I have recently become interested in exploring vocal pop standards but it’s an overwhelming category of music. I’d like to start with Sinatra and branch out from there. He has a huge catalog- any recommendations on where a newbie should start?
I would suggest “Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely.” Sinatra’s voice still had much of its astonishing youthful pureness, and the emotions he conveys and the feelings he creates with his voice will transport you into another world.
Then I’d recommend several of his greatest hits albums with all the well-known standards, starting with the ones you recognize the most.
Then you can go to work accumulating the rest of his oeuvre. You won’t be sorry.
In the Wee Small Hours (1954)
Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! (1955)
Come Fly With Me (1957)
A Swingin’ Affair! (1957)
Where Are You (1957)
Come Dance With Me! (1958)
Pick only one? Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!
Of the Sinatra compilations: The Very Best of Frank Sinatra, a two-disc collection with forty songs.
I’d go with a compilation as well. The Capital compilations cover his earlier years, and the Reprise collections encompass his later career.
Am an mp3 junkie, so not sure about albums, but make sure you hear his rendition of ‘More’. Might partly be nostalgic value for me, but it’s probably my favorite song.
Anything he did with Nelson Riddle.