CD review ‘Greatest Love Songs:Sinatra’

By Amanda O’Donnell
Staff Writer

Whoever said ‘Old Blue Eyes’ is out of style has not heard his greatest love songs.
January 15, 2002 marked the release date of “Greatest Love Songs: Sinatra.” This digitally re-mastered compilation of easy swingin’ love ballads is nothing less than a five-star masterpiece from the two-tone swinger himself, Frank Sinatra.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this romantic, mood-setting release is packed with all too familiar hits, including: “Night and Day,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and, appropriately, “My Funny Valentine.” The record label, Warner Brothers/Reprise, knows exactly what they are doing by re-releasing songs by this classic singer.
Efforts to revive Sinatra-charm (and not to mention their wallets) seem like a logical move; Sinatra songs are always a guaranteed sell. I say kudos to this former Rat Packer’s new CD release and have but one complaint . . . the duet with Celine Dion in his timeless “All the way.” This studio-synthesized rendition is less than appealing to one seeking the essence of a time-honored collection of love songs from an artist like Sinatra.
I’d have to agree with CD reviewer guru Jon Warshawsky when he said, “She (Celine Dion) has a remarkable voice – but there is no excuse for studio-made duets, particularly when they tarnish one of the great standards of the Sinatra catalogue, in this case All the Way. It is especially excruciating because the Reprise re-recording of All the Way’ is one of few that genuinely gives the original a run for its money.”
However, it’s almost impossible to have something so antique and not expect a little tarnish. Next week (before February 14, guys!) when you are getting the candles for that romantic dinner you will be making for your special someone, be sure to pick up “Greatest Love Songs, Sinatra:” for that mood-making music . . . perfect for romance.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 8 2002. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry