Search - Frank Sinatra :: Ring a Ding Ding

Frank sold these songs without even trying--he was THAT good

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ring-a-Ding Ding! is yet another fine album from The Chairman Of The Board, Mr. Frank Sinatra. This is, as you may already know, Frank's first record for his own label called Reprise Records; and he certainly is in excellent form throughout! The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is great! This is sure to be a great CD for any Frank Sinatra fan.



The album begins with the title song, "Ring-A-Ding-Ding." Frank sounds absolutely upbeat and even joyous on this tune; and he delivers this tune with sensitivity and lots of positive energy at once! The musical arrangement uses that big band `60s style that works so well for numbers like this one; and I'm sure you're going to love this terrific tune. "Let's Fall In Love" features Frank squarely in the spotlight--and that's completely for our benefit! Frank sings this very well with a lot of happiness in his voice; his excellent diction enhances his performance and the natural beauty of this ballad as well. "Be Careful, It's My Heart" shines brighter thank both silver and gold together as Frank sings this out with panache; I'm very impressed--what a strong beginning for Frank on his own record label!!!



"A Foggy Day" sounds fresh and new when Frank delivers this so sensitively; and the melody is very pretty and rather upbeat again! Listen also for "In The Still Of The Night;" "In The Still Of The Night" has Frank belting this one straight out of the ballpark and that's all right by me! This tune was made for Frank to sing it and the big band arrangement uses the brass and the percussion very well.



"When I Take My Sugar To Tea" gets a sublime rendition from The Chairman; and there's a wonderful tune called "Let's Face The Music & Dance" which, I believe, was first sung by Fred Astaire in an old Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musical. "Let's Face The Music & Dance" has a fine arrangement and I'm sure Fred Astaire must have been proud of Frank's delivery of this classic pop number! Similarly, "You'd Be So Easy To Love" has Frank swinging brightly as he sings this with all the style and grace of the ultimate champ that he always was! The album also ends very strong with Frank Sinatra performing the wonderful ballad "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Many artists have performed this number but when Frank sings it his rendition easily becomes your favorite without a doubt.



Frank Sinatra was one of the greatest male vocalists of all time; and albums like this one prove it. This is a must have for Frank's fans; and this is also a wonderful starter CD for newcomers to Frank's artistry. People who enjoy the "oldies" and classic pop vocals will want this for their collections, too.

"

One Of Frank's Best Albums.

Anthony Nasti | Staten Island, New York United States | 11/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sophomore effort for his own Reprise label is undoubtedly one of the all time masterpieces recorded by Frank Sinatra. There is not a single track on "Ring-A Ding Ding" that does not capture The Chairman Of The Board at the peak of his powers. From the exhuberant title track to the definitive rendition of "A Foggy Day" to the soaring "In The Still Of The Night" to the sizzling "The Coffee Song" to the fiery "You And The Night And The Music", every song on this album features Frank's widely praised phrasing and breath control on full display, and his overall vocal abilities have never sounded better.



Arranger Johnny Mandell, who didn't work with Frank after this album, leaves his indelible mark on his sole effort with The Master Of American Music. Not dissimilar to Billy May, Mandel's style is big, wild and brassy, so the arrangements give these already swingin' numbers an extra kick. It's a shame Mandell never collaborated with Ol' Blue Eyes after this album, because he could've easily joined the ranks of Riddle, Jenkins, Costa, May and Stordhal.



The sound quality is excellent, and the liner notes are extremely informative and well written. To hear what Frank is meant to sound like, get "Ring-A Ding Ding"."

Rin-a-Ding-Don't

V. Stewart | CA, USA | 05/27/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I've always liked this album since I first heard it in the sixties. This particular version has been digitally re-mastered, but badly. The horns have a very harsh and narrow kind of sound, which ruins the whole thing for me. I would recommed an earlier CD version, or the vinyl, if you can find a clean copy."