Songs for Young Lovers was the first album Frank Sinatra recorded for Capitol, as well as his first collaboration with Nelson Riddle. It was also one of the first -- arguably the very first -- concept album. Sinatra, Riddle, and producer Voyle Gilmore decided that the new album format should be a special event, featuring a number of songs arranged around a specific theme; in addition, the new format was capable of producing a more detailed sound, which gave Riddle more freedom in his arrangements and orchestrations. Songs for Young Lovers is a perfect example of this. Supported by a small orchestra, Sinatra and Riddle create an intimate, romantic atmosphere on the record, breathing new life into standards like "My Funny Valentine," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "A Foggy Day." There is a breezy confidence to Sinatra's singing, and Riddle's arrangements are more complex than they initially appear. - by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG
As the title implies, the record concentrates on up-tempo swingers. Again, the songs were all standards -- "Just One of Those Things," "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams," "All of Me" -- that benefitted from the new thematic setting, the new arrangements, and, of course, Sinatra's increasingly playful and textured vocals. Sinatra plays around with the melodies without leaving them behind, delivering each line with precision. It ranks as one of his most jazzy performances, as well as one of his most fun and carefree records. - by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Album: Swings Easy! (1-8) / Songs for Young Lovers (9-16)
Year: 1954
Label: Capitol (1987)
Runtime: 41:10
Tracks:
1. Just One Of Those Things (Cole Porter) 3:14
2. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter (Fred Ahlert/Joe Young) 2:26
3. Sunday (Chester Conn/Ned Miller) 2:29
4. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Harry Barris/Ted Koehler/Billy Moll) 2:15
5. Taking A Chance On Love (Vernon Duke/Ted Fetter/John Latouche) 2:12
6. Jeepers Creepers (Johnny Mercer/Harry Warren) 2:23
7. Get Happy (Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler) 2:25
8. All Of Me (Gerard Marks/Seymour Simons) 2:07
9. My Funny Valentine (Lorenz Hart/Richard Rodgers) 2:34
10. The Girl Next Door (Ralph Blaine/Hugh Martin) 2:39
11. A Foggy Day (George Gerswin/Ira Gershwin) 2:42
12. Like Someone In Love (Jonny Burke/James Van Heusen) 3:10
13. I Get A Kick Out Of You (Cole Porter) 2:57
14. Little Girl Blue (Lorenz Hart/Richard Rodgers) 2:55
15. They Can't Take That Away From Me (George Gerswin/Ira Gershwin) 1:59
16. Violets For Your Firs (Tom Adair/Matt Dennis) 3:06
Personnel:
Frank Sinatra (Vocals)
Nelson Riddle (Arranger, Conductor)