Frank Sinatra - Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely (1958), 6/10

Another Sinatra and Nelson Riddle record truly captures a feeling of loneliness and emotional isolation. The title track and “Ebb Tide” are among the strongest but it is remarkably consistent and steadily beautiful in arrangement. While Where Are You? excels more in songwriting, Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely excels in its foundational, elemental sentiment. There are no weak songs in the mix, only standouts that mark high points at the start of each side. The gait of Frank’s delivery along with the palpable genuineness is what sets the record apart and makes it exceptional, even among such a successful album career. It does not quite sound like anything else and dwarfs any other sad bastard records of the time. There is also a feeling of coolness that is typically lacking in truly depressive music, partially from Sinatra’s delivery and partly from Nelson Riddle’s understated, tasteful instrumentals. This record is best given complete immersion, as its somber grief taps on one’s shoulder until they succumb to heartbreak. One of the greater smoky barroom soundtracks you will find.