“Swing and Dance with Frank Sinatra” Album Review

Album: Swing and Dance with Frank Sinatra

Artist: Frank Sinatra

Year: 1950

Genre: Swing, Traditional Pop

Grade: A-

Swing and Dance with Frank Sinatra contains some of the singer’s most underrated tunes – for example, “Lover” is not only a vocal tour de force but also a showcase of stunning musicianship.

However, I do have a few minor qualms: the timing is a little off, for one. Something in Sinatra’s timbre, inflections, etc. — it’s hard to pin down what it is exactly, but it’s just off when compared to, say, Songs for Swingin’ Lovers. His maximum charisma isn’t on full display.

Nevertheless, this would be like picking on Beatles for Sale because it’s not as good as Abbey Road. Swing and Dance may not be Sinatra’s greatest collection of songs, but it’s still the greatest collection of swing songs released in 1950. Sinatra was clearly a superstar in the making, and this album contains all of his superstar potential.

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Accolades

• Top 10 Albums of 1950 — #7