It's widely believed by music critics that the Frank Sinatra album “Songs For Swinging Lovers” is his best Capital jazz release, and the other Sinatra/Billy May Reprise classic, “Come Fly With Me” is similarly held in high regard. But anyone who listens to this remastered NEW vinyl LP, “Come Dance With Me,” may well conclude that THIS is actually the most satisfying, straight-ahead swinger of the lot. It's freer and more exuberant than any other Sinatra album, and his voice has an edge without some of the roughness of his Reprise recordings. Recorded in 1958, it is bold, brassy, and the most unabashed uptempo album Frank ever recorded. He is at the absolute zenith of his vocal powers, and Billy May’s in-your-face charts exude the perfect synergy and jazzy exuberance. Sinatra's timing and phrasing are all impeccable.

The Cann/Vahn Huesen penned title track that opens is a certified Frank crowd pleaser with charmingly, plauful lyrics wonderfully interpreted by the master of American music. The rest of the album maintains that aura of charm and sophisticatiion. Among the highlights are a supercharged, definitive reading of Johnny Mercer’s “Something’s Gotta Give’ and a charming rendering of the old standby “Dancing In the Dark.” There's also a jovial cover of Fred Astaire’s legendary “Cheek To Cheek.”

“Saturday Night Is the Loneliest Night Of the Week” is a great update on the 1950 Columbia/George Siravo version. “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Just In Time” are ecstatic — the latter being arguably the definitive version of this timeless classic. Hearing Sinatra work out on “It All Depends On You” is fascinating. If there is anything to complain about here (and there almost isn't anything), it is that nearly every track runs at a breathless pace until the end. Billy May's orchestra really swings right along with Mr. S, in arrangements that are fabulous. The musicians are a hoppy fizz of massed horns

Capirol has added four bonus tracks to the original set. These are great numbers — including two duets with Keely Smith, a talent in her own right. (She duets with Sinatra on “Nothing In Common” and “How Are You Fixed For Love?”

Music critic Robert Holman asserts that this LP “not only should...be required listening for all singers but for all arrangers, orchestrators, conductors, recording engineers, band and orchestra players and finally all those people who purport that they are experts in being able to define the real definition of phrasing, syncopation, the difference in marcato, staccato, crescendo, climax... This album is an entire education in how to sing and swing this type of music. It's perfect! It should be used by paramedics and E.R. docs to restart failing hearts. It's too bad the pharmaceutical houses can't bottle it. They’d make a fortune. Wonderful! Marvelous! Precious! Timeless! Irreplaceable! And in the most simple terms...excitingly right!”

Bottom line is, this release is a welcome relief from “Only the Lonely” and “Where Are You?” — which are Frank’s moody concept albums. This 180 gram pressing is gorgeous — right down to the inner sleeve featuring the same albums Capitol was pumping when it first came out. Spend a few bucks more and get this LP. You’ll treasure it for years to come!

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!