Songs for Young Lovers was the first album
Frank Sinatra recorded for Capitol, as well as his first collaboration with
Nelson Riddle. It was also one of the first -- arguably the very first -- concept album.
Sinatra,
Riddle, and producer
Voyle Gilmore decided that the new album format should be a special event, featuring a number of songs arranged around a specific theme; in addition, the new format was capable of producing a more detailed sound, which gave
Riddle more freedom in his arrangements and orchestrations.
Songs for Young Lovers is a perfect example of this. Supported by a small orchestra,
Sinatra and
Riddle create an intimate, romantic atmosphere on the record, breathing new life into standards like "My Funny Valentine," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "A Foggy Day." There is a breezy confidence to
Sinatra's singing, and
Riddle's arrangements are more complex than they initially appear. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine