1001+ Albums: 1955

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, which is a book listing 1001 albums you must hear before you die, will be the subject of a series of periodical posts concerning listening to and reviewing the history of the album, from the 1950s to the present day. With each post being a separate year from 1955 to two-thousand-and-something, I'll be making this an ongoing series, updating when I've caught up on my list.

1001+ Albums: 1955

Album of the Year: In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra

       Just because it wins by default (only album of 1955 in the book) doesn't mean it's any less of a strong album. In the Wee Small Hours is as blue as it gets when it comes to love, with its wallows on that elusive thing often lost or unrequited. Sinatra's deep and crooning voice is able to evoke real sadness, even when it's matched with snicker-worthy lyrics (i.e. "my cigarette burns me, I wake with a start *dramatic horn blare*, my hand isn't hurt, but there's pain in my heart). Even these moments though, even if the writing is slightly funny, are effective and seem to somehow work.

       A schmaltzy yet heartfelt, and somewhat dramatic break up album, but one with the right amount of heart. This was also a major push forward for the idea of an album as a singular piece, an art form in it's own right, possibly the first concept album. Signature vocals from Sinatra, full of ache and longing, but still smooth are the best highlight. Best listened too after a loss of a lover, or a particularly potent case of unrequited love. Full of melancholia and good old blue feeling, more appropriately put, mood indigo.

   Best Track: What is This Thing Called Love? - There is a sense of real mystery in this one. Beautiful and pondering in a lovestruck musings sort of way.
   Worst Track: I See Your Face Before Me - Not particularly bad or anything, just kind of meh.
   Rating: B+