Frank Sinatra: The World We Knew

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Experience a unique chapter in Frank Sinatra's illustrious career with this intriguing collection that blends his timeless vocal style with the vibrant spirit of 1967. During a year marked by the rise of psychedelic rock and artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, Sinatra sought to connect with contemporary trends by incorporating modern compositions into his traditional repertoire. The result is a fascinating mix that offers both familiar elegance and fresh experimentation, making this album a compelling listen for fans and collectors alike.

This album features a diverse selection of songs, showcasing Sinatra’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical landscapes. Notably, "Something Stupid" became a #1 hit, a duet that likely delighted Sinatra for its added momentum to daughter Nancy Sinatra’s burgeoning singing career. The track "This Town," written by Lee Hazlewood, is delivered with exuberant punch and is strangely enjoyable for its simplicity. The title track, "This Is My Song," is given a gently rolling, lilting treatment, while Gordon Jenkins’ signature layered strings beautifully enhance "This Is My Love," a revisitation of a song from a decade earlier with the same arranger.

The album also features a lively rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening," which, when sung as a straight ballad, reveals the sappy quality that crept into many of Rogers & Hammerstein’s later compositions. Sinatra revives it here at a finger-snapping pace, making it his favorite recorded version by far. Among all tracks, "Drinking Again" stands out as the album’s best, standing on par with Sinatra’s most memorable saloon-inspired odes to broken hearts and dreams.

While the collection’s song quality varies and features multiple arrangers—Billy Strange, Gordon Jenkins, and Ernie Freeman—this diversity results in a sound that feels like a montage of different styles. Despite this unevenness, Sinatra’s performances produce enough winners to make the album a worthwhile purchase. As reviewed by W. S. Ferguson, this collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Sinatra’s experimental side during a transformative era in music history.

Track list:
1. The World We Knew (Over And Over)
2. Somethin' Stupid
3. This Is My Love
4. Born Free
5. Don't Sleep In The Subway
6. This Town
7. This Is My Song
8. You Are There
9. Drinking Again
10. Some Enchanted Evening

• Brand: Reprise Records
• Product Type: ABIS_MUSIC
• Format: Original Recording
• Binding: LP Record
• Number of Discs: 1
• Subject Keywords: THE WORLD WE KNEW (OVER AND OVER), SOMETHIN' STUPID, THIS IS MY LOVE, BORN FREE, DON'T SLEEP IN THE SUBWAY, THIS TOWN, THIS IS MY SONG, YOU ARE THERE, DRINKING AGAIN, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
• Manufacturer: Reprise Records