Frank Sinatra – Close To You

Frank Sinatra – Close To You

A beautifully understated entry in Frank Sinatra's celebrated Capitol Records catalogue, Close To You finds the legendary vocalist exploring the more intimate, reflective side of his repertoire. Originally released in 1957, the album pairs Sinatra with the elegant arrangements of Nelson Riddle and the refined chamber sound of the Hollywood String Quartet, creating a distinctive blend of traditional pop, vocal jazz and orchestral sophistication.

Recorded across sessions in 1956, the album takes a different approach from Sinatra's more familiar big-band and swing recordings. Rather than relying on driving brass arrangements, Close To You places the emphasis on delicate strings, subtle orchestration and the emotional nuance of Sinatra's phrasing. Riddle's arrangements provide a rich but restrained backdrop, allowing the singer's remarkable control, timing and interpretative skill to come to the fore.

The song selection is a collection of carefully chosen standards and lesser-known gems. 'P.S. I Love You' and 'Everything Happens To Me' showcase Sinatra's ability to bring warmth and vulnerability to a lyric, while 'It's Easy To Remember' and 'Blame It On My Youth' are particularly fine examples of his intimate ballad style. The title track, 'Close To You', sets the tone with its gentle orchestral setting, while 'The End Of A Love Affair' provides a beautifully expressive conclusion.

The presence of the Hollywood String Quartet gives the album a distinctive character within Sinatra's 1950s recordings, bringing a chamber-music sensibility to a collection of classic American popular songs. It is an excellent showcase for the close relationship between singer and arranger, and for the subtle artistry that made Sinatra such an enduring interpreter of the Great American Songbook.

A rewarding listen for fans of classic vocal jazz, traditional pop, orchestral ballads and the golden age of Capitol Records, Close To You is an elegant and thoughtful Sinatra album that deserves a place alongside his best-known recordings.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Close To You

2. P.S. I Love You

3. Love Locked Out

4. Everything Happens To Me

5. It's Easy To Remember

6. Don't Like Goodbyes

Side B

1. With Every Breath I Take

2. Blame It On My Youth

3. It Could Happen To You

4. I've Had My Moments

5. I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night

6. The End Of A Love Affair