In the Wee Small Hours [Remaster] by Frank Sinatra (CD, May-1998, EMI-Capitol Entertainment Prop.)

To say this is timeless is an understatement. This is the very best collection of songs of unrequited love done by anyone ever. Period. All the songs are recognized as standards now, but as to be expected, Frank Sinatra sort of rediscoverd many of them, and re-did them first and best. Throughout his career he'd pick the pearls from a failed theatre production, or hear a song and know how it should be done, and then do it. Nelson Riddle's arrangements are beautiful and somewhat understated-the perfect backdrop for a quiet and introspective listening experience, and Sinatra's near perfect vocals make this a must have. I believe the sonics on the earlier cd (from about 1989 I think) edition are better than the remaster done on the reissued concepts box set. Whoever did the remastering on the concepts ressue circa 1998 or 2000 got a bit too ambitious with the noise reduction. The subtle high end character suffers for it, but if you're not intimately familiar with this recording you probably wouldn't notice any of that. It certainly sounds clean and amazingly good otherwise. It's a 1955 recording but you'd swear it was done last year! There is a review here that expresses disappointment-frankly that's astonishing. The performances and the cover are recognized as among the best of the genre. The cover art is famous and is very much like an Edward Hopper scene-for anyone familiar with his works. Buy it and sit back. As you take it in you'll be taken away, as Frank makes you think he's singing for only you!

This CD was touted in the NY Times as the best Sinatra recording of his career. I found it to be perhaps the worst. From the amateurish painting on the jewel box cover to the selection of songs and lyrics I was terribly disappointed.

frank in his prime, each tune masterfully arranged, combined with superb orchestration, and of course francis' impeccable phrasing, makes this a super enjoyable blast from the past. highly recommended. if u r over fifty and spending quality time with a member of the opposite sex, u just might get lucky with this cd playing....