Point of No Return [IMPORT]

Frank Sinatra

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 30, 1991)
• Original Release Date: November 11, 1961
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B000002UDN
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,440 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Though already in business in 1961 with his own record label, Sinatra was contractually obligated to give Capitol one more record before moving on to Reprise. Sinatra gave them the ironically titled Point of No Return, which is hardly the deal-fulfilling throwaway one might expect. Expertly arranged and conducted by longtime Sinatra ally Alex Stordahl, it's an elegant collection of farewell songs (including "I'll See You Again," "As Time Goes By," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "It's a Blue World"), delivered by Sinatra with a profound sense of sadness and loss. Fans of such downbeat Sinatra concept albums as In the Wee Small Hours and Sings for Only the Lonely would do well to pick up on this oft-overlooked gem. --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Obscure and Excellent, July 20, 2001

By	Jon Warshawsky "Sinatra Guru" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Next to In the Wee Small Hours and Only the Lonely, Point of No Return is obscure. Taken on its own merits, it is an excellent album with some standout tracks. Stordahl favors strings, perfect for an album characterised by reflection. From "Memories of You" to "I'll Remember April" and "A Million Dreams Ago", the theme is the past and what might have been.

According to all sources, Sinatra wanted to record this and move on to the next act of his career, with his new label, Reprise. Perhaps because of his old friend Axel Stordahl, or perhaps because he was incapable of turning in a bad performance, this album emerged as something of a pleasant surprise. The only (barely) audible glitch -- and one that was not obvious to me until it was pointed out to me -- is a tape splice at the end of "These Foolish Things Remind Me of You", reportedly because Sinatra was in a hurry and refused to record a second take. The engineers spliced the tape before "YOU" and the rest is history.

Because it is overshadowed by legendary concept albums such as Come Fly With Me and Songs for Swingin' Lovers, Point of No Return is often more difficult to find. It is an excellent album, however. It is remarkable that what could be considered a "second-string" Sinatra album still puts modern vocalists to shame.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such Sweet Sadness, May 12, 1999

By A Customer

Am I the only one? I have never heard anyone anywhere anytime mention that this recording of "Memories of You" is a masterpiece!!! When I first heard of FS's death a year ago, and I finally came out of my numbness, this recording of this song was the first song I played after his passing. It has always brought tears to my eyes, but this time I really cried! "...and your face beams in my dreams spite of all I do...everything seems to bring memories, just memories of you!" Those lines are sung so mournfully that they reach in and grab you by the heart! Does anyone else agree?

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A BITTERSWEET CLASSIC, March 11, 1999

By A Customer

The singing and arrangements on this album is beautiful and sad. It is very reflective and full of emotions. The orchestrations are excellent but not overbearing. Lucky for us this was recorded in STEREO which makes Stordahl's orchestra come really alive and lush.