NRR Project: 'Songs for Young Lovers' (Nov. 3-5, 1953)

 

NRR Project: “Songs for Young Lovers”

Performed by Frank Sinatra

Recorded Nov. 5-8, 1953

21:36

It was Sinatra’s first album for Capitol Records. His life at the time, professionally and personally, was terrible. But he turned things around, sadder but wiser now, in soul and in voice, gifted with a throbbing intensity that did not hamper his capable expression of understated woe. His technique was perfected. He swung. He had just finished filming From Here to Eternity, for which his performance would earn an Oscar. He was reviving his reputation and career.

This is a gem. It’s said to be the first pop music theme album made. The eight songs on the album are thematically related, instead of just being another collection of hits. All eight songs but one were arranged by George Siravo, with the orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle. As it turns out, Riddle was assumed to be the arranging genius behind the album (he arranged only one of the eight tunes, “Like Someone in Love”), which embittered Siravo.

You should read about it here from James Kaplan at the National Recording Registry. He gives you all the details of the legendary singer’s life as well as an apt analysis of the work itself!

Sinatra here is the master singer. Rigorously, he includes all the introductory passages to these great ballads, conveying context and emotion effortlessly. He serves the song, always, and that ardent commitment somehow raises him to a higher level. He nails the essence of each song, and does so beautifully. He’s the essence of cool.

Was this an apogee for him? Many would nominate his subsequent album In the Wee Small Hours (1955) for that title. Its bleak depths are cited by musicians and critics much more frequently as being an influence. Both albums are remarkable. Sinatra was articulating the zeitgeist; for all his faults, Frankie was singing for all of us.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: Ruth Draper’s monologues.