Artist: Frank Sinatra Album: In the Wee Small Hours

Year: 1955
Duration: 50:00

A Critical Review of the Album: In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, the legendary artist was known for his amazing voice and effortless style that revolutionized the music industry for generations to come. Among all his albums, 'In the Wee Small Hours' stands tall as an iconic album that defined the concept of an album and how it should be arranged and presented. This album remains one of the best works of Frank Sinatra and even till this day, it leaves a profound impression on music lovers. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the album, the genre and style, the best tracks, the innovative elements that made it stand out, and a critique of its musical elements.

The album, 'In the Wee Small Hours' was released in 1955 by Frank Sinatra, as a collection of 16 tracks in a beautiful blend of melancholy and heartbreak, evoking intense emotions in listeners. It was the first concept album of its time which included tapes from different sessions with different instrumentation and tempos, which gave each song a unique feel. The genre of the album was a blend of jazz and pop ballads that provided a new level of intimacy and emotion for listeners. Frank Sinatra continues to be known as the King of Cool because of his impeccable style, and this album showcases his distinctive style reflected through the music.

The album has many amazing tracks, including In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Mood Indigo, and I Get Along Without You Very Well. Each track is unique and has its own special quality that draws and moves the listeners in different ways. However, the most significant part of the album is the story that it tells. It's a story of heartbreak, love, and longing. Sinatra's voice shows raw emotion, vulnerability, and a longing for something more. The emotions poured into each track are so palpable that they create a connection with the listeners that is hard to forget even after years.

The innovative elements introduced in this album are unique. The idea of creating a concept album was a new concept at the time, and it proved to be a game-changer. Sinatra explored the idea of having a sequence of songs that complemented each other, created a storyline, and evoked emotions with listeners. This allowed him to bring listeners into the world of his songs and create a deeper connection with them. The contribution of arranger Nelson Riddle cannot be underestimated, whose grand, innovative arrangements held the whole album together as if it was a dear storybook.

As with any music, there are also some criticisms and critiques in this album. Some critics believe that the album was too melancholic and that Sinatra's voice in this album was too slow and slothful. But for many listeners, that was the reason they fell in love with the album in the first place. It's a balance between critics who hail the album as a masterpiece and critics who have a different opinion.

In conclusion, Frank Sinatra's album, 'In the Wee Small Hours' is a timeless album that remains an impressive milestone of the music industry. Through it, Sinatra created a new genre that mixed jazz and pop ballads that appealed to audiences worldwide, and the album's journey of heartbreak, love and longing is an experience that is shared by many. It's an album that showcases how music can be used as a platform to share emotions and make connections with listeners. Overall, the album is a masterpiece that has transcended the boundaries of time and an album that every music lover must listen to.