Sinatra’s rich, unmistakable baritone shines through each track, and instrumental accompaniment is appropriately dynamic.
These tracks still eerily echo the time in which they were created, but the first-rate sound quality of modern day is present. It is an excellent mix, considering the age of most of these songs. One can’t help but feel transported to Sinatra’s time when listening; this is a sensation not often felt with older music.
Those who aren’t familiar with Sinatra’s work will find “Sinatra, With Love” enjoyable, provided they like older music. Those who appreciate upbeat pieces will like “Something’s Gotta Give,” a fast, instrumentally driven song about opposable lovers. “The Way You Look Tonight,” Sinatra’s arguably most popular song, also fits this category. This song in particular is the quintessential Sinatra piece. Any new listener will likely fall for Sinatra’s style because of this hit.
For those who enjoy slower, easy-listening songs, “Moonlight Becomes You” and “It Had To Be You” feature Sinatra at his lyrical best; instrumentation is at minimum, spotlighting Sinatra’s impeccable presence and mysterious authority. Other songs, like “I Love You,” “My Foolish Heart” and “Nice ‘N’ Easy” are comfortable middle-ground tracks, offering a punchy rhythm section and Sinatra’s signature gentleness and appeal. Overall, the 16-track set is diverse, offering an excellent sample of Sinatra’s lengthy career.
Sinatra die-hards will have no problem picking up his pleasing re-release. The track listing is satisfactory, and the focus on romantic music helps Sinatra’s vocals shine. Those who are looking for an introduction to the Chairman of the Board, or those who value any good romantic night in, will find “Sinatra, With Love” a suitable, pleasant experience. In a time when swing, easy listening and other oldie music are becoming more and more forgotten, it is comforting to see some of these artists getting renewed attention through re-releases such as “Sinatra, With Love.” While there can’t be anything inherently wrong with a compilation re-release, “Sinatra, With Love” goes the extra mile to please amateurs and die-hards through a dedicated track list and excellent technical detail.