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Editorial Reviews
The Legendary Voice-and unparalleled master of seduction-sends the world a valentine with a new compilation of classic songs of love and romance. This CD features 22 timeless songs by a host of legendary songwriters, including a previously unreleased rendition of Rogers & Hart's 'My Funny Valentine.'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'll admit that when I first heard about "Seduction," my reaction was decidedly ho-hum. I already had all of these songs, and the lone new track was merely an alternate recording of a well known Sinatra classic whose originally released version was already perfect as is.
However, when I finally was given the opportunity to buy "Seduction" today, I couldn't help but be seduced.
For starters, "Seduction" digs deeper into Frank's back catalogue than any other compilation in recent memory. Of all the hundreds of Sinatra "love song" compilations released over the years, this one is by far the best, not least of all because it digs deeper into his catalogue than any other compilation to date. Not one of the tracks here was a major single, nor are they anywhere near as famous "New York, New York," "My Way," or the song that seemed like a mandatory inclusion on all previous "love song" comps, "Strangers In The Night."
The songs chosen perfectly reflect the theme presented in the album's title, as these are some Frank's most sensual and evocative performances. "Prisoner Of Love," which begins the cd, is one of his powerful performances, whose virtues are extolled beautifully in the spotlight review by my mutual Sinatra aficionado, Mark Blackburn of Canada, so much that it would be pointless (not to mention extremely difficult) to add anything else to say about it.
Elsewhere, we get Frank's deep throated, smooth as silk rendering of "It Had To Be You" (to think had to wait 40 years to officially record this timeless standard, and yet he still created the definitive rendition), the sexy "Teach Me Tonight" from 1984's "L.A. Is My Lady," the luscious "That's All," and many other lesser known gems that will give the casual fans a deeper insight into Sinatra's genius.
Five of Frank's most beloved classics from his Capitol years are presented in their lesser known Reprise recordings. "I've Got You Under My Skin" isn't as technically astonishing as Frank and Nelson Riddle's first attempt in 1956 (for the magnificent "Songs For Swingin' Lovers"), but this rerecording boasts a smoothness and charm of its own that holds up well against its more lauded predecessor. "Witchcraft" leaves the restrained 1957 recording in the dust. The tempo is much faster, and Frank's singing is swingier and sexier, making the song's suggestive lyrics ring with a lusty intensity lacking in the original. "All The Way" is given a deeper rendering of the lyrics by Frank, while Riddle's arrangement, while not as enveloping as the 1957 version, has a lush sound of its own that again lets it stand up well against the original. "Young At Heart" lacks the whimsy of the original, but his deeper, more introspective reading by an older (and wiser) Frank lets the listener look at the song in a different light. "How Little We Know," like "Witchcraft," is taken at a faster tempo that fits this song far better than the comparitively lighter 1956 take.
Most notable is that several of these songs have not been made available on cd for over 10 years, such as the little heard 1983 masterpiece "All The Way Home," a tender ballad that is one of Frank's best post-retirement recordings, sung with a burnished, toasty sentiment that brings a tear to the eye of any listener.
And as for the new recording of "My Funny Valentine," it is even better than the original released take from 1953's "Songs For Young Lovers." It dates to 1965, judging by the rich, resonant tone of Frank's voice, similar to many great recordings from that era ("Everybody Has The Right To Be Wrong," "Available"). The tempo is slower, and his phrasing slower and sexier, not dissimilar to the style in which a beautiful woman slips in and out of a pair of sexy lingerie.
The sound quality is excellent, as the songs are given the same sharpness and resonance as "Nothing But The Best." The packaging is also noteworthy, and the liner notes, featuring a disarmingly interesting essay by Bill Zehme entitled "The Man With The Golden Charm," are the best ever written for a Sinatra compilation.
"Seduction" is an excellent compilation, perfect for Valentine's Day as well as for Sinatra fans.
However, when I finally was given the opportunity to buy "Seduction" today, I couldn't help but be seduced.
For starters, "Seduction" digs deeper into Frank's back catalogue than any other compilation in recent memory. Of all the hundreds of Sinatra "love song" compilations released over the years, this one is by far the best, not least of all because it digs deeper into his catalogue than any other compilation to date. Not one of the tracks here was a major single, nor are they anywhere near as famous "New York, New York," "My Way," or the song that seemed like a mandatory inclusion on all previous "love song" comps, "Strangers In The Night."
The songs chosen perfectly reflect the theme presented in the album's title, as these are some Frank's most sensual and evocative performances. "Prisoner Of Love," which begins the cd, is one of his powerful performances, whose virtues are extolled beautifully in the spotlight review by my mutual Sinatra aficionado, Mark Blackburn of Canada, so much that it would be pointless (not to mention extremely difficult) to add anything else to say about it.
Elsewhere, we get Frank's deep throated, smooth as silk rendering of "It Had To Be You" (to think had to wait 40 years to officially record this timeless standard, and yet he still created the definitive rendition), the sexy "Teach Me Tonight" from 1984's "L.A. Is My Lady," the luscious "That's All," and many other lesser known gems that will give the casual fans a deeper insight into Sinatra's genius.
Five of Frank's most beloved classics from his Capitol years are presented in their lesser known Reprise recordings. "I've Got You Under My Skin" isn't as technically astonishing as Frank and Nelson Riddle's first attempt in 1956 (for the magnificent "Songs For Swingin' Lovers"), but this rerecording boasts a smoothness and charm of its own that holds up well against its more lauded predecessor. "Witchcraft" leaves the restrained 1957 recording in the dust. The tempo is much faster, and Frank's singing is swingier and sexier, making the song's suggestive lyrics ring with a lusty intensity lacking in the original. "All The Way" is given a deeper rendering of the lyrics by Frank, while Riddle's arrangement, while not as enveloping as the 1957 version, has a lush sound of its own that again lets it stand up well against the original. "Young At Heart" lacks the whimsy of the original, but his deeper, more introspective reading by an older (and wiser) Frank lets the listener look at the song in a different light. "How Little We Know," like "Witchcraft," is taken at a faster tempo that fits this song far better than the comparitively lighter 1956 take.
Most notable is that several of these songs have not been made available on cd for over 10 years, such as the little heard 1983 masterpiece "All The Way Home," a tender ballad that is one of Frank's best post-retirement recordings, sung with a burnished, toasty sentiment that brings a tear to the eye of any listener.
And as for the new recording of "My Funny Valentine," it is even better than the original released take from 1953's "Songs For Young Lovers." It dates to 1965, judging by the rich, resonant tone of Frank's voice, similar to many great recordings from that era ("Everybody Has The Right To Be Wrong," "Available"). The tempo is slower, and his phrasing slower and sexier, not dissimilar to the style in which a beautiful woman slips in and out of a pair of sexy lingerie.
The sound quality is excellent, as the songs are given the same sharpness and resonance as "Nothing But The Best." The packaging is also noteworthy, and the liner notes, featuring a disarmingly interesting essay by Bill Zehme entitled "The Man With The Golden Charm," are the best ever written for a Sinatra compilation.
"Seduction" is an excellent compilation, perfect for Valentine's Day as well as for Sinatra fans.
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
My words are aimed at young people . . . of a particular sort: You have eclectic tastes. You enjoy some classical music, a little jazz by singer/musicians, such as Diana Krall. Women singers especially, have refined your musical tastes in recent years . . .
You may have read (or heard about) last week's `Op-Ed' column in the New York Times, by "Bono" - an astute, rollicking ode to the genius of Frank Sinatra, from the perspective of an aging, Irish rocker.
If you are asked to "name a Sinatra song," you think first, of him singing that familiar tune, to a million celebrants clotting Times Square at midnight, when The Ball comes down . . .
"If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere! It's up to you, New York, New York!"
But . . . you don't own ANY Sinatra albums (yet). And, why should you buy a compilation like this one? Why not one of his "theme" albums? (like "WEE SMALL HOURS" -- highest-ranked by musical historians, and personal favorite of his first-born, Nancy. Right, they sang "Somethin' Stupid" together!)
Well, I say . . . Go for the compilation! And if you buy only one, make it this one. Pour yourself a drink, kick back and . . . prepare to be `seduced' by these remarkable songs! (22 on the single CD version; 32 on the Deluxe Edition).
A collection this thoughtfully-assembled (by the folks at RHINO) `flows' in a way that actually resembles one of Sinatra's late-in-life `live' shows. And, at a time when MP3-downloads may eclipse CD sales . . . this may prove to be the ultimate collection, winning new sub-generations of Sinatra fans.
-----
Author Bill Zehme, who wrote the liner notes for this "SEDUCTION" CD, years ago quoted actress Angie Dickinson's two-word summing up of Sinatra's primary instrument of seduction -- "Incredible focus."
The two dated, "off-and-on for ten years, before-and-after they made OCEANS ELEVEN together. Recalling those famous blue `lasers' of his, Ms Dickinson enthused: "You feel swept in . . . he doesn't unnerve you by doing it (but) it's like a drug, swirling around you. He has a magical way, you feel very, very comfortable. And he doesn't ignore you when he's in the company of others. He stays `connected' to you, without coddling.'
(Recalling words Sinatra shared about the Art of Singing: an audience is rather like a woman; "if she senses indifference . . . Endsville!")
----
Concerning the remarkable arrangements: The lion's share (12) were penned by America's greatest-ever orchestrator, Nelson Riddle; six were arranged by the late Don Costa (Nikka's Dad); three each, from Billy May and Neal Hefti (who died 2008); Quincy Jones wrote two; six other musicians (11 arrangers in all) get credit for one apiece. Those last include the "dean" of living arrangers Johnny Mandel plus Polish-born American, Claus Ogerman (both of whom have arranged recently for Diana Krall).
Every Sinatra compilation (I say) should include at least one song from Frank's historic album with Brazilian musical giant Antonio Carlos Jobim arranged by Claus Ogerman.
[A personal aside: I've always thought of the late Mr. Jobim as "Brazil's Cole Porter." Thus my delight to find the one track here from that great album is Porter's "I Concentrate on You." Recorded in 1967 (a "very good year" for the Sinatra family) Frank emerged from a nighttime session with Jobim to record one of his few million-selling singles -- "Somethin' Stupid" -- with daughter Nancy (a song you will find on most every other Sinatra REPRISE compilation . . . but not on this one.]
Among rarities you'll only find here is a previously unreleased "alternate version" of "My Funny Valentine" - this one from a `live' show that truly ranks among Sinatra's greatest vocal performances. Talk about breath control! The singer sustains with deceptive ease, consecutive phrases "Stay! Pretty Valentine, stay . . . each day is Valentine's Day" -- 15 seconds of Sinatra's `bel canto' virtuosity. (Just try singing along! The old Master will show you up, every time -- you breathless pipsqueak!)
A salute to producer Charles Pignone for making "Prisoner of Love" track Number 1. Sinatra's seductive ways with the Ladies were legendary. Here, however he goes straight to the hearts of all males `consensually enslaved' by beauty. (Hard to believe such words were first sung in prim & proper 1931!)
"For one command I stand and wait now
From One who's master of my fate now . . .
She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping
Upon my knees to her I'm creeping,
My very life is in her keeping . . .
I'm just a prisoner of love."
The ache in Frank's voice! Seems he's `been there, done that.' And listen closely, if you will, to the perfectly-mated arrangement by Don Costa (from their 1961 "Sinatra & Strings" album - one of the first Sinatra CDs you should purchase).
Concerning which obsession, the writer of the pleasurable liner notes, author Bill Zehme, wrote:
"He had a weakness for poise: Elusive Women vexed him . . . drew him in, with their flight, and their casual indifference. Once, at a party at Humphrey Bogart's house, he complained to Lauren Bacall "after following one such specimen around without success: `She's ignoring me!'
To which the rueful Bacall said, `Yeah, she's ignoring you right into the sack.' (Her prophesy was realized!)."
Favorite surprises among these many gems, if I may single out a couple, or three (which I'd not heard until recently on SiriuslySinatra satellite radio - they're not among my 60 Sinatra CDs).
The one song which could have fit, seamlessly, into my all-time favorite "CONCERT SINATRA" album (recorded the same year, 1963) is `Track 9' here: A ravishingly beautiful orchestration by Nelson Riddle, from Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC -- "Some Enchanted Evening." In a word . . . wow! Wonder what the song's composers (my favorites) thought of that one?
Other delightful rarities: "STAY WITH ME" and "ALL THE WAY HOME" . . . the latter, features a gorgeous late-in-life (1983) orchestration by the late Joe Parnello, sometimes band-leader/pianist for Sinatra. [I can imagine Frank listening to the playback of this one, and telling Joe (as he did once to sax giant Johnny Hodges after his solo on "Indian Summer") "My God, that's beautiful!"]
A friend at the Sinatra family website points out the similarities in the Parnello arrangement's opening bars, to `Edelweiss' (from THE SOUND OF MUSIC) - just a hint, suggesting "that Joe Parnello was paying homage to Richard Rodgers."
[Rodgers perhaps inadvertently, once paid similar homage to Nelson Riddle's great `counter-melodies -- borrowing, as his five opening notes of "The Sound of Music," the same sequence of notes you'll hear on the closing orchestral flourish of Riddle's great arrangement (4 years earlier) of Sinatra's "TIME AFTER TIME."]
Such subtleties await your detection throughout this marvelous collection of `prime Sinatra.' Look -- if you really appreciate great music -- and need to banish those little town (mid-winter) blues -- do yourself a favor and pick this one up. And why not treat yourself to the "Deluxe Edition" with 10 extra tracks, including some exceptional beauties!
Mark Blackburn
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
You may have read (or heard about) last week's `Op-Ed' column in the New York Times, by "Bono" - an astute, rollicking ode to the genius of Frank Sinatra, from the perspective of an aging, Irish rocker.
If you are asked to "name a Sinatra song," you think first, of him singing that familiar tune, to a million celebrants clotting Times Square at midnight, when The Ball comes down . . .
"If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere! It's up to you, New York, New York!"
But . . . you don't own ANY Sinatra albums (yet). And, why should you buy a compilation like this one? Why not one of his "theme" albums? (like "WEE SMALL HOURS" -- highest-ranked by musical historians, and personal favorite of his first-born, Nancy. Right, they sang "Somethin' Stupid" together!)
Well, I say . . . Go for the compilation! And if you buy only one, make it this one. Pour yourself a drink, kick back and . . . prepare to be `seduced' by these remarkable songs! (22 on the single CD version; 32 on the Deluxe Edition).
A collection this thoughtfully-assembled (by the folks at RHINO) `flows' in a way that actually resembles one of Sinatra's late-in-life `live' shows. And, at a time when MP3-downloads may eclipse CD sales . . . this may prove to be the ultimate collection, winning new sub-generations of Sinatra fans.
-----
Author Bill Zehme, who wrote the liner notes for this "SEDUCTION" CD, years ago quoted actress Angie Dickinson's two-word summing up of Sinatra's primary instrument of seduction -- "Incredible focus."
The two dated, "off-and-on for ten years, before-and-after they made OCEANS ELEVEN together. Recalling those famous blue `lasers' of his, Ms Dickinson enthused: "You feel swept in . . . he doesn't unnerve you by doing it (but) it's like a drug, swirling around you. He has a magical way, you feel very, very comfortable. And he doesn't ignore you when he's in the company of others. He stays `connected' to you, without coddling.'
(Recalling words Sinatra shared about the Art of Singing: an audience is rather like a woman; "if she senses indifference . . . Endsville!")
----
Concerning the remarkable arrangements: The lion's share (12) were penned by America's greatest-ever orchestrator, Nelson Riddle; six were arranged by the late Don Costa (Nikka's Dad); three each, from Billy May and Neal Hefti (who died 2008); Quincy Jones wrote two; six other musicians (11 arrangers in all) get credit for one apiece. Those last include the "dean" of living arrangers Johnny Mandel plus Polish-born American, Claus Ogerman (both of whom have arranged recently for Diana Krall).
Every Sinatra compilation (I say) should include at least one song from Frank's historic album with Brazilian musical giant Antonio Carlos Jobim arranged by Claus Ogerman.
[A personal aside: I've always thought of the late Mr. Jobim as "Brazil's Cole Porter." Thus my delight to find the one track here from that great album is Porter's "I Concentrate on You." Recorded in 1967 (a "very good year" for the Sinatra family) Frank emerged from a nighttime session with Jobim to record one of his few million-selling singles -- "Somethin' Stupid" -- with daughter Nancy (a song you will find on most every other Sinatra REPRISE compilation . . . but not on this one.]
Among rarities you'll only find here is a previously unreleased "alternate version" of "My Funny Valentine" - this one from a `live' show that truly ranks among Sinatra's greatest vocal performances. Talk about breath control! The singer sustains with deceptive ease, consecutive phrases "Stay! Pretty Valentine, stay . . . each day is Valentine's Day" -- 15 seconds of Sinatra's `bel canto' virtuosity. (Just try singing along! The old Master will show you up, every time -- you breathless pipsqueak!)
A salute to producer Charles Pignone for making "Prisoner of Love" track Number 1. Sinatra's seductive ways with the Ladies were legendary. Here, however he goes straight to the hearts of all males `consensually enslaved' by beauty. (Hard to believe such words were first sung in prim & proper 1931!)
"For one command I stand and wait now
From One who's master of my fate now . . .
She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping
Upon my knees to her I'm creeping,
My very life is in her keeping . . .
I'm just a prisoner of love."
The ache in Frank's voice! Seems he's `been there, done that.' And listen closely, if you will, to the perfectly-mated arrangement by Don Costa (from their 1961 "Sinatra & Strings" album - one of the first Sinatra CDs you should purchase).
Concerning which obsession, the writer of the pleasurable liner notes, author Bill Zehme, wrote:
"He had a weakness for poise: Elusive Women vexed him . . . drew him in, with their flight, and their casual indifference. Once, at a party at Humphrey Bogart's house, he complained to Lauren Bacall "after following one such specimen around without success: `She's ignoring me!'
To which the rueful Bacall said, `Yeah, she's ignoring you right into the sack.' (Her prophesy was realized!)."
Favorite surprises among these many gems, if I may single out a couple, or three (which I'd not heard until recently on SiriuslySinatra satellite radio - they're not among my 60 Sinatra CDs).
The one song which could have fit, seamlessly, into my all-time favorite "CONCERT SINATRA" album (recorded the same year, 1963) is `Track 9' here: A ravishingly beautiful orchestration by Nelson Riddle, from Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC -- "Some Enchanted Evening." In a word . . . wow! Wonder what the song's composers (my favorites) thought of that one?
Other delightful rarities: "STAY WITH ME" and "ALL THE WAY HOME" . . . the latter, features a gorgeous late-in-life (1983) orchestration by the late Joe Parnello, sometimes band-leader/pianist for Sinatra. [I can imagine Frank listening to the playback of this one, and telling Joe (as he did once to sax giant Johnny Hodges after his solo on "Indian Summer") "My God, that's beautiful!"]
A friend at the Sinatra family website points out the similarities in the Parnello arrangement's opening bars, to `Edelweiss' (from THE SOUND OF MUSIC) - just a hint, suggesting "that Joe Parnello was paying homage to Richard Rodgers."
[Rodgers perhaps inadvertently, once paid similar homage to Nelson Riddle's great `counter-melodies -- borrowing, as his five opening notes of "The Sound of Music," the same sequence of notes you'll hear on the closing orchestral flourish of Riddle's great arrangement (4 years earlier) of Sinatra's "TIME AFTER TIME."]
Such subtleties await your detection throughout this marvelous collection of `prime Sinatra.' Look -- if you really appreciate great music -- and need to banish those little town (mid-winter) blues -- do yourself a favor and pick this one up. And why not treat yourself to the "Deluxe Edition" with 10 extra tracks, including some exceptional beauties!
Mark Blackburn
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Preamble: I've recently become a huge fan of MP3 downloads. Honestly, I've become disenchanted with the so-called "greatest hits" collections by various artists that contain ten to fifteen songs of which you've never heard of half of them. You end up with the songs you wanted, but you also have a load of music you'll honestly skip over when you're listening. Downloading singles for $.79 to $.99 is the only way to go.
That's all true unless you're buying something like this CD, Seduction: Sinatra Sings of Love. What a great compilation of hit standards from a simpler time. If you buy the deluxe edition you get a collection of 32 songs that include such mega hits as: Witchcraft; I Get a Kick Out of You; The Second Time Around and others. I don't believe I didn't recognize a single song.
This is a marvelous collection of music that spans several decades. Sinatra was a force of nature the likes of which I doubt we'll see again. It is a cliché but honestly, they broke the mold after he came through.
That's all true unless you're buying something like this CD, Seduction: Sinatra Sings of Love. What a great compilation of hit standards from a simpler time. If you buy the deluxe edition you get a collection of 32 songs that include such mega hits as: Witchcraft; I Get a Kick Out of You; The Second Time Around and others. I don't believe I didn't recognize a single song.
This is a marvelous collection of music that spans several decades. Sinatra was a force of nature the likes of which I doubt we'll see again. It is a cliché but honestly, they broke the mold after he came through.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Old Blues eyes is a classic
It's Sinatra. Is there bad Sinatra??? Some songs not always heard by him are included in this collection Vintage Sinatra
Published 5 days ago by DON BAKER
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sinatra Sings of Love
You can never go wrong with Sinatra, but this is one of his best I think. No one "sings" love better than Sinatra.
Published 4 months ago by Lori
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome
great quality highly recomended. over 20 songs, good pckaging..had alot of the hits, great for gifts etc. i loved it
Published 4 months ago by Dawn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Timeless
Frank is one of the greats and this CD is a joy to listen to, it reminds me of my grandparents and the great love they shared
Published 4 months ago by A. Johnson Gawlick
4.0 out of 5 stars
Anything Sinatra
Could listen to him in concert with Barbra Streisand.
Love the songs. Worth adding to anyone's Sinatra collection.
Robin Iveson
Love the songs. Worth adding to anyone's Sinatra collection.
Robin Iveson
Published 5 months ago by Robin I. Iveson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinarily enjoyable!
As a Sinatra fan, I found this collection a soothing, memorable sound of Sinatra greats. I especially enjoyed one of my favorite, but less known, Sinatra songs "All the Way Home". Read more
Published on February 4, 2011 by McGinty
5.0 out of 5 stars
The voice of the century.
In this, with some rare songs, collection, Sinatra shows us the range of his -too marvellous for words- voice. Read more
Published on February 3, 2011 by Nikolaos Orfanos
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
I think this is a wonderful collection of songs -- and all good versions of Sinatra in his best form. I loved it myself and bought it as a gift for someone else. Read more
Published on February 9, 2010 by Leslie K. Lobell
5.0 out of 5 stars
StriffsSinatra
I bought this CD for my son who just celebrated his 34th birthday. I remember watching Frank on TV when I was a kid and through the years played his music all the time. Read more
Published on August 3, 2009 by M. Striffolino
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sinatra Seduction
Really enjoyed this Album, some of my favourite songs. Sinatra had a great voice all of his career, but prefered him in the 60's and on.
Published on April 2, 2009 by D. Bermudez
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