HOLLY LAROSEReviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
This Frank Sinatra album was a Christmas present for my parents. I love it very much the best Frank Sinatra album I ever heard. I used to listen to this with my brother and it brings back memories.
Uncle RicoReviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
If you into vinyl, this is the quessintial Jazz vocal band album to own. If you won just one, this is it. all his classics on full display.
Simeon KnappReviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
Got this for my vinyl-obsessed brother, and let me tell you, he looked at me like I was the chairman of the board when he opened it. Now he’s strutting around the house humming Sinatra like he’s headlining Vegas.
The sound quality is so good it’s like Frank himself is serenading you, and the vinyl design is sleek enough to make my brother forget about the other 10 albums he left lying on the couch.
Perfect gift for any Sinatra fan or wannabe crooner. 5/5—my brother’s already asking Alexa to dim the lights for “mood.
badgyaltingReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
this CD is very good. I got it from my mom as a gift and she absolutely loved it. The music selection on this album is very good and I had no issues with the CD being scratched when I played it on my CD player.
MikeReviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
Came quick and just as described.
AndresReviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
Todo llegó correctamente y bien empacado
steve_manassasReviewed in the United States on May 20, 2015
Frank Sinatra's nearly 60-year recording career can be divided into six areas:
1) The ten recordings made with Harry James And His Orchestra in 1939. The first Sinatra/James 78 RPM single, "From The Bottom Of My Heart" b/w "Melancholy Mood," was originally issued on the American Record Corporation's Brunswick imprint, which was later folded into the revitalized Columbia Records label. All other Sinatra/James singles were issued on Columbia. In the 1940's, American Decca revived the Brunswick imprint.
2) The 1940-42 RCA Victor recordings with Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra. Toward the end of his Dorsey tenure, Sinatra made four solo sides with Axel Stordahl, issued on RCA's Bluebird imprint.
3) His solo recordings on Columbia from 1943-1952.
4) The first Capitol era (1953-62).
5) The recordings for his own Reprise label (1960-88).
6) Sinatra's return to Capitol (1993-94), where he made the commercially successful but artistically dreadful albums. The phoned-in guest singers were good for the most part, but Frank's voice was shot.
ULTIMATE SINATRA is Universal Music Group's attempt to honor Mr. Sinatra's 100th birthday on December 12. It is not the first Sinatra collection to feature songs from all eras; that honor goes to . While it has 100 songs (plus a bonus track) on four CDs, the collection, while good, could have been much better. It was understandable to include only "All Or Nothing At All" from the Harry James sessions, as that was FS's only hit with the James band, which occurred four years after the fact, and it took a 1943 musicians' union strike to make that possible. But only two cuts from the TD era - "I'll Never Smile Again" and "Street Of Dreams"? At least a few more TD cuts, such as "I'll Be Seeing You," "There Are Such Things," and "Be Careful, It's My Heart," could have been included. Twelve cuts from the Columbia solo era follow, and that's not being too generous either. Sony Music, which owns the James, RCA, and Columbia catalogs, was being rather stingy. Perhaps they want you to purchase one of THEIR Sinatra collections.
The rest of Disc 1 consists of Capitol material. Disc 2 is all Capitol. Disc 3 is evenly divided between Capitol and Reprise material. Disc 4 is all Reprise. In some cases, the best version of a song (e.g., "Night And Day" and "The Song Is You") was not chosen. UMe, of course, owns the Capitol material; the Reprise tracks are controlled by the Sinatra Estate, which acquired them from Warner Music Group/Rhino Records.
This set does have one bonus track - an unissued rehearsal take of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top," from the 1979 TRILOGY sessions. The single-CD version of ULTIMATE SINATRA has an alternate take of "Just In Time," from the 1958 COME DANCE WITH ME! sessions, which is not on the box set. The has a 15-track bonus CD (13 songs, excluding the intro and closing bows) with selections from FS's Australian concert at Sydney Stadium, recorded December 2, 1961. The Australian version of ULTIMATE SINATRA has the full concert; I'm sure that Target wanted the full version as well, but UMe probably told them, "Sorry, that's reserved for the Aussies, but we'll let you have half of it." You can find the Australian version on Amazon.co.uk. Amazon's Australian site does not sell music. However, you may end up paying more for that version that you would for this box set, so only hard-core Sinatra collectors need bother.
Personally, I would have made this a six-CD set - a full CD of James/Dorsey material, one full disc of Columbia selections, and two discs each for Capitol and Reprise. The softcover book is very nice, with great pictures and interesting comments from Sinatra and the other participants, but the track listing should have been annotated with the original single and/or album release that each song appeared on, instead of just the recording date. Hard-core Sinatraphiles already have this information, but it would be useful for more casual fans and Sinatra newbies.
For those who want to dig deeper into the Sinatra oeuvre:
The Harry James recordings are available on a single CD (), a 21-track CD with the 10 master takes, four alternates, and seven radio broadcasts.
There are many collections of the TD material available, but the best one is the 1994 RCA/BMG 5-CD set .
For Columbia-era material, I recommend the four-CD collection . Sony also offers a later CD box set, , that covers the James, Dorsey, and solo Columbia eras together in one fell swoop. That collection contains a full CD of James/Dorsey material, and three CDs of solo Columbia selections. If you want to spend really big bucks, a 12-CD box of Columbia material is also available.
Capitol offers 1990's , which I own in the original clothbound book edition, and 1996's , with some rare B-sides not found on the first collection. There are also two Capitol box sets of Frank's concept albums - one with CD bonus tracks, the other without - but you may be better off purchasing the individual CDs (the 1956 instrumental album, TONE POEMS OF COLOR - the first LP recorded at the then-new Capitol Tower, on which FS conducted an all-star orchestra - was originally a CONCEPTS box set exclusive, but was finally issued as an individual CD in 2002).
Finally, FS's material for his own label is compiled on 1990's . Reprise also offers another complete suitcase box, if money is no object. Other box sets cover his Las Vegas and London concerts and his movie recordings.
These are only a fraction of the available Sinatra releases, including his Christmas recordings, live albums, and collaborations with The Rat Pack.
There have been many great male pop singers over the decades - Frank's Rat Pack buddies (Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.), Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat "King" Cole, Jack Leonard, Vaughan Monroe, Louis Armstrong, Dick Haymes, Billy Eckstine, Vic Damone, Bob Eberly and his brother Ray Eberle, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett (still going strong at 88), Jack Jones, and Robert Goulet, to name but a few, but, in his prime, no one was better that Francis Albert Sinatra. Michael Bublé is probably the closest thing to a 21st Century Sinatra, but he would be the first to tell you that he is no Frank.
Four stars for ULTIMATE SINATRA (I wish I could give it five).
Carly LinamReviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
Got it for my husband for Christmas and plays well, great music!
GOODBYEReviewed in Canada on October 25, 2024
Ultimate Sinatra is a superb compilation that celebrates the timeless legacy of Frank Sinatra, showcasing his unmatched talent as a vocalist and storyteller. Featuring iconic tracks like "My Way," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "New York, New York," this album captures the essence of Sinatra's career, spanning decades of classic hits.
The collection flows beautifully, offering a mix of his powerful ballads and upbeat standards that highlight his versatility. Sinatra's smooth, rich voice effortlessly conveys emotion, making each song feel personal and engaging. The arrangements are lush and timeless, perfectly complementing his vocal prowess.
Overall, Ultimate Sinatra is an essential addition to any music lover’s collection, serving as a perfect introduction for newcomers while providing nostalgia for longtime fans. It’s a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest entertainers in music history, reminding us of his enduring influence and the joy his songs continue to bring.
Robison R.Reviewed in Brazil on August 23, 2024
Músicas do passado são às melhores pra se ouvir. Só uma pequena reclamação do transporte que não tiveram o cuidado a caixa acrilica veio quebrada! Mas o cd tudo certo!
Molly PhelanReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2024
I bought this for my boyfriend’s 18th birthday because he loves Sinatra and he says he loves it! It works perfectly and sounds amazing. Very happy with this purchase.
Per BjörkmanReviewed in Sweden on February 13, 2024
Fantastisk inspelning och grymma låtar
Luis NassiffReviewed in Spain on January 9, 2024
Buena selección de canciones! Muchos clásicos y algunas grabaciones antiguas que vale la pena tener en un solo par de vinilos! Me ha gustado mucho y me trajo muchos recuerdos
HOLLY LAROSEReviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
This Frank Sinatra album was a Christmas present for my parents. I love it very much the best Frank Sinatra album I ever heard. I used to listen to this with my brother and it brings back memories.
Uncle RicoReviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
If you into vinyl, this is the quessintial Jazz vocal band album to own. If you won just one, this is it. all his classics on full display.
Simeon KnappReviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
Got this for my vinyl-obsessed brother, and let me tell you, he looked at me like I was the chairman of the board when he opened it. Now he’s strutting around the house humming Sinatra like he’s headlining Vegas. The sound quality is so good it’s like Frank himself is serenading you, and the vinyl design is sleek enough to make my brother forget about the other 10 albums he left lying on the couch. Perfect gift for any Sinatra fan or wannabe crooner. 5/5—my brother’s already asking Alexa to dim the lights for “mood.
badgyaltingReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
this CD is very good. I got it from my mom as a gift and she absolutely loved it. The music selection on this album is very good and I had no issues with the CD being scratched when I played it on my CD player.
MikeReviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
Came quick and just as described.
AndresReviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
Todo llegó correctamente y bien empacado
steve_manassasReviewed in the United States on May 20, 2015
Frank Sinatra's nearly 60-year recording career can be divided into six areas: 1) The ten recordings made with Harry James And His Orchestra in 1939. The first Sinatra/James 78 RPM single, "From The Bottom Of My Heart" b/w "Melancholy Mood," was originally issued on the American Record Corporation's Brunswick imprint, which was later folded into the revitalized Columbia Records label. All other Sinatra/James singles were issued on Columbia. In the 1940's, American Decca revived the Brunswick imprint. 2) The 1940-42 RCA Victor recordings with Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra. Toward the end of his Dorsey tenure, Sinatra made four solo sides with Axel Stordahl, issued on RCA's Bluebird imprint. 3) His solo recordings on Columbia from 1943-1952. 4) The first Capitol era (1953-62). 5) The recordings for his own Reprise label (1960-88). 6) Sinatra's return to Capitol (1993-94), where he made the commercially successful but artistically dreadful albums. The phoned-in guest singers were good for the most part, but Frank's voice was shot. ULTIMATE SINATRA is Universal Music Group's attempt to honor Mr. Sinatra's 100th birthday on December 12. It is not the first Sinatra collection to feature songs from all eras; that honor goes to . While it has 100 songs (plus a bonus track) on four CDs, the collection, while good, could have been much better. It was understandable to include only "All Or Nothing At All" from the Harry James sessions, as that was FS's only hit with the James band, which occurred four years after the fact, and it took a 1943 musicians' union strike to make that possible. But only two cuts from the TD era - "I'll Never Smile Again" and "Street Of Dreams"? At least a few more TD cuts, such as "I'll Be Seeing You," "There Are Such Things," and "Be Careful, It's My Heart," could have been included. Twelve cuts from the Columbia solo era follow, and that's not being too generous either. Sony Music, which owns the James, RCA, and Columbia catalogs, was being rather stingy. Perhaps they want you to purchase one of THEIR Sinatra collections. The rest of Disc 1 consists of Capitol material. Disc 2 is all Capitol. Disc 3 is evenly divided between Capitol and Reprise material. Disc 4 is all Reprise. In some cases, the best version of a song (e.g., "Night And Day" and "The Song Is You") was not chosen. UMe, of course, owns the Capitol material; the Reprise tracks are controlled by the Sinatra Estate, which acquired them from Warner Music Group/Rhino Records. This set does have one bonus track - an unissued rehearsal take of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top," from the 1979 TRILOGY sessions. The single-CD version of ULTIMATE SINATRA has an alternate take of "Just In Time," from the 1958 COME DANCE WITH ME! sessions, which is not on the box set. The has a 15-track bonus CD (13 songs, excluding the intro and closing bows) with selections from FS's Australian concert at Sydney Stadium, recorded December 2, 1961. The Australian version of ULTIMATE SINATRA has the full concert; I'm sure that Target wanted the full version as well, but UMe probably told them, "Sorry, that's reserved for the Aussies, but we'll let you have half of it." You can find the Australian version on Amazon.co.uk. Amazon's Australian site does not sell music. However, you may end up paying more for that version that you would for this box set, so only hard-core Sinatra collectors need bother. Personally, I would have made this a six-CD set - a full CD of James/Dorsey material, one full disc of Columbia selections, and two discs each for Capitol and Reprise. The softcover book is very nice, with great pictures and interesting comments from Sinatra and the other participants, but the track listing should have been annotated with the original single and/or album release that each song appeared on, instead of just the recording date. Hard-core Sinatraphiles already have this information, but it would be useful for more casual fans and Sinatra newbies. For those who want to dig deeper into the Sinatra oeuvre: The Harry James recordings are available on a single CD (), a 21-track CD with the 10 master takes, four alternates, and seven radio broadcasts. There are many collections of the TD material available, but the best one is the 1994 RCA/BMG 5-CD set . For Columbia-era material, I recommend the four-CD collection . Sony also offers a later CD box set, , that covers the James, Dorsey, and solo Columbia eras together in one fell swoop. That collection contains a full CD of James/Dorsey material, and three CDs of solo Columbia selections. If you want to spend really big bucks, a 12-CD box of Columbia material is also available. Capitol offers 1990's , which I own in the original clothbound book edition, and 1996's , with some rare B-sides not found on the first collection. There are also two Capitol box sets of Frank's concept albums - one with CD bonus tracks, the other without - but you may be better off purchasing the individual CDs (the 1956 instrumental album, TONE POEMS OF COLOR - the first LP recorded at the then-new Capitol Tower, on which FS conducted an all-star orchestra - was originally a CONCEPTS box set exclusive, but was finally issued as an individual CD in 2002). Finally, FS's material for his own label is compiled on 1990's . Reprise also offers another complete suitcase box, if money is no object. Other box sets cover his Las Vegas and London concerts and his movie recordings. These are only a fraction of the available Sinatra releases, including his Christmas recordings, live albums, and collaborations with The Rat Pack. There have been many great male pop singers over the decades - Frank's Rat Pack buddies (Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.), Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat "King" Cole, Jack Leonard, Vaughan Monroe, Louis Armstrong, Dick Haymes, Billy Eckstine, Vic Damone, Bob Eberly and his brother Ray Eberle, Joe Williams, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett (still going strong at 88), Jack Jones, and Robert Goulet, to name but a few, but, in his prime, no one was better that Francis Albert Sinatra. Michael Bublé is probably the closest thing to a 21st Century Sinatra, but he would be the first to tell you that he is no Frank. Four stars for ULTIMATE SINATRA (I wish I could give it five).
Carly LinamReviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
Got it for my husband for Christmas and plays well, great music!
GOODBYEReviewed in Canada on October 25, 2024
Ultimate Sinatra is a superb compilation that celebrates the timeless legacy of Frank Sinatra, showcasing his unmatched talent as a vocalist and storyteller. Featuring iconic tracks like "My Way," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "New York, New York," this album captures the essence of Sinatra's career, spanning decades of classic hits. The collection flows beautifully, offering a mix of his powerful ballads and upbeat standards that highlight his versatility. Sinatra's smooth, rich voice effortlessly conveys emotion, making each song feel personal and engaging. The arrangements are lush and timeless, perfectly complementing his vocal prowess. Overall, Ultimate Sinatra is an essential addition to any music lover’s collection, serving as a perfect introduction for newcomers while providing nostalgia for longtime fans. It’s a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest entertainers in music history, reminding us of his enduring influence and the joy his songs continue to bring.
Robison R.Reviewed in Brazil on August 23, 2024
Músicas do passado são às melhores pra se ouvir. Só uma pequena reclamação do transporte que não tiveram o cuidado a caixa acrilica veio quebrada! Mas o cd tudo certo!
Molly PhelanReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2024
I bought this for my boyfriend’s 18th birthday because he loves Sinatra and he says he loves it! It works perfectly and sounds amazing. Very happy with this purchase.
Per BjörkmanReviewed in Sweden on February 13, 2024
Fantastisk inspelning och grymma låtar
Luis NassiffReviewed in Spain on January 9, 2024
Buena selección de canciones! Muchos clásicos y algunas grabaciones antiguas que vale la pena tener en un solo par de vinilos! Me ha gustado mucho y me trajo muchos recuerdos