Francis Albert Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim

3/5. I had Getz/Gilberto less than a week ago on here so this is the second time in that span where I’ve had a record with “the Girl from Ipanema.” Not that I’m complaining as that is a very good song (though I do prefer the version found on Getz/Gilberto.)

This album sees Sinatra link up with Brazilian jazz artist Antonio Carlos Jobin to do some Bossa Nova. The production on this album is fantastic, everything sounds very clear and pretty. Though I will say I don’t think Sinatra’s voice is the best suited for a more laid back genre like this. It works on some tracks like “How Insensitive” but less so on a song like “Meditation.”

Don't think I'm a fan of Frank's voice, I was struggling to stay awake by the end of it

fun!

It's ok. I mean, this is nice to listen to while working. However, it's not my style. So, 3 stars.

Sinatra once again disappoints, although Jobim saves this. Mostly sleepy. Just listen to the Getz/Gilberto album.

Pretty good, and I like Sinatra's voice, but I'm not sure he actually adds a whole lot to these songs.

I read a few reviews before listening and apparently people here hate Frank Sinatra? Why? I am 100% positive he was an absolute asshole in real life but as an artist, there weren't many (if any) who did what he did better. I mean, come on, he's a legend for a good reason.
This album is kind of a mixed bag though. Individually I love Sinatra and Jobim, together they don't quite mash up for me. Girl From Ipanema is great, though not as good as the Getz/Gilberto version which I feel is the definitive one. The rest of the album has its highs and lows, but mostly just kind of hovers there around the middle. Definitely not Frank's best but enjoyable nonetheless. 3.5/5 but rounding down because it's not good enough for a 4.

Just a cool, vibe of an album. Sinatra feels like the 50's Elvis Costello. You will never be as cool as him. But yeah, smooth as hell, and a vibe.

way too long for a 28min record.

I listened to this on the way back from a night out so it’s good chill out music but maybe because it’s the same thing over and over again so it sends you to sleep

I’m at a 5.

Not too much to say; it’s Frank Sinatra doing great bossa nova, in collaboration with the original songwriter / composer of “The Girl from Ipanema”, Antonio Jobim. This album, as far as its inclusion on the list, is probably meant to represent him more than Frank, but 'two birds, one stone' & all that. It’s 7 of Mr. Jobim’s tracks, & 3 “American Songbook” standards in a bossa nova style. It’s a tight 28 minutes, Frank’s vocals glide as always, and the orchestration / instrumentals here are lovely. It’s fascinating that this came out the same year as both “Sgt. Pepper’s” & “Are You Experienced” – it’s a very classic Sinatra album, in the sense that it’s practically just his voice & the music at hand, without any extra flair to it. I’m not sure where Frank Sinatra’s cultural status was at the time, but this just feels like a guy who’s still confidently at the top of his game. His voice still comes with a type of confidence that feels like it could pick up any woman willing to listen, and it blends really well with the orchestral bossa nova here.

If there’s any real nitpicking, it’s just that it’s a lot of love songs & not much else, though that might just be a slight indictment on Antonio Jobim’s songwriting as opposed to anything else. It’s a short, safe album that just knocks it out of the park, combining the easy listening of bossa nova with the flair of Frank Sinatra, and it just works, simple as that. For me, it’s an easy 5. I’m glad it’s on the list, but I am sad this is the final time we’ll be getting Ol’ Blue Eyes. I have a lot of love for his style / era of music, and I feel like I need to search out a bit more of it.

This is #day597 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… even though I prefer my Sinatra leaning more toward jazz, this one is still a smooth listen I don't quite mind on a late Saturday morning. That said, it's rather unlikely I'd ever choose to put this particular record on myself. Let it be a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day598.

Well, this was unexpected.

Not Sinatra's very best (that would be In the Wee Small Hours) but there's no denying the Velvet beauty of his voice.

Set that voice against these lush arrangements and you are going to melt hearts.

It might be unfashionable all these years later, but it's worth remembering that it was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammys, only losing out to Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

So, no slouch.

There are certainly better versions of these songs (Astrud Gilberto says "Hi!") and how well Broadway show tunes benefit from the Latin treatment is open to discussion. But it's still a pretty pleasant way to spend some time.

I Concentrate on You and How Insensitive are absolute standouts, it must be said, and just things of beauty.

I'm not totally convinced that bossa nova was Sinatra's genre, but fair play to him for trying something different.

I hated almost every second of this, and my streaming version had two bonus tracks that were both takes on “girl from ipanema,” which may be my single least favorite song in the canon. I listened to one of them before I caught my mistake. If 0s were permitted, this would be a 0.

If "uninspired" was an album.

turn on the samba jets

I read another review that described this as a "limp dick dipped in cold custard."

I thought to myself "how can I know for sure?"

I asked my wife to whip up some crème anglaise as depending on how you make custard it can be quite a bit thicker and not really good for dipping. She's taken a shine to baking shows (especially the Great British one) and loves to practice the staples she sees there.

As described, after preparing it we put it in the fridge to chill - the anticipation was quite overwhelming to be quite honest.

When the moment finally arrived to put our plan into action my part was a little more difficult but the temperature helped a lot. She said it was actually not bad - a little sweet perhaps but good mouthfeel and smooth texture.

The album though - what a stinker. My first one star review. Sorry, Blue Eyes.

My favorite thing about this album is all of the well-written, negative reviews. I had no idea that so many people hate Sinatra as much as I do. It warmed my heart.

Today’s album: Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim by Frank Sinatra and Antônio Carlos Jobim. And honestly… I was not looking forward to this.

I’ve never really got Sinatra. I don’t find him smooth or cool, and the whole King of Croon thing has never worked for me at all.

Musically, this album is undeniably classy. The arrangements are beautiful and everything is impeccably played. But that’s also the problem. It’s all so similar, so polite, and ultimately very dull. Once you’ve heard a minute of it, you’ve pretty much heard the lot. Nothing here makes me want to come back for another listen.

Favourite track: The Girl from Ipanema is a genuinely good song and a strong way to open the album. Unfortunately, after that it all just blends into the same laid-back haze with no real variation or spark.

Least favourite tracks: Once I Loved and anything else that sounds exactly like it – pleasant, but painfully boring.

Album artwork: A classic cover, at least.